Wet Underfloor Heating vs Electric Underfloor Heating: Which Is Best for You?

Comparing Wet and Electric Underfloor Heating Systems

	Electric	Wet
Installation Cost	The installation prices are lower than installing a wet system	Wet system is more expensive to install, but it compensates for lower running costs.
Running Cost	It is costlier than the wet system due to tariff prices	It has a more pocket-friendly long-term running cost than an electric system.
Pros	Perfect for small area Perfect to use with solar or wind panels Cheap installation cost	Has more strength than electric UFH Can be run on renewable energy Retains heat well
Cons	High running cost. Cools down quickly	Difficult to install High upfront cost

Introduction

In 2022, underfloor heating is the most viable option for heating your homes. It looks good, it is easy on the pocket, and it gives ample room to arrange the furniture, unlike the radiators. And best of all, it gives clean and environment-friendly warm air that is safe for people with allergies and asthma.

There are broadly two types of underfloor heating systems: wet and electric. Both of them have their sets of pros and cons. Hence, it is a tough choice to decide between the two. 

Here, our team at The Floor Heating Warehouse has compared the features of wet underfloor heating and electric underfloor heating to help you make a choice. 

The Differences Between Wet and Electric Underfloor Heating

Both systems serve a single purpose, that is, to heat a room or a house, but they are entirely different. They have their own pros and cons and differences, so let’s have a look at those.

Installation Cost

The installation costs vary for both the systems and the scale of a project determines whether you require the services of a plumber or a professional. While some of the installations are DIY, others may require professional labour, costing up to £100-£200 per hour.

A wet underfloor heating system costs around £120-£135 per meter square for newly built properties while £135-£185 per meter square for renovated properties. 

On the other hand, an electric underfloor heating system costs £50-£75 per meter square new build property while £60-£85 per meter square for a renovated property. 

Running Cost

The running cost for an electric underfloor heating system is higher than that of a wet underfloor heating system because electricity is expensive, and this results in enormous bills. 

A wet underfloor heating system is 25% more efficient than radiators when connected with a boiler and it gives 40% more efficiency when linked with a heat pump.  

On the contrary, an electric underfloor heating system is quite expensive, and it is three to four times more costlier than a wet underfloor heating system. 

According to the standard electricity price of £0.24 per kWh and a domestic natural gas price of £0.05 per kWh, the running cost for an electric underfloor heating system for a 10-meter square room is £384. Whereas, a 20-meter square and 30-meter square size room will have a running cost of £768 and £1,152, respectively. For electric UFH. 

On the other hand, the running cost for a 10-meter square, a 20-meter square, and a 30-meter square size room will be £80, £160, and £239, respectively, for a wet UFH. 

There’s a stark difference in both the systems’ running costs. So, a wet UFH may have a high installation cost, but it turns out to be fruitful in the longer run. 

An electric UFH may not cost much during the installation, but it makes a hole in the pocket a few months down the line.

Installation Time

Installing both wet and electric underfloor heating is an easy task, and it can be achieved in a maximum of three to five days. The only care required is that of a professional; these systems are technical, and they need to be installed by skilled professionals.

This is where the Floor Heating Warehouse provides top-notch customer service and a free quotation option that will help you make a choice with ease. 

A wet underfloor heating system takes longer to install than an electric underfloor heating system. There are generally four steps involved that take so much time. First is the test of the system, next is a test of the pressure and flow of water, and then there’s waiting for the screed to dry to set the layer of the floor. 

An electric underfloor heating system is quick and easy and takes about 30 minutes to finish. There’s no overhauling of the floor or the screed drying, so it’s quicker than wet UFH. An Electric UFH uses techniques like Sticky mats or an Eco film or Ecofoil electric system that are easy to apply.

Project Type

No doubt, underfloor heating is the most energy-efficient and modern heating system, but the project type determines the system you should install in your house.

An Electric UFH is ideal for a property undergoing renovation because it does not require overhauling of the floor. It can be easily installed on existing floors. There’s no need to scrape off the floor, lay down the electric cable system, or wait for the screed to dry. 

The heating mats can be easily glued within 30 minutes. 

On the other hand, a wet UFH is a perfect fit for newly built properties because, in renovated properties,  it requires a lot of overhauling and laying down screed and then waiting for it to dry. After that, a new floor is fixed, so that’s a lot of work required. 

A wet UFH can be easily installed throughout a new-build home, and that won’t be costly either. 

Wrap Up

Both systems are equally efficient. They just serve different purposes so you have to assess which one is better for your desired requirement. 

That is all from the team at The Floor Heating Warehouse. 

Hopefully, we have answered all the questions about the wet and electric underfloor heating systems. We’ve tried to cover as many points as possible to help you make a choice. 

Even if you have a particular query, you can start a chat with us and have your questions answered by a professional team member.