Everything you need to know about underfloor heating

Both electric and water-based UFH systems provide consistent, efficient warmth delivering the heat through wires or water pipes. Traditional radiators are normally heated to temperatures between 65°C and 75° to warm your room while underfloor heating only needs to run at 29°C or less, depending on your floor finish. 

 

While UFH provides an even heat, warming gently from the ground upwards, radiators warm the closest air first which rises and then falls as it cools. Rooms with radiators often have ‘cold spots’ and you will use more energy trying to warm them up. 

 

Once installed, underfloor heating needs very little maintenance. Traditional heating systems need regular servicing and maintenance while your underfloor system will need just an occasional check. 

 

With UFH, when your room is at the temperature you have set using the on-the-wall thermostat it will turn itself off, automatically coming back on again when needed. You can also set programmable schedules to make sure you always have a comfortable temperature while reducing waste when nobody is at home. 

 

With underfloor heating, you won’t have to arrange your rooms to avoid the radiators anymore. You can enjoy your whole room and choose most types of flooring, including laminate, wood, tile, stone, and carpet. 

 

There’s no need to worry about the sharp edges or hot surfaces of your radiators and your heated floors won’t get too hot to the touch. 

 

Underfloor heating is ideal for new-build projects and can also be installed as part of a home renovation project. There are even fast ‘sticky mat’ options for electric systems that don’t need a screed before your flooring is laid. Water-based systems can take longer to install but will reward you with lower running costs. 

 

The cost of installation is based on the system you choose, the size of the room, and the time it takes. Depending on your property some electric systems will need a self-levelling compound which must be completely dry before the floor covering can be put in place, which could take one or two days. 

 

If you’re updating your bathroom or kitchen, underfloor heating is worth considering if your floor will be lifted as part of the project because this could reduce your installation costs. 

 

Underfloor heating is an easy and energy efficient way to warm your home. Although the installation cost might be higher than a traditional system, there are options available to suit most budgets. Underfloor heating can also reduce your energy bills in the longer term.