Underfloor Heating Installation: Is it Right for Your Home?

Underfloor heating installation: How does it work?

There are two types of underfloor heating. One uses warm water pumped through underfloor pipes (a ‘wet’ system) while the other uses a network of electric coils under the floor (a ‘dry’ system).

The warmth generated under the floor is radiated into the room, taking advantage of the basic principle that heat rises.

Underfloor heating installation: The pros and cons

Underfloor heating installation has both advantages and disadvantages, and you should consider both before deciding whether to make the switch.

Underfloor heating installation: The pros

• It heats rooms efficiently: Underfloor heating distributes heat evenly around the room. Radiators heat the area immediately around them first, resulting in cold spots further away. Because of this, radiators have to work harder and operate at a higher temperature to heat the room effectively.

• It gives you more space: With underfloor heating you can do away with radiators, giving you more wall space and design freedom. Whatever your style, you’ll be able to decorate the room exactly as you want without having to plan around bulky or unsightly radiators.

• It may increase the value of your home: Underfloor heating is associated with luxury and high-spec living, so it may attract buyers looking for a premium property if you decide to sell your house.

• It works with all types of flooring: Underfloor heating is incredibly versatile in terms of floor coverings. It works well with wood, stone, concrete, laminate, tile, carpet and more.

Underfloor heating installation: The cons

• It can be expensive: Underfloor heating installation often requires a large initial outlay. The amount you pay will depend on the system you choose and the number and size of the rooms you want to install it in, but installation costs may run into the thousands. For this reason, lots of people choose to install it when they’re having other building work done, or building a new property. In fact, according to research by Which?, 52% of underfloor heating owners had it installed because they were having building work done anyway.

• It takes longer to heat a room: Because underfloor heating systems operate at lower temperatures than radiators, they take longer to heat up the whole room. Combining the system with a timer can help to combat this.

• It can restrict what you put on top of it: There are some fittings and items of furniture that you can’t put on top of underfloor heating, so it may restrict the way you arrange your home.

• It may increase the floor height: Some underfloor heating systems require the floor to be raised by a few centimetres. While this is unlikely to make much of a noticeable difference, it may not be ideal if you already have low ceilings.

Underfloor heating installation: Is it right for me?

The main advantage of underfloor heating installation is the extra comfort and luxury it adds to your home. It heats whole rooms efficiently and consistently, and is lovely and toasty to walk on.

Unlike radiators it’s completely out of sight, so it’s great for people who favour a clean, minimalist look.

The high initial cost may be off-putting, but since the majority of the costs involved come with installation it’s perfect if you’re having renovation work done anyway.