How much does an underfloor heating cost? Homeowners in the UK can typically expect to pay around £3,000-£13,000. In recent times, underfloor heating has certainly been effective. People often assume underfloor heating expenses are higher, which is a myth. In reality, underfloor heating saves on energy bills.
When connected to a boiler, underfloor heating is 25% more efficient than a radiator. It is 40% more efficient than a radiator when paired with a heat pump.
Underfloor heating evenly distributes heat and saves on utility charges. How much does it exactly cost in London? It depends on many factors. However, let’s delve into the detailed costing of underfloor heating.
What is Underfloor Heating?
Underfloor heating is a process of heating rooms with a network of pipes or cables laid underneath the floor. The warmth keeps the floor warm and the temperature rises above.
Unlike radiators, underfloor heating ensures even heating all over the room. You can choose an electric or a wet underfloor heating system, depending on the room size, insulation type, etc.
How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost in 2025?
Underfloor heating requires pipework and electrical work in London Homes. The cost of underfloor heating is usually uncertain. Each type of room condition will cost you an individual amount.
You may choose wet or electric underflooring. The costs are typically installation and running costs.
Whether it be underfloor heating installation for a new build or a retrofit building, here is an average underfloor heating cost breakdown in 2025:
Underfloor heating installation cost: new vs retrofit
Underfloor heating installation can be a DIY project with the help of an electrician. However, you should install a wet underfloor heating system by a licensed heating engineer.
Here are the average costs of new vs retrofit underfloor heating installation:
Underfloor heating Type | Installation Location | Cost Per m² |
Wet Underfloor Heating | New build | £85-£100 |
Retrofit | £95-£110 | |
Electric Underfloor Heating | New build | £50-£75 |
Retrofit | £60-£85 |
UFH installation cost by room type & size
Each room type and size has its own measurement. Some may be smaller, while others may be larger. Let’s peek under the floor heating installation cost by room type-
Room type | Size of the room(m²) | Electric Cost (per hour) | Wet Cost (per hour) |
Bathroom | 5m² | £0.12 | £0.07 |
Bedroom | 9m² | £0.22 | £0.12 |
Kitchen | 14m² | £0.34 | £0.18 |
Lounge | 20m² | £0.49 | £0.26 |
Underfloor heating installation cost by house type
Whether you’re planning for an underfloor heating installation for the house you live in or will move into, estimate an average budget.
Here is an approximate range, according to Checkatrade, that might change due to circumstances-
House Type | House Size | Electric Heating Cost | Water Heating Cost | ||
New Build | Retrofit | New Build | Retrofit | ||
Detached House | 140m² | £7000 | £8400 | £11900 | £13300 |
Semi-detached House | 90m² | £4500 | £5400 | £7650 | £8550 |
Terraced House | 75m² | £3750 | £4500 | £6375 | £7125 |
Underfloor heating running cost: electric system vs wet system
Once the installation is complete, the running costs for underfloor heating begin. Unlike installation costs, the running costs are higher for electric heating than water heating.
Underfloor heating running costs are vital, as they can save or cost you more in the long run. Let’s look at the hourly and yearly electric and wet underfloor heating costs.
Cost Type | Running Cost per hour | Running cost per year |
Electric Underfloor Heating | £2.90 | £2646 |
Wet Underfloor Heating | £2.10 | £1916 |
The Water heating running cost can be affected by the fuel type. Cost may vary for gas and electric boiler types. Here is the cost for a gas vs an electric boiler wet heating system-
Water Heating Fuel Type | Cost per kWh |
Gas heating | 6.04p |
Electric heating | 24.5p |
The Best Central Heating: Underfloor Heating vs Radiator
Choosing the right central heating can be tricky. Radiators have been a traditional heating tool for years. However, underfloor heating is an incredible technological gift that offers higher energy efficiency.
But how would you know whether underfloor heating is better or worse than a radiator? Here comes the comparison of pros, cons, and costs. Let’s discover which one is likely to be convenient:
Underfloor heating system
Underfloor heating distributes heat evenly, ensuring no temperature difference in different portions of a room. It uses low water temperature and costs less. Both electric and water heating systems are energy efficient.
i. Electric underfloor heating
Electric underfloor heating is powered by the mains electricity supply. It passes heat through loose cables(heating wires).
Pros:
- Easy to install.
- The installation and supply costs are low.
- Ideal for renovations and small rooms such as small kitchens or small bathrooms.
Cons:
- Higher running costs.
Cost:
Electric underfloor heating installation costs are £50-£75 for a new build and £60-£85 for a retrofit project. The electric heating running cost is £2.90 per hour.
ii. Wet underfloor heating
Gas boilers typically power underfloor water heating, though some may use an electric boiler. It uses low-temperature water, which reduces utility bills.
Pros:
- Ideal for suites, a large house, and new builds.
- Running costs are low.
- Saves money in the long run.
Cons:
- Higher installation cost.
Cost:
Wet underfloor heating installation costs are £85-£100 for a new build and £95-£110 for a retrofit project. On average, the running cost of water underfloor heating is £2.10 per hour.
Radiator heating system
Heating with a radiator is a traditional system. Radiators heat nearby air, and air spreads heat all over the room.
Pros:
- It can create a high heat.
- Suitable for all-sized houses.
Cons:
- Temperature fluctuates in different portions of a room.
- It uses high-temperature water, which affects the electricity bills.
Cost:
You can expect to pay around £3000 for the installation and supply. On average, the running cost is £2.10 per hour and £1916 per year.
How Long Does it Take to Install an Underfloor Heating?
The more complex a project is, the more time it takes. Depending on the underfloor heating type, installation supplies, and floor size, underfloor heating can take 2-3 days or more.
Here’s how long professionals may take for underfloor heating:
Underfloor Heating Type | In a New build Property | In a Retrofit Property |
Electric Underfloor Heating | 1-2 days | 2-3 days |
Water Underfloor Heating | 4-5 days | 5-7 days or more |
What Can Impact Underfloor Heating Cost?
Several factors can impact the underfloor heating expense. You must consider them when budgeting for underfloor heating.
Here are the factors to consider before budgeting:
Underfloor heating type
If you’re living in a large apartment or renovating your house, choose a wet heating system. Installation might cost a lot for a water heating system, but running costs are incredibly low.
You can also use electric underfloor heating in small houses or areas.
Insulation quality
Insulation is an essential part of underfloor heating. Poor insulation may cause heat loss, leading to higher running costs.
If the insulation is malfunctioning, it won’t allow the room to get even heating, and the heating speed will be slower. If additional insulation is required, the labour cost will increase.
Boiler type
In a water underfloor heating system, the boiler type matters as boilers power the heating. Gas boiler costs less than an electric or oil boiler. For gas boilers, you must hire a certified gas engineer.
Heating source
If a boiler powers the heating, it has to be near the boiler. Locating the boiler away from the heating manifold affects the costing. You can also choose a solar panel or a heat pump as the heating source.
Room size
Consider the room size, as pipework or heating wires have to lie on the floor. The larger the room, the more time it will take to install, leading to extra labour costs.
Supply type
In an electric underfloor heating system, loose heating wires cost 20% less than electric mats. A wrong supply can affect the underfloor heating.
How to Keep Underfloor Heating Economical?
Is underfloor heating too expensive? The answer is, it depends. If you are on a tight budget, you can utilise some tricky tips to save money. Here’s how you can keep underfloor heating economical-
Use a Smart Thermostat: A smart thermostat allows you to set the temperature range at your scheduled time. It helps reduce energy consumption and eventually lowers the heating cost.
Try Alternative Power Sources: You can use solar power to reduce energy costs instead of electricity. Heat pumps are also helpful for heating.
Insulate Properly: Check your floor insulation and insulate spaces where required. Remember, proper insulation reduces energy costs. If the insulation is improper, the underfloor heating or radiator will take longer to heat the room.
Use Low-Temperature Water Pressure: Try wet underfloor heating. It uses low-temperature water pressure and less energy.
Final thoughts
Underfloor heating provides warmth with even heat distribution. Budget your underfloor heating cost wisely. Wet underfloor heating with smart thermostat? That’s definitely worth it. For small rooms, you can choose an electric underfloor heating system.
We highly recommend hiring professional underfloor heating installers instead of trying DIY. Keep your walls free from mounted items, radiators, and bring even warmth to your cosy home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Underfloor Heating Cost in the UK
How much does it cost to install underfloor heating in the UK?
In the UK, underfloor heating typically requires £3000-£13000. However, you can calculate according to the hourly rates. Feel free to contact us for any queries or to estimate the probable cost according to your flooring condition.
Is it cheaper to run radiators or underfloor heating?
Wet underfloor heating is cheaper than radiators, while electric radiators are a bit more expensive. However, both kinds of underfloor heating are worth it.
Is underfloor heating expensive to run?
Electric underfloor heating? Yes, it is expensive due to electricity consumption. But wet underflooring is economical and convenient.
What is the most cost-effective way to run underfloor heating?
The most cost-effective way to run underfloor heating is using wet underfloor heating with a smart thermostat. Schedule temperatures wisely. Keep temperatures on when you’re sleeping and reduce temperature when you’re awake.
What is the lifespan of underfloor heating?
Wet underfloor heating lasts up to 50 years, and Electric underfloor heating lasts 30 or more. Their lifespans also depend on the maintenance.
What flooring is not suitable for underfloor heating?
Solid wood tiling, cork flooring, and specific vinyl flooring are unsuitable for underfloor heating. Thick carpets are also unsuitable as they resist heat from rising upwards to the floor.
What is a good temperature for underfloor heating?
In London homes at Westminster, South Bank, or Notting Hill, the floor temperature for underfloor heating should be within 21°C-27°C. If the floor material is hard, such as stone tiles, the maximum temperature can be 29°C. However, do not exceed 27°C if the flooring is softer or carpeted.