Underfloor heating is one of the most luxurious and energy-efficient systems available for modern homes. But like any heating system, it works best when you know how to use it right. If you’re wondering how to use underfloor heating efficiently, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re in Malta or anywhere with a mild winter climate, these tips will help you save energy, lower your bills, and enjoy toasty comfort all season long.
Below, we’ll explore practical, smart strategies to make the most of your underfloor heating, whether electric or hydronic. From correct thermostat settings to smart scheduling and insulation tips, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
1. Understand Your System Type First| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Before diving into how to use underfloor heating efficiently, it’s important to know which system you’re dealing with:
Electric underfloor heating involves heating cables or mats directly beneath the floor.
Hydronic (water-based) systems circulate warm water through a network of pipes.
Electric systems heat up faster but can be more expensive to run. Hydronic systems are ideal for larger areas and are often cheaper in the long term. Knowing what you have lets you tailor your usage strategy for maximum efficiency.
2. Set the Right Temperature — and Stick to It| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
The sweet spot for underfloor heating is usually between 20°C and 23°C. Setting it too high won’t warm your space faster but will use more electricity or gas.
Avoid turning the system on and off repeatedly. Instead, maintain a steady, moderate temperature, especially during colder months. Sudden fluctuations can cause the system to work harder, using more energy and even shortening its lifespan.
In Malta, where winters are mild but damp, keeping your system at a consistent 21°C is often enough for comfort and efficiency.
3. Use a Smart Thermostat with Scheduling| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
If your system supports it, upgrading to a smart thermostat is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency. These thermostats allow you to create custom heating schedules, monitor usage, and adjust remotely.
Set it to lower the temperature slightly when you’re out or sleeping and bring it back up before you return or wake. This prevents energy waste while keeping your floors comfortably warm when you need them.
Need help installing a smart thermostat? Contact us and our experts will set it up for you.
4. Don’t Block the Heat| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
One of the most common mistakes when learning how to use underfloor heating efficiently is placing rugs, bean bags, or heavy furniture over heated areas. These items act as insulators, trapping heat beneath them, which can lead to overheating or inefficient heat distribution.
To get the most out of your system:
Avoid placing thick rugs on heated floors.
Use furniture with legs to allow airflow.
Never install heating under permanently fixed units (like kitchen islands).
Good airflow equals better heat circulation, which equals lower bills.
5. Insulate Beneath and Around| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Insulation isn’t just for walls and attics. Proper floor insulation is critical for underfloor systems. Without it, much of the heat generated is lost to the ground beneath your home.
Ask your installer or builder if your home has high-quality insulation beneath the floor. If not, retrofitting insulation may require lifting the floor but could significantly improve performance—especially for older homes in Malta.
Also, consider insulating the room itself:
Double-glazed windows
Draft-proof doors
Insulated curtains
All contribute to a more efficient heating environment.
6. Zone Your Heating Smartly| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Zoning allows you to heat specific areas of your home at specific times. Why heat rooms you’re not using? Divide your home into zones—like bedroom, kitchen, and living areas—and schedule each zone independently.
This technique drastically cuts down on unnecessary energy consumption. It’s particularly useful in larger homes or buildings with different usage patterns in different rooms.
Many modern underfloor heating systems come with multi-zone compatibility. If yours doesn’t, Kibitec can help upgrade your system to make zoning possible. Check out our service.
7. Keep an Eye on External Temperature| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Believe it or not, your underfloor heating doesn’t need to run full power on sunny Maltese winter days. Watch local forecasts and turn it down slightly on warmer days to prevent energy waste.
Some smart thermostats do this automatically using weather compensation features, adjusting based on the outside temperature. If your thermostat doesn’t do this, consider manual adjustments or schedule seasonal settings.
Want to explore how underfloor heating works in depth? Click here for a deep dive.
Ready to Maximise Your Comfort?
If you’re ready to enjoy a warm, efficient home, our team at Kibitec can help. Whether you need installation, smart upgrades, or maintenance, contact us here to speak with one of our specialists.
You can also check out our full range of underfloor heating services here.
8. Maintain Your System Regularly| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Even though underfloor heating systems are low-maintenance, regular checks ensure they run efficiently for years. For electric systems, it’s good to inspect the thermostat settings and floor sensors annually. For hydronic systems, a professional should flush the pipes every couple of years to prevent blockages and ensure smooth water flow.
If you notice uneven heating or slow warm-up times, don’t ignore them—it could be a sign of an issue. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the system’s life but also ensures you’re using your heating efficiently, avoiding unexpected repair costs.
9. Take Advantage of Night Tariffs| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
In Malta, some energy plans offer lower rates during nighttime hours. If your schedule allows, heat your floors during off-peak times and let them radiate warmth through the day. Underfloor systems retain heat well, especially with the right insulation.
Smart thermostats can be programmed to do this automatically, maximizing comfort while minimizing cost. This strategy is especially effective for hydronic systems that retain heat longer than electric versions.
10. Don’t Overcompensate for Poor Room Insulation| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Many people turn up their underfloor heating to counteract cold drafts or poor insulation—which is like putting a bandage on a leaky pipe. Instead, solve the root issue. Seal windows, use weatherstripping, and check for insulation gaps in the room.
This will make your heating system much more efficient and reduce your energy usage significantly. The goal is not to fight the cold, but to work with your environment to maintain comfort.
11. Opt for Floor Coverings That Work with Heating| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Certain flooring materials conduct heat better than others. If you’re planning renovations or a new install, choose floors that help maximize efficiency. Ideal options include:
Tile and stone: Excellent conductors; heat up and retain warmth well.
Engineered wood: Works well with lower temperature settings.
Vinyl or laminate (check ratings): Must be rated for underfloor heating.
Avoid thick carpets or materials with poor thermal conductivity if you want to use your underfloor heating efficiently.
12. Consider Room Usage When Heating| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Tailor your heating schedule and temperature based on how you use each space. For example, bathrooms benefit from early morning warmth, while guest bedrooms may only need heating occasionally.
This helps you avoid the trap of heating the entire house the same way and gives you better control over energy costs. It’s another reason zoning and smart thermostats are so important to overall efficiency.
13. Upgrade Old Systems When Needed| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Technology in heating has evolved. If your underfloor system is 10+ years old, it might not be running as efficiently as modern systems do. Upgrading components like the thermostat, floor sensors, or control panel can make a significant difference.
In some cases, replacing a dated system with a new low-energy hydronic model can cut running costs dramatically. Our team at Kibitec can evaluate your setup and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Contact us here to learn more.
14. Monitor Energy Consumption| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Finally, stay informed. Use your energy bills, thermostat data, or smart app analytics to track how much energy your heating system consumes. This data can help you spot trends, catch inefficiencies, and optimize your usage pattern over time.
Many smart thermostats show your usage history, giving you an instant feedback loop to fine-tune your habits. When you understand your consumption, you can control it better—and enjoy a warm home with peace of mind.
15. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Energy Hours| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
One effective strategy when exploring how to use underfloor heating efficiently is to schedule your heating to run during off-peak energy hours, when electricity rates are lower. In Malta, this typically occurs during late evenings or early mornings, depending on your energy provider.
If you have a thermal mass floor like concrete or stone, it will retain heat for hours, meaning you can heat the room at a cheaper time and still enjoy warmth later. Smart thermostats make this scheduling easy and automatic.
16. Maintain Your System Regularly| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
An underfloor heating system, especially a hydronic one, requires periodic maintenance to stay energy-efficient. Airlocks in water-based systems, faulty thermostats, or worn insulation can lead to increased energy consumption.
Schedule an annual check-up with a professional to ensure your system is running smoothly. Kibitec offers maintenance services across Malta—contact us here for more information.
17. Choose the Right Floor Covering| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
The type of floor covering above your heating system plays a major role in how efficiently it operates. Materials like tile, stone, and polished concrete have high thermal conductivity, meaning they transfer heat quickly and efficiently.
Avoid thick carpets or wood with high insulation properties, as they block heat from rising. If you prefer warmer materials underfoot, choose engineered wood or underfloor-heating-approved rugs.
18. Don’t Overcompensate with Other Heaters| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Many homeowners make the mistake of using additional heaters in combination with underfloor systems, especially when rooms feel slow to warm up. This not only defeats the purpose but also adds unnecessary energy usage.
Instead, focus on optimizing your underfloor heating setup—check for drafts, review insulation, or upgrade your thermostat. Only use extra heaters in emergency cases or for very cold snaps.
19. Monitor Energy Usage| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
Today’s smart home tools offer real-time insights into your energy consumption. By monitoring how much energy your underfloor system is using, you can adjust settings and habits to make them more efficient.
Look for systems that integrate with apps or smart meters. These will alert you if consumption spikes and can help you compare usage across seasons.
20. Keep Doors Closed to Maintain Warmth| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
A simple yet highly effective way to boost efficiency is by keeping doors closed in heated rooms. This prevents warm air from escaping and reduces the area that needs to be heated.
For open-plan homes, consider zoning areas with partial partitions, curtains, or scheduled heating based on use times. The less space your system needs to heat, the lower your bills.
21. Use Curtains and Window Coverings Strategically| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
In winter, open your curtains during the day to let in natural sunlight and boost warmth naturally. At night, close them to trap the heat generated by your underfloor system.
Heavy, insulated curtains are particularly effective in rooms with large windows or sliding doors. They work alongside your heating to maintain a cozy, efficient space.
22. Educate Everyone in the Household| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
It’s great to know how to use underfloor heating efficiently, but everyone in the house needs to be on the same page. Make sure your family or roommates understand:
How the thermostat works
Why not to move furniture over heated zones
When to lower or raise settings
The more coordinated your usage habits, the greater the long-term energy savings.
23. Consider Solar Energy Integration| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
For long-term savings and sustainability, consider pairing your underfloor heating system with solar panels. Malta’s sunny climate makes it ideal for solar integration, and the energy can power your electric heating at little to no ongoing cost.
While the initial investment is higher, the payback period is shorter in regions with abundant sunlight. This is a particularly smart option for new builds or major renovations.
24. Retrofitting? Plan for Efficiency from the Start| How to Use Underfloor Heating Efficiently
If you’re retrofitting your home with underfloor heating, use this as a chance to make the system as efficient as possible from the beginning. That means:
Installing high-quality insulation
Dividing spaces into zones
Using the best floor finishes
Investing in a smart control system
A well-planned installation can cut your bills by 30–50% compared to poorly optimized systems. And for expert advice and flawless installation in Malta, check out our service.
