Does underfloor heating work with carpet?

Author: Kelli Walsh V  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Many people assume that underfloor heating only works with hard flooring such as tiles and laminate, but carpet is also a suitable floor covering choice for underfloor heating.

Can you have underfloor heating on carpet?

Yes. Carpet works well with underfloor heating, as carpet naturally holds in heat, so you wouldn't have to use as much electricity or hot water in a room with carpet as it will hold the heat for much longer.

What is the downside of underfloor heating?

Yes, underfloor heating has a few disadvantages, such as higher installation costs, longer warm-up time compared to radiators, and potential restrictions on furniture placement.

What flooring is not suitable for underfloor heating?

Floors Not Suitable to Lay Over Underfloor Heating

You can't use solid wood floors with underfloor heating because the high heat can dry them out, causing them to shrink and creating gaps in the floor.

Can you put in floor heat under carpet?

Can carpet be used over underfloor heating? Yes, carpet does not significantly impact the effectiveness of floor heating. In fact, we have Environ Flex Rolls made specifically for under carpet installation (U.S. only).

Fastwarm Under Carpet Electric Underfloor Heating Install Guide

Is underfloor heating expensive to run?

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. An often underestimated factor in calculating your running costs is how well insulated the floor base is.

Can you put a floor heater on carpet?

Put your space heater on the floor and leave it there

And definitely don't put it on top of your bed, with all those flammable fabrics and feathery fillings. If at all possible, keep it off the rug, too. Generally speaking, you should always place your space heater on the flattest, smoothest surface available.

What is the best floor covering for underfloor heating?

Conductive floor coverings like stone, tile or polished concrete work best with underfloor heating as they transfer heat so effectively.

What rugs are not suitable for underfloor heating?

Rugs made with natural fibres are better rugs for underfloor heating than those made with synthetic materials. Some rugs made of synthetic materials can melt if exposed to high temperatures for an extended period.

What can underfloor heating go under?

Suitable floor types to use with underfloor heating include:
  • Tile, Stone & Polished Screed Flooring.
  • Wood & Engineered Timber Flooring.
  • Laminate Flooring.
  • Vinyl and Rubber Flooring.
  • Carpet Flooring.

What is the lifespan of underfloor heating?

No one wants to be pulling a floor up to replace something that they didn't install that long ago, after all! If you choose UFH for your property, you can expect it to last for around 50 years. Compare that to the average 12-year lifespan of a radiator, and you can see why it is so popular.

What is the problem with underfloor heating?

There are many reasons why your underfloor heating could be causing you problems – it could be due to setup, a faulty controller, the flooring or even air that has become trapped in the pipes.

Should you turn off underfloor heating in the summer?

Benefits of Turning Off Underfloor Heating in the Summer

Moreover, operating your UFH system continuously during the summer may incur higher maintenance costs and strain the system, reducing its lifespan.

Can you heat a whole house with underfloor heating?

Heating the Whole House

Underfloor heating systems are well suited for use as the primary source of heat in your whole house. A hybrid solution, using a combination of both electric and water systems, often provides an ideal solution for multi-storey homes.

Do you need special carpet underlay for underfloor heating?

It's perfectly possible to install underfloor heating with carpet and underlay and still achieve efficient heat transfer – providing you choose a carpet with a low TOG rating and a high heat transfer, such as Thermal Stream Carpet Underlay, which is specifically designed to work with underfloor heating systems of all ...

What carpet is best for heated floors?

Rugs made from natural fibres are a good fit for underfloor heating systems as they conduct the heat and release it quickly, so it's best to choose a rug with wool, silk or hessian materials.

Can you feel underfloor heating through carpet?

If a carpet is too thick, the floor will be too well insulated for you to feel the benefit of your UFH system in the room. Certain carpet backings can also affect the ability for heat to travel through the carpet into your room. Carpets with hessian backing rather than rubber, are recommended for use with UFH systems.

Can underfloor heating be installed under carpet?

Is carpet suitable for underfloor heating? Carpet is ideal for underfloor heating as it is safe, takes up no space has a fast response time.

Can you put in floor heating under carpet?

Floor Temperature: The recommended maximum temperature to run the underfloor heating system under a carpet is 27 degrees Celsius. You can set this via your underfloor heating thermostat. It is a good idea to get a heat loss calculation to help determine the right heat output for the room.

Do you need floor insulation if you have underfloor heating?

As UFH designers/suppliers/installers, we would recommend insulation in every case and, not just in the floor. We design systems to produce more than enough heat output to satisfy the needs of any property, however it's the insulation in the property that keeps that heat in where it's required!

Is it best to run underfloor heating all the time?

It will encourage faster warming up times and better efficiency, so you'll feel warmer for longer. As long as you opt for a well-built, properly installed, high-quality underfloor heating system, you can be confident of leaving the system switched on all day every day without any problems at all.

Is luxury vinyl flooring good for underfloor heating?

Efficient Heat Transfer: LVT is known for its excellent heat transfer capabilities, making it ideal for use with underfloor heating. The flooring evenly distributes the heat across the surface, ensuring a warm and comfortable environment.

Is it OK to put rugs on underfloor heating?

Let's start with the most important question: Yes, you can put a rug on underfloor heating! However, to get the most effect from the heating system, there are a few things to consider before covering your heated floors with rugs, such as materials, sizes and placement.

Can you put a bed against a floor heater?

Key Takeaways. Safety Hazards: Blocking a floor vent with a bed can create serious fire risks due to heat accumulation and flammable materials nearby. It can also impact air quality, leading to dust accumulation, mold growth, and increased allergens in the room.

Does carpet make floor warmer?

While carpets don't directly increase room temperature, their insulating properties can help retain heat within a space and provide a sense of warmth underfoot. This can contribute to an overall feeling of coziness and potentially reduce heating costs during colder months.

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