Is Electric Or Water Underfloor Heating Best For My Home?

You may hear electric underfloor heating referred to as dry underfloor heating. This type of underfloor heating works by producing radiant heat through electric heating wires or heating mats installed under the floor. These are connected via the mains electricity supply and when turned on, will warm the surface of the floor. This results in generating and releasing radiant heat. Electric underfloor heating systems are controlled via thermostats. 

Electric underfloor heating kits are the more budget-friendly of options to buy when compared to water systems. City Plumbing sells Prowarm electric underfloor heating mats that start from as little as £80 for 1.0m2 and range upwards to around £400 for 12.0m2. 

Electric underfloor heating kits can be installed by homeowners as DIY projects and aren't overly difficult to do for those who have some basic DIY experience and knowledge. However,  some people prefer to use professional services when installing these systems. This service cost will need to be factored in when budgeting. It’s also worth noting that for the final connection to the mains, it’s essential to acquire the services of a Part P registered electrician.

Checkatrade suggests that the average estimated cost of installing electric underfloor heating totals around £800 for 10m2.

Many homeowners ask, ‘is electric underfloor heating expensive to run?’ And, with energy prices still at some of their highest, it's understandable that any heating system run on electricity is going to have some queries about its daily costs. Yet, based on a kWh cost of 29.24p, the average bathroom 2.5msq would cost £10.57 per month to run with average usage.

An electric underfloor heating system takes around just 20 to 30 minutes to reach the desired temperature and therefore fully heat a room.

Electric underfloor heating costs may well be a little higher than water underfloor heating costs. However, a huge advantage of an electric system is its speedier response time when heating a room. This means a reduction in wastage for those unused rooms where central heating systems are current. 

Water underfloor heating is also known as wet underfloor heating or hydronic. This type is also referred to by many as a Roman heating system with modern-day pipes. Water underfloor heating works using a network of pipes all installed beneath the floor. These pipes work to pump warm water through the pipework via a manifold and to all the rooms serviced by the underfloor heating system. With separate circuits used for different zones and connected to the central manifold, the manifold is then fed by the property’s primary heat source. Air source or ground source heat pumps are also good options for use as a heat source when increasing the system's efficiency further.

Water underfloor heating kits may be the costlier choice when buying compared to electric systems. However, City Plumbing offers a superb selection of water underfloor heating kits that you’ll find available from as little as £470 for 10m2 with larger projects around £4400 for 200m2.

Water underfloor heating kits should ideally be installed by those qualified and competent at plumbing. So this will need to be taken into account when considering costs. Checkatrade suggests the average estimated cost of installing water underfloor heating will total around £1200 for 10m2.

Fortunately, water underfloor heating costs are undeniably better than electric underfloor heating here. Though it may be the more expensive option to install, those lower running costs offset any initial outlay.  Water underfloor heating systems may take longer to heat to full temperature when compared to electric UFH systems. But when the set temperature is reached, they are able to retain the heat for longer. Offering a powerful output, water underfloor heating is the more cost-effective option when running long-term. Again, with energy prices at their highest for electric tariffs, currently electric underfloor heating systems will understandably be slightly higher than water systems.

The best underfloor heating system will ultimately be the one that suits your specific needs. So, if you have a large space you want to heat or several rooms in the home, then a water based system is a good option for you. 

Yet, if you just want to heat a small room or indeed require a swift installation process with little disruption, then an electric system might suit your needs better. 

Ultimately, underfloor heating systems are energy-efficient and improved choices when compared to many conventional radiators. Thus, they’re a solid long-term investment that can help you create a most energy-efficient home.

If you're looking for further help on choosing the best underfloor heating system, contact our Renewables Team at City Plumbing. Experts in the latest energy-efficient technologies, we're perfectly placed to help homes and businesses make the smooth transition to renewable technology.