Underfloor heating thermostats: WiFi, programmable or manual?

A thermostat is a small device, but both comfort and your electricity bill depend on it. Every electric underfloor heating system runs with a thermostat, and the right model depends on how much you want to automate.

What the thermostat does

The thermostat measures temperature through a floor sensor (placed in the floor between heating strips or cable loops) and/or an air sensor. When the set temperature is reached it switches the heating off, and when it drops it switches it back on. The floor sensor is especially important under laminate and parquet, where it protects the covering from overheating.

Types of thermostat

Manual thermostat

The simplest: turn the dial to the temperature you want. Good for occasional use, such as a warm bathroom floor you switch on when needed.

Digital thermostat

Shows the exact temperature and holds it precisely. Easy to use, with a good balance of price and accuracy.

Programmable thermostat

A weekly program with several periods a day: warmer in the morning and evening, lower while you are at work and at night. This is where most savings come from, because nothing is heated when nobody is home.

WiFi thermostat

Everything a programmable one does, plus control from a phone app. Ideal for holiday apartments and second homes: switch the heating on before you or your guests arrive and keep empty units at a minimum.

How to choose

Situation	Recommendation
Bathroom, occasional heating	manual or digital
Home you live in all year	programmable
Rental apartment, holiday home	WiFi
Laminate and parquet	any type, always with a floor sensor

Saving tips

• give each room its own thermostat – heat only where you are
• lower the temperature by a few degrees at night and while you are out
• on cold days do not switch off completely – reheating a cold floor uses more

To estimate consumption, read Cost and running costs. We supply, install and set up a thermostat with every underfloor heating system.