Underfloor heating is popular as part of a renovation or in a new extension, but what are the pros and cons of underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating means you don’t need to find space for cumbersome radiators, and your feet will be toasty. The question is whether it is cost-effective and energy efficient.
This guide will explore the advantages and disadvantages of installing underfloor heating.
How to decide if underfloor heating is right for you
The problem with underfloor heating is that it is not easy to install without considerable disruption. It can be expensive to put in and requires plenty of upheaval.
It is vital to weigh up the benefits, such as warming cold floors like tiles or stone, against the cost. Also, think about whether it is suitable for your rooms.
In its favour, underfloor heating certainly provides a sleek solution to heating, with no radiators cluttering rooms.
Pros and Cons of Underfloor Heating
We will look at the advantages and disadvantages in more detail here so you can decide for yourself whether underfloor heating is suitable for your home. We will also answer some of the most commonly asked questions about it.
For more information, you can see what underfloor heating owners said about their systems in recent Which reviews.
Where can I fit underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating can be fitted in most types of properties, but because of the upheaval, most people choose to switch to underfloor heating during a renovation or when extending their homes.
It can be fitted under most types of flooring. It is most popular in kitchens and bathrooms where hard floors such as tiles or LVT (luxury vinyl) are used.
Is it expensive to install underfloor heating?
There are two types of underfloor heating: electric or water.
Water heating involves laying pipework that requires additional space below the flooring. This makes it more expensive to install than electric heating.
Electric heating is cheaper to install but generally costs more than water heating to run. Electric heating is far more popular than water heating and can be easily fitted under flooring by a competent DIYer, provided a qualified electrician connects it.
Installing underfloor heating in a larger area can be very costly, especially where it is being fitted retrospectively. You may need to include the cost of replacing flooring and building work to raise the flooring height for water pipes.
Pros and Cons of Water Underfloor Heating
- Water underfloor heating is best suited to larger areas as the running costs will be significantly lower, but the initial costs will be higher.
- Water pipes are slower to reach their heat but retain heat for longer, meaning you can switch the heating off sooner to economise.
- Water heating can be integrated into existing heating sources and include sustainable sources such as heat pumps.
- Water heating can be more challenging to install as more space is required, and floor levels may need to be heightened.
Electric Underfloor Heating Pros and Cons
- Electric underfloor heating is less expensive to install, but as running costs are higher, it is more suited to smaller rooms such as bathrooms.
- Electric systems heat up faster than water systems but will cool down quickly once switched off.
- Electric systems are easier to install and less disruptive.
What if my underfloor heating goes wrong?
Many customers worry about how they will deal with any faults in their underfloor heating. It is a concern that you would need to remove the flooring to deal with any issues.
An essential way to avoid problems is to have your system installed professionally. A good fitter will ensure you have chosen a system that meets your needs and is installed correctly to industry standards.
Underfloor heating is not prone to faults as the parts are protected under the floor.
However, diagnosing a fault is a specialist job. An engineer can identify defects within a small area, so they only need to lift a single tile to carry out a repair.
Engineers use a thermal camera to find problems in a water underfloor heating system.
Using a company like Roma Heating means you are assured professional service and qualified technicians to oversee your installation or repairs.
Can I have a thermostat with underfloor heating?
All underfloor heating systems can be programmed with a simple thermostat or a smart device. You can have a single room controlled by a separate thermostat to your main central heating system or have an integrated approach.
Temperature control maximises efficiency and provides flexibility in choosing when your heating is required.
Is underfloor heating better than radiators?
Underfloor heating is more streamlined than radiators as it frees up wall space, but can it provide enough heat?
To heat a whole house rather than an individual room with no additional heat source, you will need to apply the following rules:
- For an electric system, you will need 200W per square metre
- Between 80 and 90% of your floor space will need to be covered by underfloor heating.
- All floor coverings must be suitable for underfloor heating and have a low thermal resistance.
- You will need insulation fitted under your heating to ensure you do not lose heat downwards.
- You will need to turn the temperature of your underfloor heating higher than if it is a supplementary heating system.
Underfloor heating is most suited to individual rooms or modern homes that are very well insulated. Older properties will lose heat via external walls and usually require another heat source, such as radiators.
How efficient is underfloor heating?
Electric underfloor heating is generally more costly to run than gas central heating. However, several factors make a difference.
- Underfloor heating runs at a lower temperature than radiators. Generally, around 35°C compared to over 55°C in radiators.
- Underfloor heating heats a more extensive area than radiators which heat the space around them.
- Underfloor heating provides a consistent temperature compared to radiators which distribute heat more slowly around a room.
- The efficiency of underfloor heating is dictated by the system chosen, flooring, insulation and the size of the room.
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