Tips to Maximise Energy Efficiency with Underfloor Heating System in Winters

Winters are almost here, so we do need heating in the house to make it a warm and cosy place to live in. So, shall we keep the heating constantly on? Then, what about the energy bills? Why do I feel cold even by keeping my heating on? How should I maintain a consistent temperature throughout my home?

Well, people of the UK are tired of facing such constant issues during winters. If you’re also one of those, then thoroughly read this article to find solutions to your problem.

So, let’s dive deep into the discussion!

What is the Best Time to Install an Underfloor Heating?

Basically, an underfloor heating is a system that makes and keeps your room warm by heating up the floor through installing pipes or cables under the floor for an even distribution of heat throughout the room. 

We all know UK winters are tough, and finding your garden buried under 6 inches of snow will certainly trigger you to put your heating to the test. However, persistently keeping your heating on to keep your home warm during the low temperatures can be much expensive. That is why underfloor heating installers will always recommend you to invest in an underfloor heating- an energy efficient method will not only keep your home warm and cosy but will also effectively reduce your running costs. In addition, this heating will give more productive results when combined with proper insulation methods.

According to many professionals, an underfloor heating system is an ideal way to heat up your home in winter months, but, if you didn't pay any attention to the air gaps allowing cold air to enter into your house, then even an underfloor heating system will not be as energy efficient as it should be. Therefore, spotting any draughts and dealing with them by double glazing or installing a proper insulation will work great. 

Ways for Maximising Your Energy Efficiency with Underfloor heating 

Following are some strategies to help you in keeping your home cosy and your energy bills under control with your underfloor heating.

• Invest in Quality Insulation: Properly insulating the subfloor with high-quality materials like PIR or XPS insulation boards is essential to prevent heat loss and ensure that the heat generated by the underfloor heating system stays within your home. You can also install edge insulation around the perimeter of your floors to keep the insulation intact.
• Using a Smart Thermostat: It will benefit you in optimising heating schedules to match your daily routine by setting different heating times for weekdays and weekends or reducing temperatures when you're away. Also, you can create heating zones to independently control the temperature of each room which will save you a considerable amount of energy.
• Maintaining a Constant Temperature: It is important to keep low-to-medium temperature around 18-20°C (64-68°F) when at home and a bit lower while you're sleeping or away. This will help you save higher energy that is used for sudden heating up or cooling down the heating system.
• Choose the Right Flooring Material: Choosing heat-conductive flooring materials like tile, stone, and engineered wood, transfers heat more effectively and evenly, thus reducing energy waste and making them an ideal choice for underfloor heating. Also, use carpets with low “tog” rating that are specifically designed for underfloor heating.
• Lower Temperatures Gradually: It is advisable to make slow adjustments when increasing or decreasing temperatures, because underfloor heating systems work more effectively when it is already warm or cools down slowly. Moreover, a setback mode in underfloor heating systems allows the temperature to drop only slightly when full heating isn’t required.
• Ensure your System Is Well-Maintained: Regular underfloor heating maintenance like annual checks including checking pumps, pipes, and valves are working efficiently is necessary. Another is bleeding air from water-based heating systems. Periodically bleeding any trapped air in it will efficiently enhance the overall distribution of heat, by keeping the system running smoothly and effectively.
• Using Curtains or Blinds to Retain Heat: Extra layer of insulation is added when you use curtains or blinds at your home. It traps heat and prevents it from escaping through the windows, especially during night hours. In addition to this, you can open curtains or blinds to let the sunlight enter in to warm up the room naturally. This free source of heat will supplement your heating system.
• Optimising Your Heating Time: You can set your underfloor heating to warm up when electricity is cheaper, during off-peak hours, and allow the constant heating for several hours. Else you can also preheat your house during low-demand times, that is heating your floors a few hours before peak energy demand times, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
• Install Door Draft Excluders and Seal Windows: Block drafts by adding door draft excluders and sealing air gaps between the windows to help keep rooms warm by retaining heat, and keep ease on your underfloor heating to work better which cuts energy costs and enhances efficiency.
• Insulating Below Ground-Level Rooms: You can prevent heat loss by installing insulation boards beneath your underfloor heating in the basements and ground floors, thus minimising energy waste and improving overall warmth. Nonetheless, underfloor heating systems experts also advise adding reflective insulation boards under the heating system to bounce the heat back towards the room, and reduce heat loss downward.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q. Should you leave your underfloor heating on constantly during the coldest parts of the winter?

A. It is suggested by many heating installers to keep your heating on at a reduced heat at all times during extreme winters, typically between 35 and 45°C, which gives enough power to heat up your rooms while maintaining its cost-efficiency.

Q. What is the most cost-effective way to run your underfloor heating?

A. There are 2 types of underfloor heating systems, but using a water-based system is often considered to be the most effective way to run underfloor heating as it circulates hot water across the pipes that are installed beneath the floor.

Q. Can underfloor heating pipes freeze during chilly weather?

A. No, underfloor heating pipes cannot freeze, because once the system is on, then the consistent running heat between the pipes will be maintained.

Q. What is the life duration of underfloor heating once installed?

A. Compared to the average 12-year life cycle of a radiator, you’ll prefer underfloor heating for your property that will last for approximately 50 years or so, if used and maintained properly.