Is it more economical to leave underfloor heating on all the time?

Category: home and garden indoor environmental quality
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Leaving your underfloor heating system switched on all day during particularly cold seasons won't cause any harm – in fact, it's not a bad idea. Leaving your heating on will encourage faster efficiency and warming up times, meaning that you are less likely to feel chilly for longer.



Correspondingly, should I leave underfloor heating on all the time?

It is advised that in the depths of winter, an underfloor heating system should be kept on at all times. Although it should be at different temperatures depending on usage and activity in the house. This is because underfloor heating can take two to three hours to warm up, so it is best to not completely turn it off.

Also, does underfloor heating use a lot of electricity? Underfloor heating systems can be more energy efficient than other forms of central heating, saving you money on gas and electricity. Electric systems cost less than 10p per square meter to run at full power for six hours.

In this manner, what's the most efficient way to run underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating runs at a lower temperature than radiators, so your builder's suggestion to run the underfloor heating all the time, controlled by the thermostat makes sense. You use your thermostat to set the temperature you want. It is an efficient way of running the system.

What is the cheapest way to run underfloor heating?

In general, electric systems are cheaper to install, and cause less disruption to existing floor structure. They also allow the room to reach the required temperature faster than the wet varieties because they are direct heat sources.

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What can go wrong with underfloor heating?

Once you have completed your build and have moved in there are still things which can go wrong with underfloor heating (particularly wet systems) such as gradual leaks caused by wear and tear rather than poor workmanship. This can cause substantial damage to your home and contents.

Is it expensive to run underfloor heating?

It costs less than 10p to run 1m2 of standard underfloor heating at full power for six hours. Although some people still expect underfloor heating to be expensive to run, the reality is that both the initial installation cost and the ongoing running expenses can represent great value for money.

Can I put a rug on a floor with underfloor heating?

Therefore, you should never put carpets or rugs on top of a wood floor where there is in-floor heating. However, some rugs are suitable for use with the underfloor heating system. These rugs must have low thermal resistance and be hessian rather than felt-backed.

Is underfloor heating more expensive to run than radiators?

Cost effective and energy efficient to run
Lots of people are put off of underfloor heating because of its high installation price. However since underfloor heating gives the same heat output as radiators at a lower temperature, running costs are often much lower. This can actually make it cheaper in the long run.

Is it cheaper to leave heating on low all day?


According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, as well as British Gas, the idea it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth. The Energy Saving Trust says if you're keeping the heating on all day you're losing energy all day, so it's better to heat your home only when you need it.

What temperature should I set my heated floor?

The floor temperature can be set as high as 104° F but users will typically set it to a more comfortable range of between 80° F and 85° F and control it from a thermostat from there. This type of heating often feels like the warmth of the sun, because radiant heat warms via heat radiation.

Is underfloor heating bad for your health?

Underfloor heating systems increase venous disorders and sweaty feet. Current operating temperatures of underfloor heating systems are completely safe with venous diseases. Those who suffer from sweaty feet, will in fact profit from underfloor heating. They now have the chance to go around barefoot much more often.

Do you put underfloor heating under kitchen units?

You can lay underfloor heating underneath kitchen units provided there are no floor fixings being used that could potentially damage the pipe. Underfloor heating is not normally placed under sanitary units as they are commonly fixed to the floor and could potential cause damage to pipes.

Can you put furniture on underfloor heating?


Yes furniture can be placed over areas with underfloor heating. However if it is furniture that is large and most likely to always be in the same place, it is a good idea to include it so this area is avoided in your design.

What is the best floor covering for underfloor heating?

The best type of flooring to use with underfloor heating is tile and stone. Tile and stone have high thermal conductivity, meaning that the heat from an underfloor heating pipe or wire transfers to the floor surface quickly. Tile and stone also retain heat well making the system efficient.

How long do Heated floors take to heat up?

This means you won't have to remove the entire floor to locate and repair the issue. Finally, electric floor heating systems heat up quickly (usually within 30-60 minutes), making them more energy efficient.

How long does it take for electric underfloor heating to warm up?

A good guide is between 2 – 8 hours for the full desired temperature using a non-insulated concrete floor. Insulated concrete slab flooring takes slightly less time, between 2 – 5 hours, whilst concrete with 10mm tile-backer insulation can take as little as one hour to heat up.

Is underfloor heating enough on its own?


Underfloor heating can, in most cases, be used as the sole source of heat. If the maximum heat output of the floor is greater than the loss, then the heating system will be enough for that area.

Will underfloor heating be warm enough?

Underfloor heating has to heat the entire room of a floor and can take a little longer than radiators to fully warm up. Overall, underfloor heating keeps a room deliciously warm and uses less energy to do so, which means a comfortable warmth throughout and lower heating bills to boot.

Does underfloor heating increase property value?

The energy required for underfloor heating can be as little as two-thirds that needed for standard central heating. The cost of materials and installation varies, but you will face a bill in the thousands. Against this, the new system will add value to your home, unlike some other so-called improvements.