What is the Cost of Underfloor Heating?

When analysing the cost of underfloor heating you really need to break it down into two areas:

1. Installation
2. Running Costs

Installation Costs

The installation costs are dependent on many factors, including:

• Labour / Geo location of the project
• Project type - New build, Renovation, Home improvement
• Floor type - i.e., solid or timber
• Size of project - Square metre of the rooms / number of rooms
• Physical cost of the goods - i.e., electric mats or wet underfloor heating system

Electric systems tend to be a favoured option for installation in projects that aren’t new builds, as they are easier to install (a bathroom is a typical example), which naturally reduces the cost of labour and subsequently the end price of the installation.

Wet systems on the other hand are cheaper to run, but more expensive to install. They tend to be installed as part of a new build (i.e., a conservatory or new home) or as part of extensive renovation work. Given the increased complexity and time involved in implementing a wet system the cost of labour is increased making it a more expensive option than the electric system.

Typically you should be able to install a wet underfloor heating system in an average sized house for around £5000 where as an electric system can be installed for less than £300 in a typical sized bathroom. If you’re looking for a detailed quote individual to your project please get in touch directly on 01302 727 182 and our design team can provide you with a detailed bill of materials.

Underfloor Heating Running Costs

Whilst a wet underfloor heating system is more expensive to install than electric it is a lot more economical to run than the electric system. This is due entirely to the difference in costs between electricity and gas. Electricity comes in at around 12p per KW compared to Gas at 4p per KW, which makes an electric underfloor heating system on average 3 times more expensive to run.

Cost Comparison to Standard Wall Mounted Radiators

It is worth throwing the standard wall mounted radiators into the mix here before concluding. For a new build project underfloor heating is generally easier to install than a standard wall mounted system. This reduces your potential labour costs by around 35% making it a cheaper option.

Unless you’re installing designer radiators however, the components required for a wet underfloor heating system are probably around 65% more expensive. Most wet systems are guaranteed for 50 years, so maintenance costs are generally much cheaper.

If you’re still considering a standard wall mounted heating system in a new build project, consider the following:

1. The time pressure on new build projects can be reduced by installing a wet underfloor heating system.
2. The future running costs of a wet underfloor heating system are lower than a standard wall mounted radiator option.
3. You can maximise floor space and improve the aesthetics of the rooms.
4. You can utilise "wet underfloor heating" as key selling point for the property to prospective buyers.
5. You gain increased comfort levels through using a more efficient heating system.

Conclusion

Ultimately your decision and subsequent cost implications will be largely dependent on the project type and size. If you’re looking to warm your bathroom floor without too much upheaval then an electric system is probably the most sensible choice. If you’re looking at major renovation work, an extension or a complete build then in our opinion a wet underfloor heating system is the correct choice.

For further advice and information please don’t hesitate to get in touch: 01302 727 182. Our in-house design team can talk you through all available options and even provide you with a detailed CAD design and bill of materials so you know exactly what you need and how much it would cost.