Underfloor heating (UFH) is one of the most comfortable and energy-efficient ways to heat your home—but to get the most from it, you need to set it at the right temperature. Whether you’re using a hydronic (water-based) or electric system, the correct temperature ensures comfort, efficiency, and floor protection.
Below, we break down the ideal temperature ranges for your floor heating system, depending on your room, flooring type, and heating method.
Temperature Should Floor Heating
Water Supply Temperature (for Hydronic Systems)
For water-based underfloor heating systems, the temperature of the water circulating through your pipes is critical:
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Typical range: 35 °C to 45 °C (95 °F to 113 °F)
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Colder climates or poorly insulated homes: Up to 50 °C (122 °F)
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With heat pumps: Lower temperatures like 30–40 °C help maintain efficiency
These temperatures are enough to keep your rooms warm without overheating your floors.
Ideal Floor Surface Temperature (What You Feel)
This is the temperature at the surface of your floor, not the water inside the pipes. It’s what really determines comfort.
| Room Type | Ideal Floor Temp |
|---|---|
| Living Rooms | 23–27 °C (73–81 °F) |
| Bathrooms | 28–32 °C (82–90 °F) |
| Bedrooms | 22–25 °C (72–77 °F) |
| Kitchens | 24–26 °C (75–79 °F) |
Flooring Type Matters
Different materials conduct and retain heat differently. Here’s how to adjust temperatures based on flooring:
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Tiles / Stone: Excellent for UFH. Can handle up to 29–30 °C with no problem.
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Engineered Wood / Laminate: Should stay below 27 °C to avoid warping.
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Vinyl Flooring: Check the manufacturer’s rating—usually max 27 °C.
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Carpet: Works if it’s thin and paired with dense underlay. Thick carpet insulates too much and reduces efficiency.
Room-by-Room Settings
| Room Type | Suggested Air Temp | Floor Temp Range |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | 20–22 °C | 24–27 °C |
| Bathroom | 22–24 °C | 28–32 °C |
| Bedroom (Adult) | 16–19 °C | 22–25 °C |
| Kitchen | 18–20 °C | 24–26 °C |
Each room has different needs. For example, bathrooms benefit from warmer floors because you’re often barefoot, while bedrooms can stay cooler for better sleep.
Setup & Energy Efficiency Tips
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Keep the system running at a lower setting rather than turning it on and off frequently. This improves efficiency and comfort.
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Use thermostats with floor sensors—not just air sensors—to ensure accurate floor temperatures.
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Zone your heating by room. This allows you to adjust each room based on use and preference.
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With heat pumps, lower temps (e.g., 30–40 °C supply) increase overall system efficiency.
Final Recommendations
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Water Supply Temp (hydronic): 35–45 °C
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Floor Surface Temp:
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Living areas: 23–27 °C
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Bathrooms: 28–32 °C
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Wood/Vinyl floors: Max 27 °C
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Air Temp: 20–22 °C for most spaces
Wrapping It Up
The perfect floor heat temperature isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your room, flooring, and system type. But with these guidelines, you can dial in the settings for a home that’s warm, efficient, and safe for your flooring materials.
