A flat with underfloor heating
Short answer: Underfloor heating gives even, comfortable warmth, but it can also make the bedroom too warm and the air dry. With the right temperature, light sleepwear and breathable bedding, you can get the best out of the heat.
How underfloor heating works
Underfloor heating warms the room from below. The heat rises slowly and spreads evenly, so there are none of the cold and warm zones you get with radiators. The floor is pleasant to walk on, and your feet rarely feel cold. On the other hand, underfloor heating responds slowly. It can take several hours before a change on the thermostat is noticeable, so it is best to find a steady setting and leave it alone rather than adjusting it every day.
The bedroom easily gets too warm
Many people sleep best in a cool room, but underfloor heating in the bedroom can keep the temperature up all night. If your system has separate zones, try turning the bedroom down a little on its own. Even two degrees can make a difference. Open a window half an hour before bedtime. If you are still too warm, choose light sleepwear, such as bamboo night pants for women in a thin fibre.
Sleepwear for a warm room
In a warm bedroom, sleepwear made from a light, smooth fibre is the better choice. Bamboo viscose feels cool against the skin and absorbs moisture, which helps if you sweat a little during the night. A loose pyjama shirt with buttons can be opened at the neck if you get too warm. See women's Bamboo Pajama Shirt for a style that is easy to adjust through the night.
Dry air in winter
Underfloor heating can lead to dry air, especially in winter when the outdoor air is already dry. Dry air can feel uncomfortable in the nose and throat. Air the room briefly and thoroughly a couple of times a day so the air is refreshed. Avoid raising the temperature more than necessary, as warm air feels drier. Plants can also add a little humidity. If you often have a dry throat or a cough, talk to your doctor.
Bedding that breathes
When the room is warm, it matters that your bedding does not trap heat. Choose a duvet suited to a warm room and a cover that lets air pass through. See bamboo bedding, which is smooth and light, and which many people find feels cool. Change your bedding regularly, as you tend to sweat more in a warm room, and it will stay fresher for longer.
Underfloor heating and rugs
Thick rugs on a heated floor act as insulation and can reduce the warmth in the room. Use thin rugs or runners if you want something soft underfoot. Also avoid placing large pieces of furniture with closed bases directly on the floor, as the heat will build up underneath them instead of reaching the room.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature works well with underfloor heating
Around 20 to 21 degrees in living areas and a little lower in the bedroom suits most people.
Why does the air feel dry
Warm air can hold more moisture, so it feels drier. Air the rooms regularly and avoid turning the heat up too high.
Can I put rugs on underfloor heating
Yes, but choose thin ones. Thick rugs insulate and keep the heat trapped in the floor.
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