Why is my underfloor heating not warming up my room?

Author: Mr. Quinton Ankunding DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, October 5, 2025

If your electric underfloor heating isn't warm enough, you may need to adjust your thermostat settings or check the system's power output. This could also be down to the insulation in your home – check this before installation.

Why is my underfloor heating not heating up my room?

If your UFH system is not warming up a room, this may be due to a number of variables such as the room thermostat setting, the wider system settings, the flow temperature in the system, or the thermal resistance of your floor covering.

Why is my underfloor heating not getting warm enough?

This is most likely to be an issue with the thermostat not sending a signal to the manifold. It can also be an issue with an air bubble, or the actuator, preventing water from getting into the zone.

Why does my underfloor heating take so long to Warmup?

Yes perfectly normal. Remember it is a fairly low power heat system and takes time to transfer in to the floor tiles. It best to switch it on about an hour ahead of when you need it to allow for the delay.

Why is my heated floor not getting warm?

How do you troubleshoot a heated floor? The most common problem with heated floors is a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. Another common problem with a heated floor is if the thermostat is broken.

Increasing Zone Flow Rates

How can I make my underfloor heating warmer?

If your electric underfloor heating isn't warm enough, you may need to adjust your thermostat settings or check the system's power output. This could also be down to the insulation in your home – check this before installation.

How do I know if my underfloor heating is working properly?

You should see the flame icon on the screen and hear the thermostat click when it switches the heating on. After about 15 minutes you should feel the floor getting warm under the towel. If you do, you know that your underfloor heating system is all good and working as it should.

How long does underfloor heating take to heat up a room?

When you first turn on the heating, the energy is distributed both laterally (across the floor) and vertically (upwards into the room). This means it takes time for the entire system to reach its optimal temperature. In a medium-sized room, starting from a completely cold state, this can take up to four hours.

Should underfloor heating be warm to touch?

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.

Should I leave my underfloor heating on all day?

You can rest assured that leaving an underfloor heating system on all day long without causing any unwanted problems or damage to the system. In fact, when the weather is especially cold, it could even be a good idea to leave the system switched on.

Why is underfloor heating not good?

And the cons

UFH can take slightly longer to heat up than radiators, which reach higher temperatures faster. But, with timers and smart controls, you'll be able to plan when you need your room to be cosy and warm. It's not always an ideal choice for really old buildings with thick brick walls and floors.

How do you reset underfloor heating?

Some thermostats have a recessed reset button you can press by using a paper clip. Hold the button in for 5 seconds and then release. A mechanical thermostat can be reset by turning it off and then flipping the circuit breaker. Leave it off for 30 seconds and then switch it on again.

What is the best temperature to set underfloor heating?

What is the most efficient setting for underfloor heating? The most efficient setting for underfloor heating is typically between 18°C and 22°C (64°F and 72°F).

Why is my underfloor heating not warm enough?

Underfloor heating not working could be a result of air in your pipes. It is common for air to get trapped within your piping, which can cause reduced flow and patches of the floor which aren't as warm, ultimately decreasing the system's heat output.

How do you get trapped air out of underfloor heating?

Start by bleeding the pipes in the lower section of your home to ensure that air is released at the highest point. If only part of the system is not working, isolate the area before you start the process and remove the actuator. Drain each valve individually, opening the ports using an Allen key.

How can I improve my underfloor heating?

Efficient Underfloor Heating Made Simple

By choosing the right insulation, utilising programmable thermostats, and maintaining a consistent heating schedule, homeowners can improve the performance and cost-effectiveness of their central heating systems.

Why is my underfloor heating not heating my room?

The issue could be a faulty connection within the actuator, the wiring board or the thermostat. Suppose your underfloor heating system is not heating up at all, either in a few zones or the whole system. In that case, there is likely to be a significant issue that is best resolved by a professional.

Why does my underfloor heating take so long to heat up?

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 is my heated floor not getting hot?

This can be caused by a faulty thermostat or zone value or damaged heating cables or mats. The culprit could also be tripped circuit breakers, where your electrical box is tripped by faulty or broken wiring, or over-consumption of electricity.

Should underfloor heating feel hot?

Tiles with underfloor heating underneath should indeed feel warm, but not hot. Underfloor heating is designed to provide a comfortable and consistent temperature across the floor's surface, creating a warm and inviting environment in your home.

What is the longest run for underfloor heating?

The maximum loop length of 110 m must be used in all installations. It is not advisable to make the loops longer than 110 m. The reason for this is due to the head pressure from the pump, the pump used is only capable of pressurising water through 110m of pipe.

What temperature should floor heat be set at?

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.

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 long does underfloor heating take to heat a room?

With this system, it can take only a few minutes to begin heating up, reaching the desired temperature within all rooms in the house within about 15 minutes. For underfloor heating, it can take up to 4 hours or more to reach a comfortable room temperature and this is due to several different reasons.

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