How to Set Up Underfloor Heating Thermostats

Wondering how to set up your underfloor heating thermostat to improve comfort and efficiency? In this article, we’ll cover the types of thermostats available, how to set them up, and explain some key features that are commonly included. This guide is based on your thermostats being fully installed, powered and connected to your wiring centre. If this is an area you are looking for some more guidance, please get in touch.

Can I use any thermostat for underfloor heating control?

There are three main types of thermostats commonly used with underfloor heating:

1. Standard Digital Thermostat: Offers basic temperature control, timed operation, and pre-heating functions.
2. Touch Screen Programmable Thermostat: Provides a more user-friendly interface with customisable schedules and settings.
3. Wi-Fi Enabled Thermostat: Allows for remote control and advanced features like voice commands and energy monitoring.

How Thermostats Work with Underfloor Heating:

• Temperature Sensing: Thermostats that continuously monitor the air or floor temperature.
• Automatic Control: When the temperature falls below a certain set point, the thermostat activates the heating system.
• Energy Efficiency: Programmable thermostats optimise heating schedules to save energy by turning the system on or off at specific times.

The best thermostat for you depends on your preferences and desired level of control. Consider factors like ease of use, features, and budget when making your decision. We stock a range of stats from Heatmiser, Salus and ProWarm. Take a look at our previous thermostat articles for more information:

Underfloor Heating Smart Thermostat Buying Guide

Take Control of Your Heating: The Benefits of Heatmiser Thermostats

Setting up multiple thermostats for more control

Underfloor heating systems can be split into separate zones, each controlled individually by a thermostat. This allows you to personalise each zone based on preference, which can be beneficial for various reasons:

• Keep bedrooms on a separate zone to allow a cooler sleeping temperature
• Separate high heat loss areas, will require longer to reach desired temp(hallway/conservatory)
• Zones with a secondary heat source can turn off when needed

Enhanced control may lead to increased costs however, it is a valuable addition for home comfort and energy efficiency.

Where is the best place for a thermostat?

The location of your underfloor heating thermostat can have a big impact on its accuracy. Here are a few best practice tips to minimise external factors and ensure you get an accurate reading.

• Position it near the centre of the room to get an average reading across the whole zone.
• Mount it around 5 ft (1.5 m) from the floor in a place that is easily accessible.
• Avoid outside walls, as they are prone to temperature fluctuations. Interior walls are usually best.
• Avoid draughty areas such as doorways, windows, and vents.
• Keep it away from secondary heat sources like radiators, cookers, and direct sunlight from windows or doors.

How to set up your underfloor heating thermostat

Setting up your thermostat is the first step towards enhancing the comfort throughout your space. While every model/brand will be different, the general heating settings will largely be the same. These steps are based on your thermostat being installed and already connected to your wiring centre or zone valve.

Understanding heating schedules

Modern thermostats come with various heating schedules to make heating your home more efficient. Most heating schedules provide four comfort settings throughout the day:

5/2 Day Programming – For a weekday/weekend split. The four comfort levels are the same for Monday to Friday, but can be different for Saturday and Sunday. Perfect for those who are up early during the working week and prefer a slower start on the weekend.
7 Day Programming – Each day of the week can have its own four comfort levels. Ideal for households with varying shift patterns.
24 Hour Programming – All days are programmed with the same four comfort levels.

Other options are often available, which are more basic in comparison:
Non-Programmable – Provides consistent temperature control. The temperature is adjusted manually as needed, similar to a traditional dial thermostat.
Time Clock – Most thermostats also have a basic time clock function, which provides heating phases without monitoring temperature.

A typical temperature example is shown below. Times and temperatures can be fully adjusted to give complete control of your home environment:

07:00 (Wake)	09:00 (Leave)	16:00 (Return)	22:00 (Sleep)
21°C	16°C	21°C	16°C

Understanding features available

Underfloor heating comes with a range of functions designed to keep your system running efficiently. These may include:

Keylock Function – Another valuable feature on most thermostats, especially important in guest or children’s rooms.
Temperature Hold – This function allows you to manually override the current operating schedule without changing it permanently. Handy for parties or gatherings.
Optimum Start – This feature calculates the time required for your room to reach the desired temperature. The thermostat will then switch on at the right moment to ensure the room is warm at the programmed time.

Setting your UFH temperature

Set temperatures will vary across rooms depending on use and personal preference. Here’s an example to help you get started:

Living areas – These spaces need warmth where you spend most of your time.  Aim for around 20–21°C when in use.
Kitchen – Because cooking itself provides heat, you can often keep kitchens slightly cooler, around 18–20°C.
Bedrooms – Most people sleep better in cooler environments, so aim for 16–20°C, adjusting based on your comfort, with a slight increase when waking in the morning.

If you are unsure about the ideal temperature, start with a lower setting and increase it gradually every few hours or each day until you find what feels comfortable. Once you reach that point, you shouldn’t need to adjust the thermostat further. Setting the temperature higher or lower than needed won’t speed up heating or cooling.

Thermostat floor sensor set up

When installing electric underfloor heating thermostats or installing a floor covering with an upper temperature limit, a floor probe is required. Most UFH thermostats have a connection for a floor probe to record this temperature. Ensure the floor sensor, or both air & floor temperature are being used. Thermostats will switch off when the upper temperature limit is reached.

Making the most of your thermostat

Many thermostats are Wi-Fi compatible, meaning a hub can be added to allow control from an app. A NeoHub (Heatmiser) or UG800 (Salus) are used to allow connectivity via Wi-Fi. This offers the option to adjust schedules for all rooms from anywhere.

• Saves time – adjust from a central location.
• Quick changes – ideal for last-minute guests.
• Remote access – change the temperature if you’re heading home early.

Should you turn off underfloor heating in the summer?

The ideal temperature setting for your underfloor heating depends on your personal preference and the summer temperatures in your region.
Set a Minimum Temperature: Automatically turn on the heating when the floor temperature falls below a specified threshold.
Manual Control: Turn off the heating entirely during warmer months.

Ready to take control?

Setting up your underfloor heating thermostat can make a huge difference to both comfort and heating efficiency.

Whether you are looking for a basic thermostat or a modern feature-packed option, we have a variety to suit all styles and needs.