Skirting board heating cost guide

Skirting board heating is a relatively new idea, first pitched by inventor Martin Wadsworth on the BBC TV show Dragon’s Den. It’s an alternative to central heating, where heating elements are hidden behind skirting boards to heat rooms.

This kind of heating system is similar to underfloor heating, in that it distributes heat evenly around the room. But it can be much simpler and cheaper to fit (and retrofit). Skirting board heating has the additional benefit that it takes up no extra space and eliminates the need for space-wasting radiators and heating. It can also be much easier to keep clean and dust-free.

Read on to find out the average skirting board heating cost, including materials and installation.

Skirting board heating cost

The average cost to install skirting board heating starts from around £40 per linear metre.  This makes it cheaper than other kinds of heating system, especially as it is calculated per linear metre rather than per square metre.

It’s relatively quick and easy to install skirting board heating, so it should only take around a day to complete the project.

Benefits of skirting board heating

It’s easy to see why skirting board heating is popular. As well as being easier and cheaper to fit than other types of heating system, it also offers the following benefits:

• Increasing the usable space in each room – with no space lost to radiators or heaters
• Reducing energy bills by distributing heat evenly around the world
• Easy cleaning – unlike with radiators, which tend to trap dust and dirt
• Providing hygienic solution in healthcare environments
• Working well with all kinds of different floor types.

Cost to install skirting board heating

Once you’ve chosen the system you’d prefer – wet or electric – it’s time to get it fitted.

If you’re installing a wet skirting board heating system, you’ll need a trained plumber or heating engineer. The average cost of a plumber is around £347.50 per day.

For electric skirting board heating systems, you’ll need to call in a qualified electrician for installation. The average cost of an electrician is around £225 per day.

Skirting heating cost

Skirting board heating systems work in a similar way to radiators. They should only take a few minutes to heat up. When they do, they’ll provide an even distribution of heat throughout the room, with no heat loss through the flooring.

This even distribution of heat means you can keep rooms comfortably warm, without losing heat unnecessarily. It’s more energy-efficient than traditional radiators, and should also save you money on your heating bills.

FAQs

Is skirting board heating more expensive than underfloor heating?

Skirting board heating tends to cost far less than installing new underfloor heating. This is mainly because you don’t need to factor in the cost of a brand new floor laid over the top. It’s also priced by linear metre, not by square metre.

What’s the difference between wet and dry skirting board heating?

Wet skirting board heating systems involve water pipes (feed and return) running behind the skirting boards. They carry hot water from your main heat source (for example, your boiler) around the room, heating up the space.

The second skirting heating system is electric or ‘dry’, which uses cables instead. These cables run behind the skirting boards and feed to an electric thermostat, which controls the overall room temperature.

Will skirting board heating work well in every room?

How well this heating system works in your home depends on the size of the room. It can be difficult for skirting board heating to reach all areas of very large rooms, leaving some colder pockets. In these more expansive spaces, radiators may be the best option.

Skirting board heating is also more suited to newer homes. This is because in older properties, draughts along the edges of the room are common. This can reduce the efficiency of the skirting heating system.