10 underfloor heating facts


Underfloor heating can be a cost-effective way to maintain a comfortable temperature in any home.

But a surprising number of homeowners are put off installing an energy-efficient source of warmth because they believe, among other things, it can be an expensive system to install and maintain, it can either not produce enough heat or it can cause overheating and an underfloor heating supply causes an enormous amount of disruption when installed in existing homes.

Here are 10 underfloor heating facts that reveal the truth behind the myths.

1 It is very cost-effective to run

As the price of energy increases, many households are looking for an alternative, reliable energy sources to heat their homes. In many cases, underfloor heating offers one of the best options. Running costs vary from home to home, but estimates suggest that heating a whole house using such a system can cost as little as a £1 a day – based on 182 days of heat during winter, with three hours of heat in the kitchen, bathroom and lounge.

2 There are two systems available

Warm water systems – also known as hydronic or wet systems – are installed in the subfloor and work well in homes where floor height is not an issue. There is a system available that will suit all subfloor materials.

Electric floor heating systems, or dry systems, are best suited in homes when there are issues concerning floor height. Using a system of mats and connections, there are different methods that will suit different floor finishes and shapes of rooms too.

3 Underfloor heating systems can be used with many different floor finishes

Different floor types will need various types of heaters. Carpet, vinyl, wood, tile, stone and laminate floors can all be used as the final floor finish. It is a wise move, however, before investing in the final floor finish as to its suitability with underfloor heating systems.

4 Gain more space

Radiators are not always the most wanted or attractive of focal points of any room, yet they always seem to be placed in areas that make them cumbersome and slightly awkward, such as under a window or right in the middle of the wall. With underfloor systems, the radiator is redundant, with all the mechanics and workings hidden away under your feet.

5 It is a fully-controllable heat

One myth you may come across is that one minute the heat radiating from underneath your feet is a delightful temperature, the next it is out of control with the room overheating. Underfloor systems are completely controllable when it comes to heat output. Many systems are fitted with smart thermostats that help to monitor the heat in the most energy efficient way possible. The most basic of thermostats with this system will allow you set a desired temperature that can be maintained throughout the day.

6 It is an energy efficient system

Compared to radiators, the underfloor heating system uses a lower temperature to maintain a comfortable level of heat within a home. This more tempered approach means that running costs are lower and energy savings are greater.

7 Quick and easy to install

Many people associate underfloor heating systems with new-build or renovation projects. It makes sense, of course, to install such a system as the house is being built but this does not mean that it cannot be installed into an existing property. If the installation is straightforward, either system can be installed within hours, leaving the final floor finish to be added. The level of disruption is a lot less than you think.

8 It makes a home safer to live in

Radiators can become scorching, especially when they are belching out heat on a cold day. With underfloor systems, the heat is dissipated throughout the entire floor. There are no areas of concentrated heat, on which hands or feet can be burned. This makes them a perfect system for children’s bedrooms, nurseries, playrooms as well as any other room in the house.

9 Heat is evenly distributed

As stated, there are no hot spots and neither are their cold spots. Both the wet and dry systems are installed in a way that gives the whole floor area coverage, meaning you can enjoy the warmth in every part of the room.

10 It does not take long to heat up

Many people assume that because the system has to heat the floor material first the the room will not be warm for some time after it kicks in. Systems can be installed with insulation boards, which means that as much of the heat as possible is pushed up into the floor and out into the room. It does not take hours to feel the warmth but half an hour (or less, in some cases), depending on the efficiency and brand of the system installed.

With these 10 facts, there is nothing stopping you from enjoying a warm home at a fraction of the cost.