How to save money with underfloor heating?

Author: Clark Rodriguez  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

Reducing the Temperature One of the most effective ways to save energy with underfloor heating is to set the heat source at a lower temperature.

What is the most economical way to run underfloor heating?

The most economical way to run underfloor heating is to ensure the temperature isn't set too high. As a rule of thumb, it's best to set living areas, such as living and dining rooms, to 21ºC and bedrooms to 18ºC.

How can I reduce the cost of underfloor heating?

How to Save Money on Underfloor Heating?
  1. Choose the Right Type of Underfloor Heating. ...
  2. Effective Insulation. ...
  3. Smart Thermostat Use. ...
  4. Regular Maintenance. ...
  5. Energy-Efficient Home Design. ...
  6. Utilise Renewable Energy Sources. ...
  7. Zone Heating Control. ...
  8. Opt for a High-Efficiency System.

Is it cheaper to leave underfloor heating on all the time?

Running your system from 9am to 11 pm will def cost you more. Besides the obvious ie house size, desired temp, insulation, glazing etc. etc. that influence the heating costs, the amount of time you run the system will have a significant impact on costs.

Is it expensive to run underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating tends to cost more to run than traditional radiators. but they're supposed to be more efficient. This means that they're able to heat your rooms without having to work too hard. You can leave them on for shorter periods of time or keep them at a lower temperature.

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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 temperature should underfloor heating be set at?

Generally, the optimal floor temperature is between 23°C and 32°C, which comfortably warms without overheating the space. It's important to consider what is the maximum temperature for underfloor heating for each floor type to avoid damage. For instance, wooden floors are particularly sensitive to higher temperatures.

How many hours a day should underfloor heating be on?

You can rest assured that leaving an underfloor heating system on all day long without causing any unwanted problems or damage to the system.

Should you turn off underfloor heating at night?

It's generally not necessary to turn off underfloor heating at night if you have a programmable thermostat. Lowering the temperature during inactivity or sleep can save energy.

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.

How to save energy with underfloor heating?

Get your system serviced. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring the efficiency of your underfloor heating system. A well-maintained system operates optimally, using less energy to provide the same level of comfort. Schedule professional servicing at least once a year to clean, inspect, and balance your system.

Why is underfloor heating so slow?

The level of insulation in the room and the floor is probably one of the single biggest factors that will affect the heat up times of your Underfloor Heating.

Why does underfloor heating fail?

The most likely cause being a leak and subsequent air bubbles in the system. These are most likely to occur in the pipes between the boiler and the manifold.

What is the best schedule for underfloor heating?

Correctly setting up your underfloor heating temperatures

The best idea to maximise the results of your heating system is to have 2 “ON” times with a comfort temperature and 2 “OFF” times with setback temperatures which is normally 4°c lower than your comfort temperature.

What is the cheapest form of underfloor heating?

In many cases, installing electric underfloor heating is cheaper than water-based because it's easier to install and, therefore, less time-consuming. Warm water underfloor heating involves a series of pipes that are linked to your boiler. The boiler then helps to heat up and pump hot water around your property.

Does underfloor heating reduce bills?

Thanks to their energy-efficient nature, underfloor heating systems can lead to lower energy bills over time. While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term savings can make it a cost-effective choice for many homeowners.

Is it cheaper to leave underfloor heating on constantly?

Basically, your home will heat up to a comfortable temperature faster. So, whilst it won't necessarily be cheaper to leave your underfloor heating on for a sustained period initially, it could lead to long-term savings.

How to run underfloor heating efficiently?

The best way is to run your heating system continuously through the winter months, using the thermostats in the room to maintain the temperature. This might sound illogical and seem like you would use more energy, but this will actually use less energy than switching the system on and off!

What to do with underfloor heating in summer?

Underfloor heating can be turned off in the summer months to preserve energy and maximise comfort. However, if you own a water-based underfloor heating solution, be sure to switch the underfloor heating on for 15-20 minutes every couple of weeks to identify any faults and prevent the system from sticking.

What is the optimum temperature for underfloor heating?

As a general rule, it is recommended you set your underfloor heating manifold to within a temperature range of 35°C - 45°C. This should then provide enough power to generate a maximum ambient temperature of up to 25°C. However, you will also need to take into account your floor coverings.

Why is my underfloor heating not working after summer?

Underfloor Heating Not Working After Summer

Very often the problem is a malfunctioning thermostat or a circulating pump problem. In most cases, you have to simply reset a thermostat. If you're not sure how to do this then refer to the manufacturer's user guide.

Should the floor feel warm with underfloor heating?

It can take a while to get used to the difference, so don't worry if things feel a little strange at first. As a general rule of thumb, your heated floor shouldn't feel hot - it should just not feel cold.

Can I put furniture on top of underfloor heating?

The one thing to be aware of is that any furniture used on top of underfloor heating should have a small air gap beneath it (around 30mm minimum) to allow the heat to escape. If your furniture doesn't have a suitable air gap beneath it then we suggest not installing underfloor heating in that area.

How long does it take for underfloor heating to kick in?

Thicker tiles may take slightly longer to warm up, but generally, you can expect warm floors within 15-30 minutes. Wood – Dense hardwoods like oak take longer to heat up. Lighter hardwoods and pine warm up more quickly, typically within 30-60 minutes.

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