Underfloor heating is ideal for large rooms or areas where there are no radiators, as they provide even warmth that permeates the entire space. While this type of heating may involve a higher installation cost, there are many advantages for homeowners. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at underfloor heating, the initial costs and the potential for long-term savings.
How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost to Install?
The costs associated with the installation of underfloor heating will vary depending on the type of system you choose to install. Wet underfloor heating systems circulate warm water through pipes under the floor, typically connected to a central heating system. Dry systems, on the other hand, use electric coils placed beneath the flooring to generate heat.
Among the many benefits of wet systems are their considerably lower operating costs, especially when connected to sustainable energy sources such as heat pumps; electric underfloor heating systems can cost up to 4x times as much when compared to their pipe-based counterparts. Moreover, it’s worth noting that wet underfloor heating is an efficient choice for larger spaces due to its heat retention properties.
Wet systems need to be connected to your boiler and consist of heat-safe plastic pipework that is laid on your existing floor with a concrete screed applied on top. The average cost is in the region of £10-15 per square metre. Electric systems are fitted to our existing concrete floor, and they send warmth through your choice of flooring on top, such as floorboards or laminate.
There are a few different options for electric underfloor heating, such as wire mesh, mats, or foil. The costs will vary depending on the type of heating you choose, but you can expect to pay around £25 per square metre on average.
While these initial costs may seem significant, they need to be viewed in the context of the potential savings in energy and thus your heating bills over time.
What are the Long-Term Financial Benefits of Underfloor Heating?
Once installed, underfloor heating is energy efficient. According to a 2023 review in Ideal Home, underfloor heating uses between 15-40% less energy than radiator systems, depending on the type you use.
Radiators heat rooms by convection, where warm air is directed to the upper spaces in a room, leaving colder air underneath. This means it can take longer to achieve the desired room temperature using radiators. There may also be cold pockets of air within a room, which is not only unpleasant, but means your boiler has to continue working to maintain room temperature.
The even heat delivery of underfloor heating solves this problem, giving you consistent warmth and using much less energy to do so. This is good news for your monthly energy bills, giving you the option to save money over traditional radiator systems. Over time, this can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills, as it avoids your boiler having to fire up every time you switch the heating on. Wet underfloor systems use a lower water temperature than radiators, further lowering energy usage compared to a traditional heating system.
Another key reason why underfloor heating can save you money is that once installed, there is little maintenance involved. These durable systems are made to last and will quietly deliver energy savings for many years to come.
To understand the potential savings made over time, you should consider the initial cost of installation and estimated energy consumption. Compare this with the running costs of your original system to give you an idea of how long your underfloor heating will take to pay for itself and what savings you could enjoy in the future.
Sustainable Energy for the Home
According to April 2024 analysis from Green Union, underfloor heating is an attractive option for sustainable energy use and it presents a low-carbon solution for both renovation projects and new build homes. With an increased focus on green energy for the home, underfloor heating provides cleaner and more efficient heating than traditional radiator systems.
With the government’s plans to phase out gas boilers and focus on greener home heating solutions, another benefit of underfloor heating is that it is compatible with alternatives such as heat pumps or solar panels, delivering even more environmental value. Because underfloor heating provides an even distribution of heat compared to radiators, it results in less energy wastage throughout your home. This means you can reduce your home’s carbon footprint and the effect it has on the environment.
Expert Advice and Underfloor Heating Installation
When it comes to installing underfloor heating, it is essential to choose an expert provider. They will be able to advise you on the most effective underfloor heating system for your home, as well as provide a quote for work so you know the cost of the project upfront. This ensures you end up with quality underfloor heating and installation, as well as safe connection to your boiler, heat pump or electricity, with no unexpected costs.
At Green Flare, we have years of experience in installing underfloor heating that is compatible with the existing flooring in most types of homes. This means there is no mess involved in digging out your concrete floor. Instead, we can overlay your underfloor heating with as little as 30mm being added to your floor height. This hassle-free approach gives you peace of mind that your underfloor heating will be expertly installed with minimal disruption to your family life.
By choosing us as your underfloor heating provider, you can enjoy a warm home while saving money on your energy bills. We understand that you may have a lot of questions as to the best underfloor heating for your home, so our expert team is here to answer your queries. For more advice or to get a quote, please contact us today.
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