Underfloor Heating, Electric Underfloor Heating, Wet Underfloor Heating

Underfloor Heating On a Budget

underfloor heating renovation within new home in attic room

Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. How Much Does it Cost to Run Underfloor Heating?
  3. Cost to Run Wet Underfloor Heating System
    1. Installation Cost
    2. Pros
    3. Cons
  4. Cost to Run Electric Underfloor Heating System
    1. Installation Cost
    2. Pros
    3. Cons
  5. Conclusion

Introduction

An underfloor heating system is a real flex these days. Waking up to a heated floor and being able to aesthetically manage your space is only possible with a radiant heating system. On top of all these perks, it even offers you clean air, which is the biggest advantage for people with asthma and allergies.

All in all, It is an eco-friendly, energy-efficient and modern heating system.

With that said, a major question arises: how much does underfloor heating cost? And is it doable if you’re on a budget? 

The cost for wet and electric underfloor heating is measured per meter square covered on the floor. It depends on a series of factors like the type of property (new or renovated), the materials required, labour costs, and the area covered.

How Much Does it Cost to Run Underfloor Heating?

If we take a look at the ballpark figure, an underfloor heating system could cost between £30 for a small one-room project and £2,500 for a medium-sized project and £10,000 or more for a large-scale project.

This calculation is a rough estimate of installation, materials, and service charges from specialists like The Floor Heating Warehouse

There are two different types of underfloor heating systems — wet and electric, so the figures vary for both.

Cost to Run Wet Underfloor Heating System

The wet underfloor heating system transmits radiant warmth throughout a room by a network of pipes that pump temperature-regulated water across them. Those pipes are generally placed between or under the floors. 

The warm air is safe to inhale and the system is overall energy efficient, making it all the more appealing.  

The water underfloor heating installation cost is higher for retrofitting, so it is generally preferred for new-build homes. But, a lot more goes into the costs of installing a wet underfloor heating system. 

Installation Cost

Wet underfloor heating system installation for a new-build property will cost around £120 – £135 per square meter, while a renovated property will cost £135 – £185 per square meter. 

Keeping into account the per square meter figures,  the estimated cost for a small bathroom (5 meters per square) will be £600 – £925. The labour costs will be around £200 – £300 per day, whereas it takes 1-2 days to get the job done. 

For a medium-sized bathroom (10 meters per square), the supply costs will be £1200 – £1850, whereas the labour will cost £200 – £300 per day, and the whole process takes 2-3 days.

The estimated supply costs for a 10 meters per square kitchen will be £1200-£1850, whereas the labour will cost £200-£300 per day, and the whole installation process takes 3-5 days.

A large-sized 20 meters per square kitchen supplies will cost £2400 – £2700, while the labour cost for this particular project is around £200 – £300 per day, and this takes 3-5 days to finish.

Investing in wet underfloor heating systems pays off in the longer run, where you get to save big bucks on electricity bills because it is energy efficient and has a cheaper running cost. 

Pros

  • Energy efficient
  • A good option for large spaces
  • Budget-friendly for new-build properties
  • Cheaper running cost

Cons

  • Not for renovated properties

Cost to Run Electric Underfloor Heating System

The electric underfloor heating installation cost, including the material and labour, is not high, but considering the electricity prices, this system turns out to be expensive in the longer run.

It is generally preferred for small/one-room projects or for renovated buildings. 

This system uses less expensive materials, and the electric wires come attached to the heating mats that are majorly used in electric underfloor heating. Therefore, the initial costs are low, but the running costs are high, so it is generally chosen for bathrooms or small spaces.

Let’s have a detailed look at the costs involved.

Installation Cost

A ballpark estimate for an electric underfloor heating system for a new build property is £50 – £75 per meter square, while a renovation property costs £60 – £85 per meter square.

Taking this figure into consideration, a small bathroom (5 meters per square) will roughly cost £250 – £375. The labour costs will be around £200 – £300 per day, whereas it takes 1-2 days to get the job done. 

On the other hand, for a medium-sized bathroom (10 meters per square), the supply costs will be £500 – £750, whereas the labour will cost £200 – £300 per day, and the whole process takes 2-3 days.

Also, the estimated supply costs for a 10 meters per square kitchen will be £500-£750, whereas the labour will cost £200-£300 per day, and the whole installation process takes 3-5 days.

A large-sized 20 meters per square kitchen supplies will cost £1000 – £1500, while the labour cost for this particular project is around £200 – £300 per day, and this takes 3-5 days to finish.

The general estimates show a stark difference between the prices of both wet and electric underfloor heating systems. However, electricity prices are rapidly increasing, and choosing an electric underfloor heating system for a whole property is not a feasible option. 

Pros

  • Cheap installation cost
  • Takes up less space than wet underfloor heating
  • Good for small spaces that require heating for a short time
  • Easy to install and renovate

Cons

  • It can be expensive if not managed wisely
  • Difficult to find a spot that needs repairing

Conclusion

Choosing either of the underfloor heating systems is a personal choice, but if you’re on a budget, an electric underfloor heating system may be a viable option. However, it can be heavy on the pockets in the long run.

A wet underfloor heating system has high initial installation costs, but it proves to be pocket-friendly when it helps reduce electricity bills. We, at The Floor Heating Warehouse, provide free quotations for our customers and even help them choose the best possible heating option for their desired needs.