How much energy does underfloor heating consume?

Floor heating is a popular heating system that provides comfort and even heat distribution in the room. One of the most common questions regarding underfloor heating is its energy consumption. In this article, we look at how much energy floor heating consumes and which factors affect its consumption.

Factors affecting the energy consumption of underfloor heating

The energy consumption of underfloor heating depends on several factors, such as:

  • Insulations: A well-insulated house reduces heat loss and therefore also energy consumption.
  • Type of heating system: Electric floor heating and water circulation floor heating consume energy in different ways.
  • Room temperature: The higher the room temperature, the more energy is consumed.
  • Use time: The use time of underfloor heating directly affects energy consumption.
  • Room size: A larger room requires more energy for heating.

Electric floor heating

Electric floor heating uses electrical resistances to produce heat. Its energy consumption depends on the power of the system and the operating time. On average, electric floor heating consumes about 100-150 watts per square meter per hour. For example, heating a 20 square meter room can consume around 2-3 kWh of energy per hour.

Water circulation floor heating

Water circulation floor heating uses hot water to distribute the heat. This system is generally more energy efficient than electric underfloor heating, especially if combined with an energy efficient heat source such as a heat pump. The energy consumption of water circulation floor heating depends on the efficiency of the heat source and the system settings.

Energy saving tips

You can reduce the energy consumption of underfloor heating in the following ways:

  1. Improve insulation: Good insulation reduces heat loss and energy consumption.
  2. Use a thermostat: With a thermostat, you can adjust the room temperature and reduce unnecessary heating.
  3. Use the timers: Timers allow you to optimize the use time of the heating.
  4. Connect to an energy-efficient heat source: For example, a heat pump can reduce energy consumption significantly.

Summary

The energy consumption of underfloor heating varies depending on several factors, such as insulation, type of heating system and room temperature. Electric floor heating usually consumes more energy than water circulation floor heating, but the energy consumption of both systems can be reduced with effective adjustments and good insulation. You can find more information about the energy consumption of underfloor heating, for example, on Motiva‘s website.