Cost of underfloor heating systems

Underfloor heating has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its ability to provide a comfortable and efficient heating solution.

Learn more about the factors that impact the cost of underfloor heating, and why it's a good option for your home.

How much does underfloor heating cost to install?

Installations can vary depending on the type of system installed and the size of your home. On average, installing a water-based system can range from £120 to £135 per m2. While electric systems can range from £60 to £85 per m2.

Types of underfloor heating

There are two types of underfloor heating systems available: water-based and electric.

Water-based systems use a series of pipes filled with hot water to heat the floor. While electric systems have heating cables installed underneath. Both systems provide the same warmth as other forms of central heating, such as radiators or boilers.

Warm water underfloor heating costs

Warm water UFH is becoming more popular as an efficient, money-saving alternative to traditional radiators. With the right system and boiler combination, it may be up to 25% more efficient than a radiator.

You could also save up to 40% by running a heat pump with a warm water UFH system.

Electric underfloor heating costs

Electric UFH may still be the most practical solution in certain situations. For example, in small spaces like bathrooms or kitchens, where it would effectively warm the entire room from floor to ceiling.

The running costs of electric UFH systems are typically three to four times higher than those of warm water. This is due to the higher cost per kWh of electricity.

Factors that affect the cost of underfloor heating

The cost of running an underfloor heating system can vary depending on several factors:

Size of floor space:

One of the key factors that influences the running costs of underfloor heating is the size of the space being heated. Larger spaces will require more energy to heat, resulting in higher running costs. If you have poor insulation, it may require more energy, further increasing running costs.

Type of system:

The type of system installed also affects the running costs. Electric systems tend to have higher running costs compared to water-based, as they use electricity to generate heat. Whereas water-based systems use warm water from a central heating system, which can be cheaper.

Usage:

Running costs can vary depending on the usage habits and preferences of your home. For example, choosing higher temperatures or leaving the system running too long can result in higher bills.

Installation:

Underfloor heating systems require professional installation, usually by a heating system engineer or specialist. The complexity of the installation and the amount of floor space can also influence costs.

Floor-type:

The type of flooring in your home can also impact the cost of underfloor heating. For instance, installing underfloor heating on concrete floors is generally more expensive than on wooden or tile floors. Concrete floors require additional insulation boards to ensure proper heat distribution, which can add to overall costs.

Is underfloor heating cheaper than radiators?

While the initial cost of underfloor heating may be more than a radiator, it can be cheaper to run long term.

If installed properly, UFH can use up to 25% less energy than traditional radiators. Or for a further 40% when used with a heat pump.

In contrast, installing radiators is usually cheaper upfront and also easier for repairs and maintenance. However, it may be more expensive to run in the long term.

Can I install underfloor heating myself?

Installing electric underfloor heating yourself is possible but requires the help of an electrician. This is to ensure all thermostats and wiring are correctly and safely set up.

For wet systems, however, we recommend this job be left to a professional underfloor heating specialist. These systems involve more complex installation procedures and require specialised understanding to properly install them.

As with any project involving electricity or water, safety must be taken into account. So it's best to hire a skilled individual familiar with handling such materials.

If you have any questions or need support finding the right solution for your home, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can call us at 01392 979450 or send us an email at enquiries@Unitherm.co.uk. We look forward to hearing about your project.