In many cases, people are away from home for extended periods of time, such as during the workday or while on vacation. In these situations, it may be more cost-effective to only use the underfloor heating when needed, rather than keeping it on constantly.
It is a good idea to leave underfloor heating switched on constantly during the colder winter months in particular. By leaving the underfloor heating system turned on, better levels of efficiency and faster warm up times will result. Basically, your home will heat up to a comfortable temperature faster.
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.
The key is to keep the underfloor heating on but operating at a lower temperature during the night and other times throughout the day when it is not needed. Leave it on low even if you are leaving the house to go to work or out for the day.
However, underfloor heating systems are generally more energy-efficient compared to traditional radiators. The key is to run the system during peak cold hours and turn it down when it's not needed, helping to keep your energy consumption (and bills) in check.
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.
It says that keeping your heating on all day uses more fuel and so is more costly. Typically, the most energy-efficient approach is to use a central heating timer to make sure your home is heated when you need it.
Typically we would recommend setting your Underfloor heating manifold to between 35 and 45°C, which should give enough power to heat your rooms up to a maximum of 25 degrees while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
If an actuator has failed, this is most likely due to an electrical issue that could relate to the thermostat or wiring board. It's best to consult a qualified electrician to check the circuits. A faulty actuator can also cause underfloor heating that won't turn off and stays on constantly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Set your thermostat to use the floor sensor and set it on manual mode. Set the temperature to 25°C and wait for the floor to heat up. After a couple of hours go back to the room and feel whether it is comfortable for you or not. If it's too hot, turn it down, or if it's too cold, turn it up.
80 to 85 degrees will provide enough heat to warm your entire home, without causing damage to your floors or furniture. Although, if you have a forced air system, you should set the thermostat to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent the water from getting too hot and damaging your floors.
While some people may prefer the first strategy, the second way is likely to be cheaper. If people are at home all day, or coming in and out pretty constantly, it might make more sense to leave the heat on instead of flipping it on and off repeatedly.
Yes, open doors are generally better in winter to maintain a consistent temperature. They allow your heating system to distribute warm air evenly across rooms, improving comfort and efficiency while preventing energy waste.
Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.