Underfloor heating comes with a range of benefits, from providing steady warmth to improving energy efficiency. It gives you greater control over which rooms are heated and when, helping you maintain a cosy, comfortable home. But when temperatures drop, many homeowners wonder the same thing: Should your underfloor heating be left on all day?
Let’s explore the answer.
How Does Underfloor Heating Work?
Underfloor heating (UFH) works by gently warming your rooms from the ground up. There are two main types:
- Electric systems: which use heating cables beneath the floor surface.
- Water-based systems: which pump warm water through pipes under the floor.
Unlike traditional radiators that blast heat into the air, underfloor heating provides an even, consistent temperature. Plus, with a smart or programmable thermostat, you can control when and where your home is heated—no more wasting energy!
Is It Safe to Leave Underfloor Heating On All Day?
Yes! If your system is high-quality, installed by professionals, and well-maintained, it’s completely safe to keep it running throughout the day. In fact, in colder months, leaving it on at a low temperature can actually save you energy.
Why Might You Leave Underfloor Heating On All Day?
Underfloor heating systems, especially water-based ones installed in screed floors, take a little time to warm up—sometimes two to three hours. The screed acts like a big heat store (thermal mass), slowly absorbing and releasing warmth.
Rather than turning the system off and waiting hours for it to heat up again, many homeowners keep it on at a reduced temperature. This helps:
- Maintain a steady, cosy warmth.
- Avoid the energy spike of reheating a cold floor.
What are the Benefits of Leaving Underfloor Heating On All Day?
1. Continuous Comfort
There’s nothing better than warm floors underfoot during cold weather. Leaving your heating on ensures your home stays comfortable and inviting all day long.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency
Maintaining a steady, lower temperature helps your system run more efficiently. Turning it off completely and then back on forces it to work harder, using more energy.
3. Faster Warm-Up Times
When you keep your heating on at a low background temperature, it warms up quickly when you need it, without long delays.
How to Optimise Your Underfloor Heating with a Smart Thermostat?
To get the most out of your underfloor heating system, a smart thermostat is essential. These devices make it easy to set precise temperatures and create a heating schedule that matches your lifestyle.
Top Features of Smart Thermostats
Here are some of the key features that can optimise your heating system: You can:
- Set heating schedules that match your routine.
- Program setback temperatures—4°C lower than your usual—to save energy when you’re out or asleep.
- Control your heating from your smartphone, even when you’re not home!
- Zone your heating for different rooms—heat the spaces you use most.
Pro Tip for Energy Savings:
Smart thermostats can cut heating bills by up to 25% by optimising when and where your heating is on.
Heat the Rooms You Use Most for Maximum Efficiency
You don’t need to heat your entire house all day. Prioritise the spaces where you spend the most time, like:
- The living room
- Bedrooms
- The kitchen
For rooms that are rarely used, you can leave the heating off most of the time. If you plan to use one of those spaces, just switch it on a few hours in advance. Planning ahead helps you stay comfortable without wasting energy.
Have You Insulated Your Home Properly for Maximum Heating Efficiency?
Even the best underfloor heating system won’t work efficiently if your home isn’t well insulated. Without insulation, heat escapes through walls, floors, and windows, forcing your system to work harder.
Simple Insulation Tips
- Seal gaps and draughts around windows, doors, and skirting boards.
- Ensure floors, walls, and lofts are properly insulated to keep warmth in.
- Use heavy curtains or blinds to keep heat from escaping through windows.
Good insulation helps your heating system perform at its best and keeps energy bills lower.
So, Should Your Underfloor Heating Be Left On All Day?
In many cases—especially during the colder months—the answer is yes. Leaving your underfloor heating on at a low, steady temperature can be the best way to maintain comfort and energy efficiency.
By combining smart thermostats, efficient scheduling, and proper insulation, you can enjoy consistent warmth without wasting energy or increasing your heating bills.
Ready to Upgrade Your Heating?
At BuildPro, we design and install high-quality underfloor heating systems that keep your home warm, efficient, and comfortable all year round. Whether you’re installing a new system or looking to improve your current one, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with BuildPro today!
