Ever wondered if your cosy carpet can coexist with underfloor heating? Let’s dispel the myths and lay out the facts on whether does underfloor heating work with carpets.
Underfloor heating systems are an efficient way to warm your home without compromising on style. Homeowners sometimes wonder whether this form of radiant floor heating can work with different floor types. One of the most common floor types in the UK is carpet, both new build and old homes, but can underfloor heating work with carpet? In this article, we will explore whether carpets and underfloor heating can work together effectively. From tog ratings to the best types of carpets for heat efficiency, we cover all you need to know to make an informed decision.
Key points:
You can also check out our guide on the best flooring for underfloor heating as we underline the pros of each popular floor network.
In simple terms, yes, underfloor heating can effectively work with carpet, and there are several compelling reasons to consider this combination.
Carpet, with its inherent warmth and comfort underfoot, aids the functionality of underfloor heating systems by providing an even, gentle warmth that radiates throughout your living space. Unlike traditional radiators that circulate hot air, underfloor heating paired with carpet heats the room from the ground up, creating a uniformly warm environment without stirring up allergens or dust.
Can underfloor heating and radiators work together? Find out now.
The soft texture of traditional carpet surfaces not only adds a layer of comfort underfoot but also contributes to the overall warmth of the room. This setup is particularly beneficial in bedrooms and living areas where cosiness is most needed.
The warmth is distributed evenly, eliminating cold spots that are often experienced with other types of flooring. Additionally, because underfloor heating does not rely on air circulation, it minimises the movement of dust and allergens within the room. This makes it an excellent choice for those with allergies, providing a cleaner, healthier living environment.
Not all carpets are suitable for underfloor heating, and selecting the right type can significantly impact the system’s efficiency.
Carpets that are too thick or have insulating backings, like rubber, can affect the heat flow, making the system less effective. Instead, opt for carpets with hessian backing, which allows heat to permeate more freely, ensuring your room reaches and maintains the desired temperature.
The thickness of the carpet also plays a pivotal role towards heat distribution. Thicker carpets might feel luxurious but can act as an insulator above your heating system, trapping the heat below rather than allowing it to warm the room. Therefore, it’s necessary to consider the carpet’s tog rating—the measure of thermal resistance.
A carpet’s tog rating, combined with the tog rating of the underlay, should not exceed 2.5 to ensure the best heating efficiency. For systems equipped with a heat pump, the combined tog value should ideally be less than 1.5. This ensures that the underfloor heating system operates efficiently without being hindered by excessive insulation.
For example, a standard 80% wool and 20% nylon mix carpet typically has a tog value of around 1.23, which is ideal. However, the thickest wool carpets can exceed a tog rating of 2.5 and may not be suitable without adjustments or specific advice from heating experts.
When installing carpet over underfloor heating, it is vital to ensure that both the carpet and the underlay are compatible with the heating system. This compatibility includes checking that the combined tog ratings do not exceed the recommended maximum and that the flooring installation allows for effective heat transfer.
Interfloor Underlays | Thickness | Tog Rating |
Technics 5 | 5.00m | 0.56 |
Technics 6 | 6.00mm | 0.66 |
Willow Green waffle rubber | 8.4mm | 1.1 |
When considering underfloor heating, the type of underlay you select is just as crucial as the carpet itself. A well performing underlay can aid the functionality of your underfloor heating system while providing additional comfort and durability.
Here are some guidelines of do’s and don’ts to ensure you select the best underlay for your underfloor heating system:
Do:
Don’t:
When installing underfloor heating, not all carpet types are suitable. Here’s how to choose the best carpets for your system:
Installing carpet over underfloor heating requires careful consideration to ensure effectiveness and safety:
To effectively manage the warmth in your carpeted rooms, using a thermostat is essential:
Using a thermostat not only helps in maintaining a comfortable environment but also ensures that the maximum floor temperature—typically set around 27 degrees Celsius—does not exceed safety limits, thus protecting your flooring and ensuring efficient operation of your underfloor heating system.
Yes, using underfloor heating with carpet is completely safe, provided the installation is handled by professionals. Contact our team of experts and see how we can help. Our underfloor heating solutions are tailored to each home, ensuring they meet your specific needs safely and effectively. We collaborate with certified installers who guide you through every step, from selection to installation, to ensure optimal safety and functionality.
Once your underfloor heating system and carpet are installed, certain precautions should be taken to maintain efficiency and prolong the life of both your heating system and carpet. Whilst we covered some of these in our ‘do’s and don’ts section, some need to be reiterated to understand the bigger picture:
In conclusion, it is clear that underfloor heating can be a superb addition to any home with carpeting, offering an even, efficient heat distribution that ads comfort without compromising safety. When paired with the right carpet and underlay, it proves not only efficient but also hygienic, reducing allergens and dust circulation. Ensuring the installation is professionally handled and following specific guidelines for furniture placement and temperature control can help maximise both the system’s performance and its lifespan. Whether you’re renovating or just looking to improve your home’s heating, underfloor heating with carpet is a safe, effective choice that delivers warmth and comfort stylishly and sustainably.
Here are the top carpet mistakes to avoid to ensure your flooring is perfect.
Further reading:
Based on what has been discussed in this article, here is some additional reading that may benefit you and your underfloor heating solutions
The time it takes for heat to pass through a carpet depends on the carpet’s thickness and thermal resistance. Generally, it may take longer for the heat to permeate through thicker carpets compared to thinner ones.
Carpets with lower tog values and denser, thinner fabrics generally work better with underfloor heating, as they allow more heat to pass through into the room.
Slack, M., (2022) Carpet mistakes to avoid – 5 expert-approved tips to ensure perfect flooring. Homes & Gardens. [online] Available at: https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/carpet-mistakes-to-avoid [accessed 12/11/2024]