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The Cost of
Underfloor
Heating
In 2024

How much does underfloor heating cost in the UK? The cost of your underfloor heating project per m2 will depend heavily on the project being undertaken and the specific solution required. A standard screed solution in a new build project will often work out cheaper than a retrofit solution in a renovation project, as often more materials are required.

Underfloor Heating in New Build Properties

New build projects can benefit from underfloor heating, as it is simple and inexpensive to install whilst fitting neatly into the building schedule. Ground floors are typically constructed with a floor screed so our in-screed systems are a popular choice. Installation is often quick, which helps keep costs as low as possible.

Our AD-Clip in-screed solution starts from £253.49 for an area of 15m2. Adept in-screed heating is the Premier Heating Kit, including an A Rated Pump (if selected) and WRAS Approved 16mm PERT-AL-PERT Pipe.

Adept in-screed Heating Kits are all designed for a single zone, however can be adjusted with the use of any Adept or Heatmiser controls from within our store. Each Kit is designed to use 200mm centers using a 50mm Pipe clip. The Kits are designed to output 100w/m2.

Running costs

Water underfloor heating is highly efficient and offers around 25% more efficiency when compared with traditional radiators using a modern condensing boiler. This is down to the fact that when heat is emitted from an underfloor system, it is distributed more evenly and can therefore use water at a much lower temperature than a traditional radiator heating system. When your water underfloor heating is running from an Air Source or Ground Source Heat Pump it can be up to 40% more efficient than a traditional radiator heating system.

Find out more about new build underfloor solutions here

Underfloor Heating for Renovations

When it comes to supplying retrofit solutions for renovation projects, the cost is often higher due to more components being supplied such as pre-routed panels, self-levelling compound or specialist insulation.

If you’re avoiding the cost and hassle of digging up your pre-existing floor, then our AD-Slim range is the perfect solution. AD-Slim is the perfect solution for renovation projects, being only 18mm deep and able to have some floor finishes installed with no further layers. Our AD-Slim Water underfloor heating kits for an area covering 12m2 start from £809.49.

AD-Slim Lite is very similar to our AD-Slim solution, but instead of using Retrofix panels it uses 18mm EPS250, which is a more affordable alternative for those on a tighter budget. Our AD-Slim Lite water underfloor heating kit for an area covering 12m2 starts from £489.99.

If you’re only renovating one room, it would be worth considering an Electric solution like our Elektra Electric Heating Mat, which costs less that a water solution. We have a variety of electric heating mats that can be installed under a variety of floor finishes, be mindful however that the running costs for electric are far higher than water so avoid using these on bigger projects such as whole houses.

Running Costs

Water underfloor heating is highly efficient and offers around 25% more efficiency when compared with traditional radiators using a modern condensing boiler.

When your water underfloor heating is running from an Air Source or Ground Source Heat Pump it can be up to 40% more efficient than a traditional radiator heating system.

It can cost up to three or four times more to run electric underfloor heating over water underfloor heating. This is purely down to the fact that the cost of electric is higher than natural gas per kWh. It’s often easier and simpler to install Electric Underfloor heating, as there are fewer components that qualified engineers need to install. This means that the short-term cost of electric underfloor heating is much lower than water underfloor heating. The long-term cost of water underfloor heating, however, is much lower than electric underfloor heating.

Electric underfloor heating is a perfect solution for smaller spaces like kitchen renovations or bathrooms. It’s extremely rare to use electric underfloor heating for larger scale projects, purely due to the running costs.

Underfloor heating running costs: Warm water Vs Electric

ESTIMATED COST TO HEAT A ROOM PER YEAR WITH:

ROOM SIZE ELECTRIC UFH WARM WATER UFH COST SAVING OVER A YEAR
10m2 £453 £112 £341
20m2 £906 £224 £682
30m2 £1360 £336 £1024

The running costs have been based on a standard electricity price of £0.28 per kWh and a domestic natural gas price of £0.07 per kWh (correct as of October 2023, and is for guidance only).

Underfloor Heating Installation Costs

Once you have a price for your new build underfloor heating solution, the cost of having the system installed by a qualified heating and plumbing engineer needs to be considered. This is a difficult cost to estimate as depending on the area of the UK you’re having underfloor heating installed, and the size of the project, engineers and electricians will charge different rates accordingly.

In smaller or more straightforward projects, installing the underfloor heating yourself is an option. A qualifier plumber will still be required to set up the manifold, and commission the system, if you’re installing water underfloor heating. A qualified electrician must be used for cable testing and the wiring of the thermostats, if electric underfloor heating is being installed.

Comparisons of local trades and trade prices in your area, are readily available online.

How Much Does It Cost to Have Underfloor Heating Installed?

As a rough guide you can expect to pay anywhere between £60 to £90 per square metre for an electric underfloor heating installation. A water-based underfloor heating system you are looking at anywhere between £110 to £140 per square metre. There are ways to lower the cost of installation, especially if you are an avid DIYer.

At Uheat we are happy to give you a free quotation request on the supply of a bespoke underfloor heating solution. Feel free to get in touch with us today!