Is It Safe to Leave Underfloor Heating Switched On?

An underfloor heating system is built with efficiency in mind.  After all, it’s there for you to use as and when you need it.  Many underfloor systems can be programmed to activate as and when you need it, when the temperature in a room reaches a certain level, or at a time of day that suits you best.  Therefore, in many ways, it’s actually seen as a lot more efficient to run than a traditional radiator system.

However, plenty of us have left our traditional heating systems, central or otherwise, to run for hours at a time.  Some of us have even left our heating to circulate while we leave the house!  But what about underfloor heating?  Is it safe to leave this type of installation running at all hours of the day?  Or should you be thinking about switching it off when it’s not in use?  Let’s take a quick look.

The Bottom Line?  You’re Safe.

Underfloor heating systems are designed to be powered up for long periods.  You may not even need to switch it off at all!  This is because many underfloor systems run on a thermostat which can jump into action whenever you want it to.  If you set your underfloor heating up on a timer, there will never be any need for you to worry about switching it off at the mains.  It’ll simply cool down and power back up again as and when you need it.

This may actually work in your favour, too.  A heating system which is turned off too often, or for long periods of time, will take longer to get back up to speed.  It actually makes practical sense to keep your heating plugged in and turned on so that it’s always ready to react.  You may have heard the same said about traditional heating systems.  Well – the same really does apply to underfloor services, too.

Won’t Leaving It Turned On Cause Damage?

No.  Because an underfloor heating system powers up on an ad-hoc basis, leaving it switched on at the source won’t actually affect it.  What’s more, underfloor heating systems are built to withstand intensive use, meaning that it’ll likely take more punishment than you give it credit for.

It may actually cause more detriment to you if you power down.  It’ll cause havoc with the temperature balance in your home, and one of the major benefits of underfloor heating at all is the fact that it’s nice and convenient!  Why risk that convenience by fiddling with the controls?

Won’t It Cost More to Run?

There are operational costs incurred when running an underfloor heating system, however, you’ll actually save money with ad hoc heating.  That’s because, unlike some central heating systems, you won’t be constantly filling a room with warm air.  You will only ever pay for the radiant heat you actually use.  This is one of the big selling points of underfloor heating – that it really does pay for itself in a very short space of time.

If you’re worried about your underfloor heating system running up huge bills just because it’s turned on, don’t be.  Your heating won’t start crunching the numbers in any serious sense until it’s actually giving out heat.  Until then, it is literally just linked to a power source.  You can compare this to a TV that’s plugged in, but is resting on standby – it’s really not going to cause you any billing nightmares.  Even when you have it giving out heat, it’s still going to be massively cost-effective.

Want to Know More?

Underfloor heating is something that might seem like an unattainable luxury.  However, more and more homes across the UK are taking advantage of this affordable alternative to central heating.  Not only is underfloor heating more cost-effective in the long run, it offers direct heat, and can be set up easily with just a handful of instructions.  Millions of people have already made the switch.

Want to know more about setting up your own underfloor heating system?  Unsure what’s involved?  Call the team at UFHS today to learn more about making the switch – it’s one you won’t regret in a hurry!