As temperatures rise, many cities in northern regions with central heating and homeowners in southern areas with independent heating systems are beginning to shut down their heating for the season. Properly turning off and maintaining your underfloor heating system is crucial for ensuring optimal performance in the next heating season.

Here is a comprehensive guide to correctly shutting down and maintaining your underfloor heating system, helping you prepare for another warm and comfortable winter.

Proper Steps to Shut Down Underfloor Heating

1. Adjust the Boiler Settings

For homes using a wall-mounted boiler, turn off the heating function by switching the boiler mode from "Winter Mode" to "Summer Mode" on the control panel. This adjustment ensures that only domestic hot water is supplied, and the underfloor heating function is disabled.

2. Turn Off the Thermostat

Switch off all room thermostats by setting them to the “OFF” position. Avoid cutting off the power directly, as this may cause the system’s memory function to fail.

3. Close the Valves on the Manifold (For Central Heating Users)

For households using central heating in northern regions, it is recommended to close the manifold valves, ideally one day before the heating system shuts down.

First, close the return water valve (blue).Then, close the supply water valve (red).The valve is in the "ON" position when parallel to the pipe and "OFF" when perpendicular.

Many central heating companies provide professional shut-down services, so users may not need to handle this process themselves. In contrast, for homeowners using independent boilers in southern regions, valve adjustments are not necessary.

Maintenance Checklist: Extending the Lifespan of Your Underfloor Heating System

Proper maintenance after the heating season can help eliminate potential issues, improve heating efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of your underfloor heating system. Below are essential maintenance steps for water-based underfloor heating systems and gas-fired heating boilers.

1. Check for Leaks

Due to thermal expansion and contraction, it is important to inspect pipes and connections for any leaks after shutting down the heating system.

• If minor dripping occurs, collect the water in a container and observe. In most cases, the issue resolves itself within a few days.

• If the dripping worsens over time, contact a professional technician for repairs.

2. Clean and Maintain the System

Underfloor heating pipes should be cleaned every 2-3 years. The system operates with a closed-loop structure, and over time, scale buildup can form due to temperature fluctuations in the water supply. If the system is not maintained regularly, it may lead to uneven heating, increased energy consumption, and reduced heating efficiency.

Key areas for cleaning include:

• Cleaning the filter
• Flushing the underfloor heating pipes
• Servicing the boiler

3. Keep the Pipes Filled with Water

After shutting down the heating system, do not drain the water from the pipes. Keeping the system filled minimizes air exposure, reducing the risk of oxidation and corrosion, which helps extend the lifespan of the pipes.

However, if you do not plan to use the heating system next winter, it is advisable to drain the water completely to prevent pipe damage from freezing temperatures.

Properly shutting down and maintaining your underfloor heating system ensures its longevity and smooth operation for the next heating season. We hope this guide helps you manage the transition smoothly, keeping your system in optimal condition even during its "off-season."