Heating · Glossary
Underfloor Heating Manifold
The brass distribution unit that splits a heat pump or boiler flow into multiple underfloor heating zones, each independently controlled.
An underfloor heating (UFH) manifold is a brass distribution rack with one inlet and outlet pair from the heat source, splitting into multiple loop pairs (typically 4-12 loops) for the floor zones. Each loop has flow-rate adjustment, an isolation valve, and a thermostatic actuator controlled by a room thermostat.
Quality matters. Cheap manifolds use plastic flowmeters that calcify in Cornish hard water within 5 years; CCS specifies brass-bodied Polypipe, Continental, or Uponor manifolds with stainless components. The mixing valve on the primary side typically blends flow from the heat pump (35-45°C) down to the UFH circuit (28-35°C) for low-temperature comfort.
UFH is the perfect emitter for a heat pump because the large surface area allows low flow temperatures and high SCOP. For Cornwall new-builds and major renovations we typically design UFH downstairs and oversized radiators upstairs. See our heat pump installation page.