Electric or Water Underfloor Heating – Which One Should You Choose?

Which Underfloor Heating System Is Best for Your Home?

Trying to choose between electric and water underfloor heating? Here's the short answer: Electric systems are easier to install in small rooms and renovations, while water-based systems are better for whole homes and long-term savings.

But the best option for you depends on more than just cost. Things like your flooring type, insulation, energy source, and how you use your space all play a big role. This guide breaks it all down in plain English—so you can make the right choice without the guesswork.

1. What is Underfloor Heating and Why Do More Homes Use It Now?

Underfloor heating has become a go-to option for homeowners looking to keep their homes cosy without bulky radiators taking up space. It’s a way of warming your floors using radiant heat, which then spreads evenly across the room. Instead of hot air blasting from a vent or radiator, warmth gently rises from beneath your feet.

There are two main types: electric systems (also called dry systems) and water-based systems (also known as wet or hydronic systems). Both work well but suit different homes and budgets. If you're renovating a small bathroom or adding warmth to a chilly conservatory, you might lean towards electric. But if you're building a new home or upgrading your heating entirely, water-based systems could save you money in the long run.

Because these systems focus on energy-efficient heating and reduce heat loss compared to radiators, they’ve become more popular, especially in well-insulated homes. They also pair nicely with renewable energy systems like heat pumps.

2. How Does Electric Underfloor Heating Work and When is it Best Used?

Electric underfloor heating is generally easier and cheaper to install than water systems, especially in smaller areas. It uses electric heating mats or loose heating cables laid beneath your floor, directly converting electricity into heat.

You control it with a thermostat, often a smart one, that lets you schedule heat just when you need it. It heats up quickly – perfect for bathrooms, kitchens or even home offices. If you're retrofitting, this is a DIY-friendly option that won’t add much height to your floor.

Electric systems are ideal if:

You’re working with a small room
You want a fast and tidy installation
You don’t want to interfere with existing plumbing

Thanks to the low-profile design, fast heat-up time, and simple temperature control, electric underfloor heating makes sense for renovations or one-off rooms. Keep in mind that running costs depend on your electricity tariff – so smart timers and zoned controls really help keep your bills in check.

3. What About Water-Based Underfloor Heating – How Does That Work?

Water-based underfloor heating is a bit more involved to install, but it pays off in the long run. These systems pump warm water through a network of pipes laid under the floor. The pipes are connected to your boiler or a heat pump through a manifold, which regulates water flow and temperature.

If you’re doing a whole-house renovation or building from scratch, this system is often cheaper to run, especially if you use gas or renewable heat sources. It spreads heat evenly and works best with screeded floors that hold and release heat slowly, making the most of your system's thermal mass.

You’ll benefit most from water-based underfloor heating if:

You’re working on a new build or major renovation
You want to heat large areas or the whole house
You're planning to stay in your home long-term

These systems can integrate with zoning, room-by-room thermostats, and smart controls, helping you fine-tune your comfort and lower long-term energy use.

4. What’s the Real Difference Between Electric and Water Underfloor Heating?

The biggest difference lies in how they produce and deliver heat. Electric systems rely on direct electrical resistance, while water systems circulate warm water through plastic or multilayer pipes.

Here’s how they stack up:

Feature	Electric	Water-Based
Installation cost	Lower	Higher
Running cost	Higher (unless solar PV is used)	Lower (with gas or heat pump)
Best for	Single rooms, renovations	Whole house, new builds
Speed of heating	Fast	Slower
Floor build-up height	Minimal	Higher (due to pipes + screed)

In short, electric systems are quicker and easier to install, while water systems are more efficient over time and better for full-home heating. It's not about which is better overall – it’s about what works best for your home, your budget and your heating needs.

5. What Will it Cost to Install and Run Each System?

Costs vary, but here's a rough idea:

Electric heating mats can cost around £50–£75 per square metre installed. Running costs depend heavily on your electricity tariff and usage patterns.
Water-based systems can cost £80–£150+ per square metre, but are cheaper to run, especially when connected to a combi boiler, system boiler, or air source heat pump.

Installation of electric systems is often a simple task for a qualified electrician. Water systems require a plumber, more materials, and floor screeding, especially if the system is going into a new concrete slab.

When looking at long-term value, consider:

Heating zone control
How well your home is insulated
Energy prices in your area
Whether you’re using a renewable energy source

A key tip: Smart thermostats and room-by-room temperature scheduling help cut running costs for both types.

6. Which Type Works Best in Different Rooms or House Types?

Each system has its sweet spot:

Electric underfloor heating shines in small rooms like bathrooms, en-suites, and kitchens. It’s thin and works under tiles, laminate or vinyl with minimal fuss.
Water-based heating is great for open-plan spaces, living rooms, and whole-house systems. It’s particularly efficient with stone or concrete floors that retain and radiate heat slowly over time.

If you’re retrofitting in an older home, electric might be more practical due to lower floor build-up and simpler fitting. But in a new build or major renovation, it’s usually more cost-effective to lay a full wet system as part of the construction work.

Think about your flooring type, ceiling height, and how often you use each room. That helps you choose the right system for comfort and energy efficiency.

7. How Do You Decide Which Underfloor Heating System is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your space, your budget, how you use your rooms, and whether you’re renovating or building from scratch.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

Are you heating one room or the whole house?→ One room: Electric might be easier.→ Whole house: Water-based likely better long term.
Are you retrofitting or building new?→ Retrofit: Electric’s lower profile helps.→ New build: Water makes financial sense.
What’s your main energy source?→ Electricity only: Electric might be pricey to run.→ Gas or heat pump: Water will save more long-term.
Want smart controls and zoning?Both systems work well with smart thermostats and can help manage your heating schedule, comfort, and energy bills.

At the end of the day, the right system is the one that fits your home, your budget, and how you want to live. Whether you go with a simple electric mat in your bathroom or a full wet system with zones and smart thermostats, both will keep your home warm, energy-efficient, and a bit more comfortable.

FAQs: Electric vs Water Underfloor Heating

Is electric underfloor heating better than water underfloor heating?

It depends on your home and what you need. Electric underfloor heating is great for smaller spaces and quick installations—especially in bathrooms or kitchens. It heats up fast and doesn’t require much floor build-up. Water-based systems, on the other hand, are better for whole-home heating and are cheaper to run in the long term, especially when connected to a boiler or heat pump. So, it's not about one being better overall—it’s about choosing what suits your setup best.

Is plumbed underfloor heating better than electric?

Plumbed (water-based) underfloor heating is usually more efficient and cost-effective for heating large areas or entire homes. It works well with lower flow temperatures and spreads heat evenly through floors, making it ideal for energy-saving builds and extensions. Electric systems are better suited for small or awkward areas, like bathrooms, where the speed of installation and heat-up time matters more than long-term running costs.

What are the disadvantages of electric underfloor heating?

The biggest downside is the higher running cost, especially if you don’t have access to cheaper electricity rates or solar energy. It's also not ideal for large areas, as the costs can stack up quickly. Another factor is flooring limitations—not all floor types insulate heat the same way, which can affect efficiency. Finally, if it fails, repairs can involve lifting the flooring, so correct installation is key.

Is electric underfloor heating more expensive to run?

Yes, in most cases. Electric underfloor heating generally costs more to run than water-based systems because electricity is more expensive per unit than gas. It can be cost-effective for occasional use in small rooms, especially with smart thermostats and good insulation, but for regular whole-home use, water systems are usually more budget-friendly in the long term.

Additional Reading

Market Growth: The UK underfloor heating market was valued at approximately £433.9 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2023 to 2029. Precision Insights
Adoption Rate: Underfloor heating accounts for around 8% of the UK's heating industry by value as of 2021. barbourproductsearch.info

Electrician installing underfloor heating

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