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Underfloor heating costs and installation
The amount you will pay for underfloor heating varies dramatically depending on the type you choose and how you have it installed.
We consulted the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to understand the average underfloor heating installation cost.
We also asked Which? members who have underfloor heating to tell us how the running costs of underfloor heating have affected their energy bills.
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Underfloor heating installation cost
There are two types of underfloor heating: electric underfloor heating (which is cheaper to buy and install); and water underfloor heating (which is cheaper to run).
Our prices include the cost of buying and installing a standard underfloor heating system complete with levelling screed but excluding floor finishes.
Electric underfloor heating installation cost
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| House type (floor area) | Number of rooms | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced (23.5m2) | 3 | ||
| Semi-detached (41.5m2) | 4 | ||
| Detached (65m2) | 5 |
Table notes: Data copyright RICS 2023, reproduced with permission. Data is correct as of December 2023.
Water underfloor heating installation cost
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| House type (floor area) | Number of rooms | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced (23.5m2) | 3 | ||
| Semi-detached (41.5m2) | 4 | ||
| Detached (65m2) | 5 |
Table notes: Data copyright RICS 2023, reproduced with permission. Data is correct as of December 2023.
Electric underfloor heating is generally slightly cheaper to install than water underfloor heating.
This is because it is easier to install - it doesn't require any plumbing. Compotent DIYers may even chose to install electric underfloor heating themselves.
Read more about the pros and cons of underfloor heating in our guide
Underfloor heating running costs
The price of running your underfloor heating will vary significantly depending on factors such as the level of insulation in your home and the type of electric heating you have (more on this below).
The prices below are a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay.
Electric underfloor heating running costs
In order to estimate the price of an electric underfloor heating system, multiply the cost of electricity by the amount of watts your system uses.
Between April and June 2024, the electricity price cap is set at 24.5p per kWh. This means electricity costs approximately 0.0245p per kW.
If you have a 150W system in an 10m2 room, then your system uses 1,500kW of electricity per hour.
1,500kW x 0.0245p = 36.75p per hour.
Here are some example costs for an 150W electric underfloor heating using the above equation.
| House type (floor area) | Number of rooms | Daily price | Monthly price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced (23.5m2) | 3 | £2.59 | £77.73 |
| Semi-detached (41.5m2) | 4 | £4.57 | £137.26 |
| Detached (65m2) | 5 | £7.31 | £219.38 |
Table notes: Assumes 3 hours a day usage, and a 30 day month. Data correct as of June 2024.
Water underfloor heating running costs
It is much harder to estimate the running costs of an underfloor heating system because they are more complex than electric systems.
However, they are significantly cheaper to run than electric floors - costing around 1/3 of the price.
Note that they also stay warmer for longer than electric heating systems, as the hot water remains in the pipes even after the system switches off.
Based on estimates from underfloor heating manufacturers, we've calculated that the annual running costs for water underfloor heating for a 10m2 room are between £45 - £80.
However, you will need to consult a professional to get a clear idea of what it will cost in your home.
Learn more about how electric heating works in our guide to electric underfloor heating
Which? readers' underfloor heating costs
In December 2021, we asked Which? members with underfloor heating how much they spent on installation and running costs.
Log in or join Which? to see how much Which? readers report spending.
See our guide to water underfloor heating for more information on wet heating systems
Factors that affect the price of running and installing underfloor heating
As well as the type of heating you install, there are a number of other factors that can affect the cost of installing and running underfloor heating, which we've summarised below.
Insulation
It is really important to install insulation below your underfloor heating system in order to prevent the heat escaping down into the floor.
It is more expensive to install high-quality insulation, but this will save you money in the long-term because your system will be more efficient - and therefore cheaper to run.
Heating source
If you're getting a water system, it will need to be connected to whatever powers your heating (for example, a boiler). The cost of installation will likely be higher if your heating system is far away from the room the underfloor heating is being installed in, or it's difficult to run pipes to it.
The efficiency of your heating source will also determine the cost of running your heating, with more efficient heaters resulting in a cheaper system.
Bear in mind that there is a chance that you will need adjustments made to your boiler or, in some cases, even need a brand new system if your current one is old and inefficient.
Multi-zone heating
The cost of underfloor heating could be higher if you want multi-zone heating – where the underfloor heating is zoned off to specific parts of a room, or is fitted in more than one room – as it will mean more pipework and thermostats.
These larger systems will also be more expensive to run.
Also, if you're having water underfloor heating, keep in mind that the number of zones you have is likely to have an affect the size and cost of the manifold (the connection that links the water underfloor heating to your central heating system)
Floor structure
The more that needs doing to make your floor suitable, the more it will cost to install your underfloor heating.
If you want to have heating installed in an older property, the floors will have to be removed and re-installed. In addition, the floor may have to be elevated to make room for the heating - make sure that you check if your ceilings are high enough to allow for this.
It is much easier to install underfloor heating in a home as it is being built or refurbished.
Considering other heating options? Check out our gas and electric stove advice guides
Installing underfloor heating yourself
You may be tempted to keep costs down by installing underfloor heating yourself. Whether this is a good idea depends on your DIY experience and the type of underfloor heating. Electric systems are fairly straightforward to lay for confident DIY-ers (though you'll need an qualified electrician to wire the system up to your electricity supply). Water systems can be complicated, though, so we'd recommend using a professional.
Regardless of the type of system you're thinking of, we'd suggest getting a professional in to look at the floor type and assess what's needed to make it level and insulated, before going ahead. This should ensure you have the right heating system for your needs.
If you do install underfloor heating yourself, make sure you get clear installation instructions from the company you're buying it from, and follow them closely. That way you're less likely to damage the system. And test it thoroughly to make sure it's working properly before you lay the flooring over the top.
Where to buy underfloor heating
If you're having underfloor heating professionally installed, the trader may take the lead on sourcing and supplying the equipment required. If you're installing it yourself, or buying your own kit for a professional to install, there are a number of retailers that sell underfloor heating, including both specialist heating stores and plumbing and DIY stores.
Remember that prices will vary depending on your home's existing insulation, the type and size of room, how much work needs to be done to prepare the floor, and the flooring you'll be laying on top.
If you're shopping online, make sure you know your rights and only hand over your money to reputable retailers
Here is a selection of popular retailers that stock underfloor heating:
- Amazon - Sells a variety of underfloor heating products, including kits for electric and water systems, electric underfloor hearing mats, and thermostats.
- Screwfix - Offers a selection of water and electric underfloor heating equipment, plus thermostats and insulation boards.
- The Underfloor Heating Store - This underfloor heating specialist sells a wide range of electric and water systems, thermostats and insulation boards.
- Toolstation - Sells a selection of wet and electric underfloor heating equipment.
- Topps Tiles - Offers electric underfloor heating and thermostats designed primarily for use under tiled floors.
- Victorian Plumbing - Its range mainly comprises electric underfloor heating and thermostats.
- Wickes - Stocks electric underfloor heating wires and mats, primarily from manufacturer ProWarm, plus insulation.
Discover which retailers are rated highly by Which? members with our guide to the best and worst shops
Underfloor heating FAQ
Can you fit underfloor heating in old houses?
Yes you can – underfloor heating can be fitted in any home. However, in properties with low energy efficiency - for example those with single glazing and no insulation - it's unlikely that it will be able to act as the only form of heating.
The first thing to do is to how to draught proof your home.
If you do carry out additional work to improve how well the house retains heat, such as fitting loft insulation and modern glazing, you shouldn't need to use multiple sources of heating.
Do you need planning permission to install underfloor heating?
In most cases, no. However, if your home is a listed or a historically significant property, it's worth checking your plans with a qualified surveyor or architect. This is an additional expense you might need to consider.
If you're installing underfloor heating into a new room, work will need to conform to building regulations.
What type of flooring is best for underfloor heating?
Most types of flooring are fine to use on top of underfloor heating, including vinyl, laminate and tiles. But some, such as natural stone, are even better as they naturally conduct heat. This means the floor will feel warm more quickly and will retain the warmth for longer. Bear in mind that natural stone will cost more than man-made tiles.
Types of floor that may not be compatible with underfloor heating include:
- Wood: If you have real wood floors, it's worth checking with the manufacturer what the maximum temperature is that the wood can take – it's typically 27°C. Temperatures that are too high can warp and shrink the flooring, especially if the moisture content of the wood is high. Engineered wooden or laminate floors are a generally a better choice.
- Carpet: Although carpet isn't the most efficient floor covering on top of underfloor heating, as it will take time for the heat to get through, it can still be used. To get the best out of it, keep the combined tog value of the underlay and carpet below 2.5.
- Concrete: If you want exposed concrete floors, make sure you don't use this to encase the underfloor heating system. Both water and electric systems should be installed within a layer of screed, not concrete, as sharp aggregate can damage the system. It's also worth keeping in mind that concrete will take longer to warm up, but will retain the heat for longer.
If you're considering new flooring check out our carpet guides and wood flooring guides
This article uses insights from the Which? Connect panel, collected from research activities with our members. Find out how to get involved