What is the Ideal Thermostat Temperature for Underfloor Heating?

Your underfloor heating temperature is controlled by your thermostat but what is the ideal thermostat temperature? In this guide, we take a look at temperature settings for both the summer and winter periods and the best temperature settings for different rooms. Find out how thermostats can also save you money and energy, providing they are set correctly.

What temperature should I set my thermostat?

The obvious answer should be a temperature that you are most comfortable with but it’s not always as clear cut as that. If you were to ask 100 people the same question then you might very well receive many different responses. When considering what temperature should underfloor heating be set at, an ideal thermostat temperature for underfloor heating needs to be one that everyone in the household is comfortable with. This is typically somewhere between 21°C and 27°C. You should also take into account how many people in your household might use a particular room regularly and for what purpose.

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. Concrete tiles, slate, terracotta, ceramic and porcelain for example, are good conductors and will therefore emit heat quickly and stay hotter for longer. These materials can also be heated to a higher temperature of around 29°C.

Other floor coverings such as wood, laminate, carpet and vinyl are not such good conductors and so heat transfer is limited. These materials should not be heated above 27°C. Room size will also have a bearing on the ambient temperature as a smaller room will heat up much quicker than a larger room. Insulation is important too in retaining heat so rooms that have double-glazed windows, draught-proofed doors and wall insulation will be much more efficient in heat retention.

Ideal temperature for thermostat in Summer

The ideal thermostat temperature for underfloor heating in the summer is generally between 17°C and 20°C. During a very warm summer, you might want to turn your thermostat right down and maybe back up a notch in the evening after the sun sets. Most people tend to turn their underfloor heating off completely during the summer months and perhaps put on an extra layer in the evenings. Always turn it off at the thermostat first and then switch off the power supply.

If saving money is important to you then you should turn your heating off in summer and switch it back on again in the autumn. If you have a wet underfloor heating system installed then it is recommended you turn the system on for about 15-20 minutes every 2 weeks during the summer to prevent the system from sticking.

Elderly people feel the cold more than most, so they might prefer to have the heating on a low setting during the summer evenings. An ideal temperature for a thermostat in summer therefore depends very much on what is considered comfortable by you and your individual family members.

Ideal temperature for thermostat in Winter

When it comes to an ideal temperature setting for a thermostat in winter, there is much to be considered. Firstly, the cost of your energy. As energy costs continue to rise, it’s important you ensure your precious heat is not wasted or lost. It can be wasted if you have the setting too high and it can be lost if you don’t have sufficient insulation. A temperature between 21°C and 25°C is considered acceptable for most living rooms and lounges but individual preferences should also be taken into consideration.

Ideal temperature for thermostat in different rooms

For maximum energy saving and therefore cost saving, you might want to consider having thermostats in each room or at least in each zone. A zone might be considered as the whole upstairs area or the whole downstairs area. However, individual room thermostats will allow you to set the ideal temperatures for each room to ensure maximum efficiency.

Initially, set your living room thermostat to 21°C. If you feel that’s not enough then raise it gradually until it feels comfortable. For bedrooms and other rooms that might not be used often, such as kitchens and bathrooms, set the initial temperature to 18°C. Setting timings for your heating to come on and go off will save you money too. A smart thermostat can help you stay in complete control of your room temperatures throughout the home.

How to save money and energy with a thermostat

Saving energy means saving money and is therefore the most important factor when considering thermostat temperature for underfloor heating. The whole purpose of having underfloor heating installed is to save money through energy efficiency. It’s the same reason why some people might also choose a heat pump. The financial benefits of having thermostatic control over your heating far outweigh the cost of the thermostats themselves. The best temperature for underfloor heating is determined by your thermostats and your settings and timings.

However, you can only expect to get maximum savings from your underfloor heating system if your property is fully insulated. This includes wall or cavity insulation, loft insulation, double glazing and draught-proofed doors and windows. Heat loss due to poor insulation can result in up to 30% more in heating costs over a year. If you are interested in upgrading your thermostats or would like more information, take a look at the wide range of thermostats available from The Underfloor Heating Store.