Understanding the Costs of Underfloor Heating

If you're considering an underfloor heating installation knowing the costs associated with the work is crucial.

In this article, we'll break down the expenses involved in both electric and water-based installations. We'll explore upfront costs, running costs, and other factors that can affect the overall expense of the procedure.

What is Underfloor Heating?

Underfloor heating is an alternative form of central heating that helps achieve efficient heat distribution across a room. Instead of relying on wall-mounted radiators, the heat rises from underneath your floorboards or carpet, heating all four corners of the room.

Not only does it provide efficient heating, it also frees up wall space and gives your home a real sense of luxury.

There are two types of underfloor heating systems:

1. Electric Underfloor Heating

Often known as a 'dry' system, electric underfloor heating uses electrical resistance elements to generate heat. Electric systems provide incredibly consistent temperatures, with heat being provided very quickly after you've turned the system on.

2. Water-Based Underfloor Heating

Known as a 'wet' system, water based underfloor heating works in a similar manner to a radiator. The system circulates water that has been heated by your heat pump or boiler through pipes underneath your flooring. When paired with an air source heat pump, water-based underfloor heating is incredibly positive for the environment, as well as being a cost-effective heating method.

Underfloor Heating Installation Costs

Electric System

Electric underfloor heating systems are usually easier and cheaper to install than water systems. They consist of electric heating cables or mats that are laid underneath the flooring. Here's a quick breakdown of the costs:

Price per M²: The cost of electric underfloor heating per square metre typically ranges from £50 to £75. This, of course, depends on the quality of the system you've chosen and the complexity of the installation. So, if you have a uniquely shaped room, it will present more challenges and lead to a more expensive install.

Labour cost: The cost of the labour involved in an installation will vary depending on your electric underfloor heating installer. The average cost you can expect to pay can fall between £200 and £300 for a small room. This price will increase as the size of the room increases.

Water System

As water systems need to be connected to your home's plumbing and central heating system, they are more expensive to install. However, the running costs are significantly lower, saving you money in the long term.

Price per M²: Water-based underfloor heating systems generally cost around £100-£150 per square metre. This will include fitting the pipes and manifolds, and connected the system to your heating unit.

Labour costs: As there will be more work involved in the installation, labour costs can reach the £700 mark, depending on the size of the room. Smaller systems will likely fall around the £300 range.

Cutaway view of a white tiled floor showing red underfloor heating pipes arranged in a grid pattern beneath the tiles.

Underfloor Heating Running Costs

Electric Underfloor Heating Running Costs

Electric systems are more expensive to run than water systems, especially if you don't have an existing solar panel system to power your home. Running costs will naturally vary depending on the size of your system and how often you use it.

The average costs of running an electric underfloor heating system will fall between £6 and £10 per square metre annually. If you have high-quality insulation, you'll likely end up paying less.

Water Underfloor Heating Running Costs

Water systems are significantly cheaper to run than their electric counterparts, especially when paired with a heat pump.

It will cost you between £3 and £5 per square metre to use your water-based underfloor heating system. This will fluctuate depending on the frequency of your use and how well insulated your home is.

Cost-Affecting Factors

There are multiple factors that can affect the cost of an underfloor heating installation. These include:

Room size: Larger rooms require more materials for an underfloor heating installation. They also require more labour, increasing the overall cost.
Insulation: A properly insulated room will help you lower your system's running costs, as less heat will escape the room. This will mean that you won't have to have the system turned on for quite as long.
Floor type: Certain types of floors conduct heat better than others. Stone, ceramic, and engineered wood are particularly good for heat conduction.
Rising energy prices: Energy prices are constantly going up and down, affecting the running costs of your underfloor heating. This especially affects electric systems if you don't have solar panels to subsidise the cost.

EPC | Underfloor Heating Installer, Essex

Save money on your underfloor heating installation with EPC

EPC is Essex's trusted underfloor heating installer, providing bespoke, energy-efficient systems to homes across the county.

Our experts take the hassle out of installations, sourcing and installing the equipment with minimal disruption to your daily life. Every installation we provide is tailored to our customers' needs and budgets.