The RugBuddy is economical for 3 reasons:
- RugBuddy warms quickly, so you only need to switch it on when you’re using the room
- It’s low powered, yet effective through clever design. It only costs a few pence per hour to run
- You’ll be less reliant on your central heating which could lead to big savings.
Although RugBuddy is similar in power to other underfloor heating systems, it usually covers only a small portion of the floor. Because of this, it isn’t designed to heat an entire room on its own.
For full-room heating, you’ll still need a primary heat source, such as gas central heating. RugBuddy works best as a form of secondary or targeted (area) heating.
Used this way, you may find you can rely less on your central heating. That’s a bonus, since lowering your thermostat by just one degree can save around 10%, while still maintaining a comfortable and efficient temperature of 18–21°C (Energy Saving Trust).
An object that is hotter than its surroundings will radiate heat.
The heater element in your RugBuddy uses electricity to warm the rug enabling it to radiate heat. Cooler objects close by will absorb the heat and, in turn, warm up. This is why you will feel warmer nearer the RugBuddy even if the air temperature is cool.
In our World the biggest source of radiant heat is the Sun. Think how much warmer you feel moving from shade into sunlight on a bright day, even though the air temperature is constant. That’s the comfort of radiant heat.
RugBuddy has a similar power output (125 Watts/m2) to the type of underfloor heating installed under laminate or wood floors. But remember, the RugBuddy or FootBuddy will only cover a fraction of your floor area so is best described as secondary heating.
Some type of underlay is recommended under your RugBuddy. The underlay should extend to the edges of the rug – not just where the RugBuddy is – so that the rug is evenly supported and grips the floor properly. People often buy oversize underlay and trim it to suit using scissors.
On carpet that’s properly fitted with its own underlay, an ‘anti-creep’ underlay can help stop the rug and RugBuddy from shifting on the pile.
For wood and laminate floors, there’s usually insulation already underneath, so an anti-slip underlay is typically all you need.
The same applies to tiled, stone, or concrete floors—if they’re well insulated, an anti-slip underlay will generally do the job. However, if your floor feels especially cold, you might want to consider an underlay with extra insulating properties. In that case, look for one with a high R-value rating, which indicates better insulation.You can add the underlay you need to your order in the checkout.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specification for RugBuddy requires it to be used only on floors with a concrete subfloor. However, this does not mean RugBuddy is inherently unsafe on a timber construction floor*.
The reason the IEC insists on the concrete subfloor is that they are concerned that modern timber frame houses might have 200mm of insulation in the floors and ceilings.
In these circumstances there is a risk the floor would overheat if more insulation is heaped on top when the RugBuddy is on, e.g. someone places a mattress or bean bag on top and leaves it there. There would be nowhere for the heat to go and RugBuddy would exceed its operating temperature of 27C despite being partly self-regulating.
Because of this we must ask you NOT TO USE RUGBUDDY ON HIGHLY INSULATED SUBFLOORS.
* It’s worth noting RugBuddy has been on sale in the USA, where many houses are timber frame, for over 20 years without problems.
If you can answer ‘No’ to either of the following questions, then RugBuddy will be perfectly safe:
- Does your house have insulation between the floor joists?
- Are you likely to cover the RugBuddy with something super insulating when it’s switched on?
As always, a little commonsense goes a long way!
Absolutely! Any furniture on legs, or feet, is fine. Even office chairs on castors won’t be a problem. The element is extremely robust and, at 1.2mm diameter, isn’t felt through the rug. There’s no weight limit for points of contact.
Be careful to avoid anything that will smother the RugBuddy when it‘s on (e.g. bean bags, mattresses, filing cabinets etc.).
RugBuddy is classified as a ‘portable electrical appliance’. It must not be used in a bathroom.
Electrical Safety First says: “Portable electrical appliances: Never bring mains-powered portable appliances such as hairdryers, heaters or radios into a bathroom. You could be severely injured or killed.”
Spillages are no problem for a RugBuddy. Just sponge off and the RugBuddy will continue to work perfectly.
RugBuddy meets all relevant CE standards and is, in fact, compliant with the International IPX7 standard for being fully waterproof if immersed.
Note that your RugBuddy should be removed before the rug is cleaned as it’s not tested for waterjets or steam.
Don’t worry, this is normal. When you have used the RugBuddy a few times it will ‘relax’ in its new position, and you won’t notice a sound.
RugBuddy works well with a wide range of rugs and environments, so the main thing is to choose a rug you like. If in doubt, ask the shop if the rug is suitable over underfloor heating. If so, it will be ideal for a RugBuddy.
The most suitable options are light to medium weight and thickness, either woven or with a short to medium pile (around 15–20 mm is considered medium).
If the rug is too thin, RugBuddy may not reach its intended operating temperature. On the other hand, if the rug is too thick or highly insulating, the warmth won’t come through to the surface effectively.
Avoid using RugBuddy with felt, shag pile, animal fur, or fleece rugs (animal skins such as cowhide are fine). It should also not be used under a child’s foam playmat or rubber backed rugs that may block heat.
My advice is to extend the heated area by 50cm or so in front of you and to either side of where you sit.
Radiant heat is felt via ‘line of sight’ and furniture can cast a shadow. There’s little point extending the heated area behind you assuming your office chair has a high back.
First, I want to point out that your RugBuddy will last indefinitely in normal use. There is minimal wear and tear if left in place with a rug covering it.
The innovative design of RugBuddy requires only small quantities of raw materials compared with traditional types of electric heaters.
There are four major component types:
- The element which is a unique co-axial electrical cable
- The cold lead which is standard electrical cable
- The plug and RCD safety device which are standard accessories for electrical devices
- The metallic carrier sheets (top and bottom) which keep the element in place and help spread the warmth evenly
All components are recyclable as “electrical cable and accessories” or “a small electrical appliance”.
No, there is no risk of fire.
RugBuddy is a product designed for global use in accordance with IEC 60335-Part 1 and 2-106 (latest edition) and is CE marked.
The RugBuddy underwent rigorous testing by the Underwriter’s Laboratories, and they deemed it completely safe. With its RCD protection and helically-wound full-ground surround, the RugBuddy is actually the safest form of heating there is – with no risk of fire, burning your skin, electric shock, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
RugBuddies and FootBuddies can be ordered either with the UK 3-pin plug or with the EU Schuko plug, according to the delivery address.
We have separate warehouses for the 2 types– one in the UK and one in the EU. By doing this, we have ensured there will be no unexpected customs bills or duties to pay.
The power cable is connected at the corner. This means the RugBuddy or FootBuddy can be rotated AND/OR flipped over to suit your room and power sockets.
The power lead is 250cm long and is fitted with a safety Residual Current Device (RCD).
The RCD is designed to work with all types of smart plug, and plug-in timers or thermostats.
The manufacturer’s guarantee for RugBuddy is 2 years from date of purchase.