How much does underfloor heating cost?

Wondering what the cost of underfloor heating is to install? Do you have a cold home? Is our famously damp British climate making your feet freeze every time you walk across the room?

Well, picture waking up on a bitter winter morning, stepping out of bed and walking across your stone-cold floor to make your morning brew.

Now, imagine doing that with underfloor heating… without slippers… because you don’t need them. This is why underfloor heating is an excellent investment.

How much does underfloor heating cost to install?

As a ballpark price guide, underfloor heating installation and materials from a professional will cost anywhere between £500 – £8,000.

What’s the underfloor heating installation cost per m²?

Electric underfloor heating cost:

• New build install: £50 - £75 per m²
• Renovation property: £60 - £85 per m²

Wet underfloor heating system cost:

• New build install: £120 - £135 per m²
• Renovation property: £135 - £185 per m²

Estimated quotes for electric and water underfloor heating

An estimated average price to install electric underfloor heating: £800 (10m²)

An estimated average cost to install water underfloor heating: £1,200 (10m²)

Underfloor heating cost calculator

Your underfloor heating installation cost depends on a variety of factors, such as:

• The size of your home
• The age of your property
• How many rooms are having underfloor heating installed
• Any additional labour required on top of the installation
• The underfloor heating system you choose

To get an accurate quote to install underfloor heating, we recommend you reach out to at least three recommended flooring professionals near you. You can search for Checkatrade underfloor heating installers in your area or use our handy request-a-quote tool.

What underfloor heating system options are there for a UK home?

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

The option most suitable for your needs will vary depending on several factors. For example, how old your property is and how much budget you have for the installation.

Electric underfloor heating

The more modern alternative to wet underfloor heating is the increasingly popular ‘dry’ or ‘electric’ heating, which uses wiring beneath the floor to heat your home.

This is suitable for all areas of your home and is generally easier to install. This is because it comes in the form of ready-made mats for the most part (although loose-fit wiring is available for those difficult-to-reach or particularly small areas).

In many cases, installing electric underfloor heating is cheaper than water-based because it’s easier to install and, therefore, less time-consuming.

Warm water underfloor heating

Warm water underfloor heating involves a series of pipes that are linked to your boiler. The boiler then helps to heat up and pump hot water around your property.

They require expert installation as incorrectly fitted pipes could leak or cause other problems throughout your home. In some cases, the floor levels may need to rise a little to accommodate them.

Underfloor water heating offers more efficiency than radiators. This is due to the fact the water inside them doesn’t need to heat to such a high temperature.

Underfloor heating pros and cons

Before you commit to installing underfloor heating, it’s always good to take a look at the pros and cons. We’ve listed some below:

Advantages of underfloor heating

• Works with many floor coverings
• Energy efficient
• Easy to run
• Lots of design freedom

Disadvantages of underfloor heating

• Installation cost
• Installation time
• Potential increase in floor height

Underfloor heating is popular as, not only does it make your home cosy and warm, but it’s incredibly versatile and provides extra energy-saving benefits.

The initial cost and installation times are high. However, with a project like this, it’s important to see it as an investment for your home in the longer term.

How much does it cost to run underfloor heating?

It would cost around £35 per month to run underfloor heating on a 10m2 floor area for up to 4 hours per day.

However, these underfloor heating running costs will vary depending on the size of your home, the floor space where the underfloor heating is, how well insulated the floor is, how often you have the system running, and your energy provider.

How to choose a qualified underfloor heating installer

Whether you opt for a wet or electric system, you should always consult a specialist, qualified professional who’ll be able to help you make the right decision for your home. Remember, it’s not just the product itself you’re paying for but the skills and expertise of the tradesperson you hire.

They’ll not only supply and fit the product but also source any necessary materials surrounding it. They’ll provide the perfect fit, which will suit the needs of your home, offer you the best possible finish, and make sure you have an underfloor heating system that runs efficiently for years to come.

What to look out for with your underfloor heating expert

The floor construction under the heating system should have good insulation. Otherwise, the heat will be lost through the floor.

Additional considerations for underfloor heating installation

There are huge benefits to installing underfloor heating, and if it’s something you’re considering, then spend time giving these points some thought.

• Electric vs Wet underfloor heating. Electric systems are cheaper to install but more expensive to run. They’re often also easier to retrofit into existing homes. On the other hand, wet systems are more complex and usually better suited to new build homes. However, they offer more energy-saving benefits.
• With any underfloor heating project, all the floors will need to be removed, which is a labour-intensive job and is often costly.
• If your home has large rooms, bear in mind that underfloor heating might not be able to cope with heating your room enough to make it feel as warm as you might expect. For larger rooms, a wet underfloor heating system offers more power as it’s connected to your boiler and will help your rooms feel warmer.

Interested in getting a quote for installing new underfloor heating?

You can easily see who your neighbours recommend for underfloor heating installation by entering your postcode below.

Cost of underfloor heating vs radiators

If you’re considering whether to go for underfloor heating or radiators, both options have their pros and cons. However, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost.

Keep reading while we compare the cost of underfloor heating vs radiators, including installation costs, running costs, and energy efficiency.

Underfloor heating vs radiators installation cost

The first thing to consider is the installation costs. Underfloor heating is generally more expensive to install than radiators. This is because it requires laying pipes or mats beneath the flooring, which is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process.

The cost of underfloor heating installation varies depending on the type of system you choose and the size of your home. However, on average, expect to pay around £120 – £135 per square metre for the installation of a water-based system and around £60 – £85 per square metre for an electric system.

On the other hand, radiators are relatively simple to install. However, you’ll need to have them mounted on the walls and the pipework connected to your boiler. As a result, the cost of radiator installation will depend on the number of radiators you need and their size. On average, expect to pay around £3,000 for the installation of a gas central heating system with radiators.

Read our guides: Cost to remove and replace a radiator and Central heating installation cost guide for further information.

Underfloor heating vs radiators running costs

Once your heating system is installed, you’ll need to consider the running costs. Underfloor heating is more expensive to run than radiators, particularly if you opt for an electric system. Similarly, electric underfloor heating is generally more expensive to run than water-based underfloor heating as it uses more electricity.

On average, expect to pay around £2.90 per hour to run an electric underfloor heating system, compared to around £2.10 per hour for a water-based system. Of course, during a cost of living and fuel crisis, expect to pay a lot more.

Radiators are generally cheaper to run than electric underfloor heating, particularly if you have a gas central heating system. The cost of running radiators will depend on a number of factors, including the size and efficiency of your boiler, the insulation in your home, and the temperature you set your thermostat. However, on average, it costs around £2.10 per hour to run a gas central heating system with radiators.

Cost of running electric underfloor heating vs radiators re: energy efficiency

Finally, it’s important to consider the energy efficiency of your heating system. Underfloor heating is generally considered more energy-efficient than radiators, particularly if you opt for a water-based system. This is because the heat is distributed more evenly throughout the room, so you can keep the temperature lower and still feel comfortable. In addition, underfloor heating doesn’t create hotspots or cold spots, so you’re less likely to have to turn the heating up or down to compensate.

On the other hand, radiators are often less efficient, especially if you have an older gas boiler. Radiators heat the air around them, which creates hotspots and cold spots, meaning the heat will escape through the walls and windows. However, if you have a modern, energy-efficient boiler, and you use a thermostat to control the temperature, you’ll achieve good energy efficiency with radiators.

Related advice: How to increase boiler efficiency and How to save on home energy bills by improving thermal efficiency.

To note:

• Screed can often take 4 weeks to fully dry before laying a floor on top
• Be careful with old, dry wooden furniture on top of underfloor heating as you can get cracking
• To get the full running cost benefit of wet-based underfloor heating, a heat pump is advised

Final thoughts

The cost of underfloor heating vs radiators will depend on a number of factors, including the type of system you choose, the size of your home, and the efficiency of your boiler.

Ultimately, the choice between underfloor heating and radiators will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities. If you’re looking for a heating system that provides even heat distribution, is energy-efficient, and can add value to your home, then underfloor heating may be the best option for you. However, if you’re on a budget or prefer the convenience of a simple heating system, then radiators may be a better choice.

In any case, it’s important to do your research and compare the costs and benefits of both options before making a decision. You should also consult with a heating specialist or professional to make sure your chosen system is compatible with your home and meets your heating needs.

FAQs

What does conservatory underfloor heating cost?

For underfloor heating installation to a new conservatory, you can expect the cost to be around £50 – £75 per m² for electric and £120 - £135 per m² for wet underfloor heating.

How much is DIY underfloor heating?

If you’re comfortable undertaking most of the installation work yourself, you can get underfloor heating for under £1,000.

The DIY underfloor heating cost per m² with heat mats is around £20 - £50. You’d also pay a bit over £100 for additional items like heating controls, screed and insulation boards.

If you’re not confident about hooking up electricals, electricians charge around £45 per hour.

Warm water underfloor heating DIY kits are available for £500 or more. These generally have materials and pipework for 20m².

Why should you invest in underfloor heating systems?

Underfloor heating offers many benefits. Not only will you be able to comfortably walk around barefoot all year round, but you will notice that your home is much warmer. Underfloor heating effectively distributes heat across the home evenly. Something that not all wall radiators can do.

A suitably sized underfloor heat system can heat a larger area more effectively than a radiator in a room can. Even better, most underfloor heat systems can heat a room more effectively on a lower heat too, saving you money over time.

Another benefit of underfloor heating is that you could actually remove your wall radiators. You wouldn’t need them anymore. Removing your radiators means you can make your home more spacious.

Underfloor heating is also versatile and can be installed below stone, tile, wood or carpet, meaning it can suit almost every room in the home. With a reputation for being high spec, it can increase the value of your property.

Can I install underfloor heating myself?

It is possible to install electric underfloor heating yourself but you would need the help of an electrician to ensure all thermostats and other wiring are safely installed and connected. Wet systems should only be installed by a professional underfloor heating specialist.

With any job that involves electricity or water, we would always recommend seeking the help of a professional.

Is underfloor heating cheaper than radiators?

In modern homes with a condensing boiler, underfloor heating can be up to 25% cheaper to run than traditional radiators. Ultimately the running costs will also be influenced by how warm you like your home to be. Every home and installation is different, so if running costs are a deciding factor for you then it is important to speak to a professional who can help you with estimated costs.

Is underfloor heating cheaper than radiators?

In general, underfloor heating is often more expensive to install than radiators. This is because it requires laying pipes or mats beneath the flooring, which is a more labour-intensive process. However, underfloor heating is often more energy-efficient than radiators, particularly if you opt for a water-based system, which can lead to lower running costs in the long term.

On the other hand, radiators are generally cheaper to install than underfloor heating. They’re also more cost-effective to run if you have a gas central heating system. Additionally, radiators are easier to maintain and repair than underfloor heating systems.