Circuit types: spiral vs serpentine
- Spiral (snail): supply and return pipes run in parallel, distributing heat very evenly. Recommended for most zones.
- Serpentine (meander): suitable for elongated areas (corridors, narrow bathrooms).
XPS insulation: the foundation of the system
| Situation | Recommended XPS thickness |
|---|---|
| On slab over ground (ground floor) | 6 – 10 cm |
| On slab between occupied floors | 3 – 5 cm |
| Over garage or unheated space | 6 – 8 cm |
PEX pipes: materials, diameters and spacing
The standard pipe for underfloor heating is PEX-a (cross-linked polyethylene, Engel method), 17×2 mm. Manufacturers guarantee a service life of 50+ years. Pipe spacing is 10–20 cm depending on the thermal requirements of each zone.
Official Installers in Alt Empordà
Zone control: manifold, actuators and thermostats
The manifold distributes water flow to the independent circuits and incorporates electric actuators (motorised valves) for each zone. The integration of zone thermostats with the aerothermal heat pump (Daikin, Panasonic, Vaillant, De Dietrich) allows the system to be managed intelligently.
Frequently asked questions
Can I control the underfloor heating from my phone?
Yes. Heat pumps from Daikin (Daikin Online app), Panasonic (Aquarea Smart Cloud), Vaillant (myVaillant) and De Dietrich allow you to control zones, temperature and schedules from the app. Some systems integrate with voice assistants (Google Home, Amazon Alexa).