Guide to Underfloor Heating

What is Underfloor Heating?

Underfloor Heating transforms your floor into one large radiator by using a system of water-filled pipes, electric pads or wires laid under the surface. The contrasting types are referred to as a dry system (pads & wires) or a wet system (pipes).
Underfloor Heating Underfloor heating (UFH) is increasingly popular in new build homes and homes undergoing renovation. It is both efficient and effective in heating a room. Plus, it is a luxurious feeling to have a warm floor under your feet.
Pipes, coils or pads are placed onto underfloor heating pads onto your floor – these will heat the floor. Then they are covered with a self-levelling compound before your flooring is laid on top. Underfloor heating is best suited to tiles, concrete, stone and thinner wood floors, but can be used with carpet.
Whilst conventional radiators function by heating the air around them through convection, UFH uses both convection and radiant heat to warm a large space. In using both, UFH provides a more consistent temperature whilst eliminating cold spots as the heat spreads across the whole space. This is more comfortable and can be more cost efficient, as you are not keeping radiators on longer to try and spread warmth.
What is Underfloor Heating

What are the benefits of Underfloor Heating?

Low maintenance costs

Once UFH is installed it typically requires less maintenance than a traditional central heating system. No more leaky radiators and constant call-outs. UFH systems typically have a guarantee of 10 years minimum, far beyond most radiators.

Efficiency

UFH runs at a lower temperature than radiators, meaning UFH is more energy efficient. By keeping the whole space warm and at a consistent temperature you won’t need to keep turning your heating up.
Using a programmable thermostat to only heat your home when you need to will cut energy costs and ensure you have a warm house waiting for you when you get home.

Reduces cold spots

As UFH heats the whole room to the same temperature, this reduces cold spots across large areas. Ideal for open-plan living spaces where wall space for radiators is limited. UFH will give your home a cosy, spa-like feeling of warmth.

Space-saving

UFH can remove the need for space-stealing radiators. If you have large open plan rooms in your home, wall space for traditional radiators is in high demand. UFH increases the available floor area of your home by 10-15% by replacing most if not all of your radiators.

Increase property value

Installing UFH can increase the property value of your home for all the benefits stated above, as well as adding a touch of luxury which will be attractive to future buyers

How much does it cost to run?

It would cost approximately £28-£35 per month to run underfloor heating on a 10m2 floor area for up to 4 hours per day. However, these underfloor heating running costs will vary depending on the size of your home, the floor space where the underfloor heating is, how well insulated the floor is, how often you have the system running, and your energy provider to name a few of the factors.

How much does it cost to install?

Expect to spend upwards of £120 per square metre for wet systems and from £50 per square metre for electric. Depending on the size of the space and the labour needed, expect to spend between £600-£8500.

Costs will depend on the type of underfloor heating you select, and you should bear in mind that electric systems are far less expensive to install for areas up to 20 square metres.

For wet underfloor heating, in a new-build you should expect to spend around £125 per square metre. For a renovation, this increases to around £160 per square metre.

The overall cost for your underfloor heating installation will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and age of your property, how many rooms require UFH, the size of the spaces requiring UFH, any additional labour required and the UFH system you choose to be installed.

Arrange a survey with us today and we will measure your floor space, discuss the different types of UFH system with you, discuss your needs and help you decide the best option for you. We will then quote for the entire process.

How to measure for an underfloor heating mat for your home

To install an underfloor heating mat in a room, the example below for a kitchen should hopefully help you measure the room correctly:
Guide to Underfloor Heating

The same principle applies for other rooms, like a bathroom. Calculate the total area of the room and subtract any bathroom furniture like your shower and bath, if you know the sizes. If you don’t know the size of your bathroom units, we will help you estimate.

Overall, installing UFH in your home maximises comfort and efficiency whilst potentially cutting costs in the long term.

Call us today to discuss installation and book a survey with
Croston Plumbing & Heating.

We offer installation of both wet and dry system UFH.