Underfloor Heating Systems Cost & Benefits Of Installation

Underfloor heating is becoming a popular choice in all kinds of homes – but how much does underfloor heating cost?

Tired of feeling cold inside your own home? Sick of exorbitant energy bills spent on radiators that only leave your eyes dry and nose running? Underfloor heating offers a highly effective and energy efficient means of warming any space and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  If you need underfloor heating into your house, this is the place where you’ll get practical advice and you’ll be put in touch with the best local professionals!

Underfloor heating systems are growing in popularity in the UK

“Underfloor heating has definitely grown in popularity,” says Ursula Mitchell, from Underfloor Resource Systems in Oxfordshire. “People are using it in extensions, new builds, kitchens and conservatories.” Mark O’Brien works for Terra Therma in Essex. They have installed underfloor heating in homes, flats and even in driveways and underground car parks. Mark finds that: “In new builds often people are choosing to lay it throughout the whole ground floor.” So why is underfloor heating so popular and what are the options?

What is Underfloor Heating

This method of heating a home has been in use since the Neoglacial and Neolithic eras. Used extensively in Ancient Rome, underfloor heating is a method of climate control that does not require radiators to circulate air. This type of heating can also be more energy efficient and cost effective while reducing the risk of allergy problems and asthma attacks.

Why Have Underfloor Heating

Some of the great advantages of underfloor central heating systems are: 

Choosing the best Underfloor Heating System

There are two main underfloor heating systems: electric and water or hydronic. Depending on your home structure, you can choose from different available systems. Always consult the professionals before making a decision as the choice of system could result in extensive construction. Your installation costs will vary according to location, size of the house, room’s size.

Electric underfloor heating

This is the best type of underfloor heating for existing floors as it is easier to install than water pipes. Most electric wires are installed under or inside flooring tiles and are around 3mm in size, these heat up when powered. Ursula explains: “For electric underfloor heating in new builds we would use a cable and screed system and in existing floors we tend to use electric matting.”

Water fed underfloor heating

Hot water from the central heating system is circulated around pipes in the sub floor to heat the room. These ‘wet’ systems are best suited to new floor constructions because more depth is needed to lay the pipe work and floor screed. “Installing a wet system in a refurbishment can be more difficult because you have to either dig up the floor or add an overlay, which is what we would normally do,” says Mark.

Whether you’re installing an electric or wet system, insulation boards should be placed on the sub-floor to make heating as efficient as possible. You should also make sure your home is well insulated to preserve warmth.

Benefits of underfloor heating systems

Comfort – radiators work to a high temperature of 65 – 70 degrees, heating intensely one area of the
room from the top downwards. In contrast, underfloor heating operates at a lower temperature of around 35 degrees C and warmth is evenly distributed from the ground up, providing greater comfort. “Underfloor heating feels nice underfoot and warms all areas of the room,” emphasises Ursula.

Efficiency – because they work at a lower temperature and distribute heat evenly, underfloor heating is up to 15% more efficient than traditional heating and includes a thermostat to regulate temperature. Mark points out that: “Radiators heat the air, so if you open the door heat escapes. Underfloor heating warms the ground and will continue to emit heat through radiation not convection.”

Durability – underfloor heating systems require no specific maintenance and are extremely long lasting provided they are made and installed to BS EN 1264 standards. Companies such as Terra Therma in Essex guarantee underfloor systems in domestic properties for 25 years and 50 in commercial premises. 

Improved health – radiators cause heat to circulate round the room, spreading dust particles, which can be harmful to your health. “Underfloor heating doesn’t do this, ” Mark says, “In fact it reduces the moisture levels of the floor making it too dry a climate for dust mites.”

Suitable for all floors – you can apply underfloor heating to all flooring types, wood, laminate, vinyl, carpet or stone. However; “Stone and ceramics are better conductors then carpet,” Mark points out. Make sure carpet has a tog rating of no more than 1.5 when combined with underfloor heating for maximum efficiency.

Reduces fuel bills – because underfloor heating is more efficient than traditional heating, it can save you money. Depending on your homes insulation, how often you use it and to what temperature; “I would say on average that underfloor heating in a modern house would cost around 25 – 30% less than one with radiators,” Mark says.

Saves space – underfloor heating can be the sole heat source in your home, which eliminates the need for radiators and frees up wall space.

Underfloor heating is ideal for bathrooms

Many people love the idea of having stylish, discreet underfloor heating in their home but may be concerned that it would be too expensive.  Shop around and this does not have to be the case.  So, how much does underfloor heating cost to install and in addition what is the running cost of underfloor heating?  We explore some of the underfloor heating cost issues in our look at this popular form of modern heating.

Underfloor Heating Systems Installation Process

This is often the most daunting aspect of underfloor heating. It is requiring removing operations like entire floor removing, pipes should be integrated in concrete, electrical elements need to be interconnected to the existing electric system. Professional installers endeavour to retain your aesthetics, replacing the floor without doing any damage to boards or carpets. DIY is strongly not recommended as specialised knowledge and equipment is required for the successful installation of any underfloor heating system.

Surface-Mounted Heating

This is a relatively new approach to underfloor heating. This system is a Scandinavian invention. This system does not involve the usual labour associated with traditional underfloor heating and can be installed in mere hours without much construction work or disruption to your daily routine. This system uses warm water pipes laid just below the floor surface to provide a safer, more affordable and energy efficient means of heating your home.

Under Floor Heating Cost and Benefits

Some people wonder ‘how much does underfloor heating cost to install’ and try to examine the cost of underfloor heating vs. radiators. However, initially it makes more sense to look at where underfloor heating will be most beneficial and therefore where the underfloor heating cost will have more value.

Underfloor heating is particularly popular in modern bathrooms, where it can help to create a cosy experience and conservatories, where you don’t necessarily want radiators to spoil the overall look, but do want warmth in winter.

The underfloor heating installation cost is normally lower in a new build as it is easier than installing it in an existing building, where old radiator systems have to be removed and additional flooring work is necessary. There are two different underfloor heating systems available, electrical and water fed, so you should seek advice as to which one would suit you best.

So, how much does under floor heating cost with a water-fed or electrical system?

How much does electric underfloor heating cost to install? Underfloor heating prices for water-fed and electrical systems vary, but you should expect to pay:

• £50-£75 when using electric heat mats
• £2000+ for a wet underfloor heating system
• £300 per day for labour
• £100 per square meter (usual rate)

The underfloor heating installation cost can also increase depending on how much extra piping is required.

Costs for installing underfloor heating in a new-built house

If underfloor heating is to be installed in a new built house, the system can be integrated into your plumbing and flooring plans. The cost of underfloor heating in new houses, however, depends largely on the size of the house and whether you choose to install a water-fed or electric underfloor heating system.

Electric systems are normally cheaper to install as they don’t require extensive trenches or pipe work, however, it is important to compare prices. Electrical systems may have higher running costs depending on the type of fuel you use to power water-fed systems – using a heat pump is common.

For new built houses it is usually best to have a warm water system installed, which will cost around £10,000-£12,000 including installation and materials but will provide you with the lowest underfloor heating cost in the long term.

Costs for installing underfloor heating in an existing house

Electric underfloor heating is the cheapest option

In existing houses the installation of underfloor heating is more expensive, as existing radiator systems have to be removed and, if not suitable for underfloor heating, the boiler has to be changed.

Underfloor heating costs can be lower than radiator heating costs; therefore it might still be a good idea to have underfloor heating installed.

Usually, electrical systems for underfloor heating cost less than warm water systems, as no extensive flooring work is required for installation.

Additionally, these systems may be the best choice if only a single bathroom or only the basement is going to be fitted with underfloor heating, while other rooms will be heated by radiators.

Combining radiators and underfloor heating with one single boiler may require additional controllers that will cost extra.

Systems with electrical underfloor heating cost around £9,000 – £10,000 for the same size as the warm water systems quoted above. For individual prices and for assistance with the choice between different systems it is best to consult a plumber.

Underfloor heating running costs

The cost of running underfloor heating  is usually less than that of using radiators as the heat will be distributed evenly across the room. Therefore, when using the same type of boiler and fuel, running costs for underfloor heating are lower than those for radiator systems. Also, underfloor heating costs less in the long term as it requires less maintenance than a radiator system. Installing insulation boards underneath the heating and choosing a less insulating flooring like thick carpet will reduce running costs for underfloor heating too.

Feeling Cold even when you’re inside? Request a quote Now!

Just can’t get warm indoors? Don’t spend another winter sitting inside shivering. Let us help you find the best underfloor heating services at a price to suit your budget. Take a minute to fill in our online form by describing your heating requirements and we’ll take it from there, saving you time and money by shopping around for you. Get a free, no-obligation quote from us today and start living in the energy efficient, cost effective warmth and comfort you deserve.

View the video bellow to find out how underfloor heating works: