ideal temp for underfloor heating

[donrod]

hi, Does anyone have any experience with underfloor heating (UFH). We have just built an extension and was wondering what are the ideal settings for UFH. ie should the setback time at night be low or is this inefficient in terms of getting the room to heat up again to the daytime settings. at the minute we have nighttime set to 15 C and daytime to 20c. Would it be more efficient to have a lower or higher nighttime setting, baring in mind it takes ages for the temp to get back up to 20c.
Also should hot water be on all teh time. is this more efficent in keeping a constant heat than using energy to heat up again?
many thanks

 

[njk]

Hi Donrod,

It depends on the system. If the pipes are in screed/concrete it will take longer to heat up and I would only have the setback 3 degrees lower.
If the system has a floating floor with heat emission plates the response time is much quicker and 5 degrees is fine.

Based on the information in your post, I'd set the set back on 17 degrees to start with and have a look at the times you have set in the programmer.

In regards to the hot water, it again depends on your system and on how many people live in the house. It is cheaper to top up a hot water tank than heat it all from cold, but if the water is only being used by 1-2 people for a shower and a shave a day, you're toping up a lot of water that's not going to be used. Bearing in mind that good quality hot water tanks keep the water warm for up to 2 days and only take up to 20 mins to heat up.