7 Essential Facts That Answer “How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating to Warm Up?”

When you’ve invested in a system as advanced and comfortable as underfloor heating, there’s one question you’ll probably want answered straight away:
How long does it take underfloor heating to warm up?

Let’s get right to it:

✅ Underfloor heating typically takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours to fully warm up, depending on the system type, insulation, and flooring material.

That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. In Malta’s climate and depending on whether you have an electric or hydronic (water-based) system, that warm-up time can shift slightly. In this post, we’ll dive deep into what affects heat-up time, how you can make your system work faster, and what you should realistically expect from your floor heating.

If you’re already considering installing a system, or you feel your current one isn’t performing as it should, contact us at Kibitec to get expert help tailored to your home.

Let’s explore the details.

🔥 What Determines How Long Underfloor Heating Takes to Warm Up?| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

If you’ve found yourself asking how long does it take underfloor heating to warm up, the answer will depend on a few key variables:

1. Type of Underfloor Heating System

There are two main types:

• Electric underfloor heating (quicker to heat up)

• Water-based or hydronic systems (slower, but better for whole-house use)

Generally speaking:

• Electric systems heat up in 30–60 minutes.

• Water-based systems take 1–2 hours to reach full warmth.

So, if you live in Malta and have a smaller tiled bathroom with electric underfloor heating, you’ll feel the heat fairly quickly. But in a larger, stone-floored open-plan space with a hydronic system, it may take longer to feel that same comfort level.

2. Flooring Type

Some materials conduct heat better than others. For instance:

• Tiles and natural stone: Excellent thermal conductors. Warm up quickly and retain heat longer.

• Laminate and engineered wood: Warm moderately fast.

• Carpet: Slower to warm and retains less heat.

So, if you’re walking on ceramic tile in your kitchen, it may only take 45 minutes to feel toasty, whereas thick carpeting in a bedroom might require more patience.

3. Subfloor Insulation

If your underfloor heating is installed without proper insulation, a lot of the warmth escapes downward rather than rising into your living space. This increases warm-up time significantly and leads to higher running costs.

Well-insulated floors:

• Reach comfort levels faster

• Retain heat longer

• Are more energy-efficient overall

In Malta, where many older buildings use stone floors and lack modern insulation, this factor becomes even more critical. A retrofitted insulation layer could drastically reduce your wait time—from 2 hours down to under 1 hour.

⏱️ How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating to Warm Up: A Room-by-Room Breakdown| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

Let’s break it down by the most common types of rooms where underfloor heating is installed in Malta:

💡 Pro tip: Install a smart thermostat to preheat specific rooms based on your daily routine—saving both time and money.

⚙️ Can You Speed Up Underfloor Heating Warm-Up Time?| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

Yes! If you’re still wondering how long does it take underfloor heating to warm up, and want to shave time off that wait, here’s how you can optimize your system’s performance:

✅ 1. Upgrade Your Insulation

Whether it’s adding an insulation board beneath your floors or sealing gaps around doors and windows, good insulation can reduce your heat-up time by up to 50%.

In Malta’s older properties—especially stone townhouses or traditional farmhouses—poor insulation is a common issue. Addressing this can make your heating system both faster and more affordable to run.

✅ 2. Use Programmable Thermostats

Instead of turning on your system manually and waiting, use a programmable or smart thermostat to begin warming your floors before you need them.

For example:

• Set your system to start heating the bathroom at 6:00 AM, so it’s warm by 6:45 AM when you step out of bed.

• Preheat your kitchen for evening use after work, so your floors are warm when you arrive home.

✅ 3. Don’t Let the Floor Cool Completely

Underfloor heating systems are slow-release by design. Rather than switching them off entirely and waiting for them to fully heat up again, maintain a base temperature—say, 15°C overnight, then raise it during the day to your comfort level.

This method is more efficient and provides faster response times when heating is required.

✅ 4. Consider a Heat Pump

If you’re using a water-based system, pairing it with a heat pump improves efficiency and allows more consistent warmth, reducing your reliance on high-temperature water flow (and the delays it can bring).

🧾 What Does This Mean for Your Energy Bill in Malta?| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

The longer your system takes to heat up, the longer it’s using energy without delivering comfort. Here’s what you could be dealing with in real euros:

• Electric systems cost roughly €0.10–€0.15 per kWh, depending on Enemalta tariffs.

• Running a 10m² electric system for 1 hour/day = ~€3–€5 per month.

• Water-based systems are more efficient per square metre, especially when used with modern boilers or heat pumps, with estimated costs of €1.50–€4/month for the same space.

However, if your system takes too long to warm up because of bad insulation or poor settings, that monthly bill could easily double.

If you’re noticing long warm-up times or high bills, it’s time to evaluate your setup. Contact us and we’ll help you optimize or upgrade your system.

💡 Did You Know? Underfloor Heating Works Differently Than Radiators| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

Many homeowners new to underfloor heating expect the same performance as radiators—which are quick to heat up but also quick to cool down.

But underfloor heating is different:

• It provides even, radiant warmth across the room.

• It heats slower, but the effect lasts much longer.

• It’s ideal for sustained comfort rather than rapid, intense heat bursts.

Once you understand this, managing expectations (and settings) becomes much easier—and much more satisfying.

📞 Need Help Getting It Right?| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

Whether you’re still asking how long does it take underfloor heating to warm up, or you already know you need a better system, our team at Kibitec is here to help.

From new installations to system evaluations, we offer personalized solutions across Malta that match your space, lifestyle, and energy goals.

👉 Contact us now and let’s get your floors warming up exactly how (and when) they should.

🛠️ Check Out Our Underfloor Heating Services in Malta| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

Thinking of upgrading or installing underfloor heating? Don’t miss our service page for all the details.

We work with homes across Malta—from Valletta to Mellieħa, Sliema to Gozo—and provide custom solutions based on your needs, flooring, and property type.

👉 Check out our underfloor heating service here

🧱 Warm-Up Time by Flooring Type: What You Should Expect| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

Now that we’ve answered the main question — how long does it take underfloor heating to warm up — and explored the factors that affect it, let’s go deeper into how your flooring material can change things drastically.

If you’re renovating or considering floor heating installation in Malta, choosing the right floor finish will make a noticeable difference in both comfort and running cost.

🪨 1. Tile or Stone Floors (Best Option)

Heat-up time: 30–60 minutes

Why? Because tile and natural stone are excellent conductors of heat. They transfer warmth quickly from the heating element to the surface and retain it longer, meaning the room stays warm even after the system turns off.

Perfect for:

• Bathrooms

• Kitchens

• Coastal or humid areas like Marsaskala or St. Paul’s Bay

🌲 2. Engineered Wood or Laminate

Heat-up time: 45–90 minutes

Wood feels naturally warm but is less conductive than tile. That means it takes longer for the warmth to travel through it. However, it’s more comfortable to walk on barefoot and holds heat reasonably well.

Just make sure the wood type is compatible with underfloor heating—some hardwoods can warp.

Perfect for:

• Bedrooms

• Living rooms

• Areas where aesthetics and comfort matter

🧶 3. Carpet

Heat-up time: 60–120 minutes

Carpet acts as an insulator—good for keeping rooms warm once heated, but bad for transferring heat quickly. It takes the longest to warm up and is not always compatible with electric underfloor heating unless specially designed.

Perfect for:

• Guest bedrooms

• Study rooms (only if compatible)

💡 Tip: Always check the combined tog rating of the carpet and underlay. It should be under 2.5 tog for efficient heating.

📲 Use Smart Thermostats to Reduce Warm-Up Time| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

If you’re still wondering how long does it take underfloor heating to warm up, the answer might be: “Less time — with the right tech.”

Smart thermostats let you program your system to start heating before you need it, effectively reducing your perceived wait time. Here’s how to set it up:

Recommended Settings for Malta:

• Weekdays:

  • 5:30 AM → Heating starts

  • 6:30 AM → Bathroom/kitchen fully warmed

• Evenings:

  • 5:00 PM → Living areas start warming

  • 6:00 PM → Comfortable temperature reached

• Night time:

  • 10:00 PM → Temperature reduces to ~15°C to save energy

Modern smart thermostats (like Nest, Tado, or Honeywell) even learn your habits and adjust heating cycles accordingly. For Maltese homes with thick walls or stone floors, this learning function can optimize performance incredibly well.

💡 Bonus: You can control your heating remotely—perfect if you’re out late or coming home early.

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

❓ How long does it take underfloor heating to warm up in a cold room?

If the room hasn’t been heated in days (e.g., a guest room or holiday home in Gozo), expect the system to take 2+ hours to reach full warmth, especially with water-based systems or poor insulation. In this case, pre-heating is essential.

❓ Can I leave underfloor heating on all day?

Yes — and in many cases, it’s more efficient to maintain a base temperature rather than letting the house cool entirely. Many homeowners in Malta set their system to 15–17°C at night and raise it to 20–22°C during the day.

❓ What if it never feels warm enough?

If your system never seems to heat the room fully:

• Check thermostat settings

• Make sure insulation is adequate

• Inspect the system for maintenance needs

• Check if your floor finish is too insulating

👉 Or just contact us — we’ll assess your current setup and offer expert recommendations.

❓ Is electric or hydronic underfloor heating faster?

Electric systems heat up faster, making them ideal for small, frequently used areas like bathrooms. Hydronic systems take longer but are more cost-effective for large spaces.

💶 Underfloor Heating in Malta: What It Means for You| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

Let’s bring all this into focus for a Maltese homeowner or property manager.

Malta’s unique climate—mild winters, humid air, and thick limestone buildings—creates challenges and opportunities for underfloor heating. You want:

• Efficient warmth in the cooler months

• Controlled energy use

• Flooring that suits your needs

Understanding how long does it take underfloor heating to warm up lets you take full control of your comfort and spending.

🛠️ Underfloor Heating Services Built for Malta| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

If you’re building, renovating, or optimizing a system, Kibitec offers complete underfloor heating services—from initial design to installation and troubleshooting.

We work with:

• Apartments in Sliema

• Villas in Naxxar

• Townhouses in Valletta

• Holiday homes in Gozo and beyond

👉 Check out our underfloor heating service to learn how we customize each installation to your home and lifestyle.

📞 Need Advice on Your System?| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

Still asking how long does it take underfloor heating to warm up in your specific home? We’ve got the answers—and the solutions.

From evaluating your floor type to upgrading your thermostat and checking insulation, we help you get the best out of your system.

👉 Contact us now and let’s take your comfort to the next level.

✅ Final Thoughts: Warm Floors, Smarter Homes| How Long Does It Take Underfloor Heating To Warm Up

So, how long does it take underfloor heating to warm up?

In short:

• 30 to 60 minutes for electric systems

• 1 to 2 hours for hydronic systems

• With proper insulation, smart controls, and the right flooring, your system can be both fast and efficient.

Understanding your heating system is more than just a tech detail—it’s the difference between guesswork and comfort, waste and savings, cold feet and cozy mornings.

Still unsure? Let us help you figure it out.

👉 Contact Kibitec — and never walk on cold floors again.