What Affects Underfloor Heating Costs in the UK?
The cost of underfloor heating in the UK can vary based on several factors. Key influences include the size of your home, the type of underfloor heating system you choose (electric or water), and whether you're installing it in a new build or an older property. Water-based systems tend to cost more to install but are cheaper to run over time, while electric systems are usually more affordable upfront but can be more expensive to operate, depending on electricity prices. Find out more with our trusted electrical contactor in London, TNS Electrical Solutions.
Electric vs Water Underfloor Heating Costs
When comparing electric and water underfloor heating, the installation and running costs differ significantly.
Electric Underfloor Heating: This is often cheaper to install, as it involves placing electric mats or cables under the floor. The average cost for installation in a new build ranges from £50 to £75 per square metre. For renovations, it’s a bit higher, around £60 to £85 per square metre. However, electric systems are more expensive to run, with costs typically around 34p per kilowatt hour (kWh) in 2023.
Water Underfloor Heating: Also known as wet systems, these are connected to your central heating system. The installation process is more complex, and so the costs are higher. In a new build, you’re looking at between £120 to £135 per square metre. For renovations, it can reach £185 per square metre. Despite this, running costs are generally lower because gas is cheaper than electricity in the UK, at around 12p per kWh.
Installation Costs for Underfloor Heating
The cost of installation depends on whether you’re installing in a new build or an existing home.
New Builds: Installing underfloor heating in a new build is usually more cost-effective because it’s easier to integrate into the construction process. For electric systems, the cost ranges from £2,300 to £6,500 for an average property. Wet systems are pricier, costing between £5,500 and £11,000, depending on the size of the house.
Renovations: When retrofitting underfloor heating into an older home, the costs increase due to the extra work involved, such as lifting existing flooring and potentially adding more insulation. For electric systems, expect to pay between £4,000 and £4,500 for a typical installation. Water systems can be significantly more, reaching up to £11,000.
Running Costs of Underfloor Heating
Running costs are another important factor to consider. Electric systems tend to be more expensive to operate than water-based systems.
Electric Systems: The cost of running electric underfloor heating depends on the size of the system and the cost of electricity. For a room sized between 10m² and 30m², running costs can range from £623 to £1,869 per year. This makes electric systems three to four times more expensive to run compared to radiators or wet systems.
Water Systems: Water-based underfloor heating systems are more energy-efficient, especially when used in larger rooms or homes. For the same room sizes (10m² to 30m²), running costs can range from £184 to £552 per year, assuming you’re using a gas tariff of around 12p per kWh.
Factors Impacting Cost: Property Size, Insulation, and Labour
The overall cost of underfloor heating installation and running costs will vary based on several key factors:
Property Size: Larger homes or rooms will naturally require more extensive underfloor heating systems, driving up both installation and running costs. For example, a 60m² area will be significantly more expensive to heat than a smaller bathroom or kitchen.
Insulation: A well-insulated floor can dramatically reduce the running costs of underfloor heating. Better insulation means less heat loss, which leads to a more efficient system. Installing proper insulation can cost around £1,400 on average but can offer significant savings on your energy bills in the long run.
Labour Costs: The price of labour depends on where you live in the UK, but a typical rate is around £30 per hour. If additional work is required, such as improving the insulation or making structural changes, this can push up the overall cost. Renovating older homes often involves more labour, as existing flooring needs to be lifted and replaced.
Cost Comparison: Underfloor Heating vs Radiators
Comparing underfloor heating with traditional radiators helps to understand the value of each system:
Installation Costs: Installing underfloor heating is generally more expensive than radiators. For water-based systems, the installation costs can range between £120 to £185 per square metre, while electric systems are cheaper at £60 to £85 per square metre. By contrast, installing a gas central heating system with radiators typically costs around £3,000.
Running Costs: While underfloor heating can be more expensive to install, it’s often more efficient to run. Water-based underfloor heating costs around £2.10 per hour to operate, while electric systems cost around £2.90 per hour. Radiators, when connected to a gas boiler, cost about £2.10 per hour. However, underfloor heating spreads heat more evenly, allowing you to keep your thermostat lower while staying warm.
Room-by-Room Cost Breakdown
The cost of underfloor heating varies depending on the room it’s installed in. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated running costs per room:
Small Bathroom (2-3m²): Electric underfloor heating in a small bathroom costs around 4p to 9p for two hours of heating.
Medium-Sized Bathroom (4-5m²): For a larger bathroom, the running cost increases to 8p to 11p for the same time period.
Medium-Sized Kitchen (13-15m²): Heating a typical kitchen in a modern property with underfloor heating costs around 32p or less for two hours of use.
Large Kitchen or Open Plan Areas (15-25m²+): In larger rooms, the cost can range between 32p to 54p for two hours of heating, making underfloor heating particularly effective in open-plan spaces.
Is Underfloor Heating Worth the Investment?
Underfloor heating can be a great investment for many UK homeowners, offering long-term savings and a more comfortable living environment. While the upfront costs are higher compared to radiators, underfloor heating delivers even warmth, reduces energy usage over time, and can potentially increase your property’s value. It’s also highly versatile, suitable for use under tile, wood, or even carpet, providing greater design freedom for modern homes.
How expensive is underfloor heating to install?
The cost of installing underfloor heating depends on several factors, such as the type of system (electric or water), property size, and whether it's a new build or a renovation. On average, electric underfloor heating costs between £50 and £85 per square metre, while water-based systems range from £120 to £185 per square metre. The total installation cost can vary from £2,300 to £11,000, depending on these variables.
Do you need an electrician to install underfloor heating?
Yes, if you're installing an electric underfloor heating system, you’ll need a qualified electrician to ensure everything is connected properly to the mains. This is particularly important for safety and to meet UK building regulations. For water-based systems, you’ll still need a professional installer, but an electrician may not be required unless you're also fitting new thermostats or controls. Contact our electrician in London for more advice.
Is it worth installing underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating is considered a worthwhile investment by many homeowners, particularly for its ability to provide even, comfortable heat across a room. It’s energy-efficient in well-insulated homes and can increase property value. While the installation cost is higher than traditional radiators, the potential long-term savings and comfort make it a popular choice.
Is it expensive to install floor heating?
The upfront cost of installing underfloor heating is generally higher than other heating options. For electric systems, installation costs typically range from £2,300 to £4,500, while water-based systems can cost between £5,500 and £11,000. However, the running costs of water-based systems are usually lower than electric, making them a cost-effective solution over time.
What is the downside of underfloor heating?
The main downsides of underfloor heating include the higher upfront installation cost and the potential for increased floor height, especially in older homes. Water-based systems can be more complex to install and maintain, and electric systems can be more expensive to run in the long term. Additionally, underfloor heating may not be as effective in poorly insulated homes or very large spaces.
Which is cheaper to run, underfloor heating or radiators?
Water-based underfloor heating is generally cheaper to run than radiators because it operates at lower temperatures while still providing effective heating. Electric underfloor heating, however, can be more expensive to run, especially if electricity prices are high. Radiators, particularly when connected to a modern gas boiler, may offer lower running costs compared to electric underfloor heating, but water systems usually offer the best long-term efficiency. Find out more here.
Get Expert Advice on Underfloor Heating Costs
If you're looking for expert guidance on the costs of installing underfloor heating, contact TNS Electrical Solutions. Our team of qualified electricians in London can provide accurate quotes and help you choose the best underfloor heating system for your home, whether electric or water-based. We’re available 24/7 to assist with cost-effective solutions and ensure your installation is efficient and tailored to your budget.
We're experts in underfloor heating installations in London. We also offer repairs.
Address: 445 Sulivan Ct, Peterborough Rd, London SW6 3BX
Phone: 020 3715 2919
Hours: Open 24 hours
Email: info@tnssolutions.co.uk
Get in touch today for a free consultation or to discuss your project in more detail!
Commentaires