Under-floor heating runs at lower temperatures than radiators, making it cheaper and more energy-efficient. As such, installation is well worth considering, as it can cut heating bills by 15 to 20 percent.
Wet or dry system?
There are two types of under-floor heating: a ‘wet’ system and a ‘dry’ (electrical) system. The wet under-floor heating system can be installed beneath stone, tile, wood, and carpeted surfaces. With this option, a series of pipes connected to your boiler circulates hot water throughout the floor, heating the entire surface area. Although suitable for use beneath most floors, you must remember to leave enough space to fit the pipe work. This may mean that flooring will need to be elevated, and this is the reason why most water-based under-floor heating systems are installed with new floor constructions, where the floor can be built with enough room to support the pipe work.
According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), water-based under-floor heating is more energy efficient than radiators and therefore costs less to run. The reason for this is that heat is more evenly distributed and water is used at a lower temperature. However, it can be an expensive option, and you will need the services of a heating engineer or under-floor heating specialist to complete the installation. Be prepared to budget for several thousand pounds, depending on the system. With efficiency savings relatively low (around 3 percent or £20 a year on energy bills), water-based under-floor heating is ultimately the costlier option of the two.
For the dry under-floor heating system, a series of electric wires are fitted beneath the flooring, usually on top of a layer of screed to ensure the surface is completely flat, plus a layer of floor insulation that keeps the heat travelling upwards rather than downwards into the ground. Electrically heated floors are compatible with nearly all types of flooring materials. The system is also easier, cheaper and quicker to install than the wet heating system.
However, if you’re tackling this job yourself, you will need a qualified electrician to connect the system to the mains supply, as well as fitting a sensor to the thermostat. The thermostat will, of course, enable you to control the temperature as you please and turn the system on or off. It’s worth noting that the EST does not recommend the dry system of under-floor heating for large floor areas, as this will make the system expensive to run—especially as this system is not beneficial to use in conjunction with an off-peak electricity tariff.
Cost effective
In terms of cost, electric under-floor heating is cheaper to install than a wet system, with heating ‘mats’ starting from around £60 per square metre. For example, the Philex Under-floor Heating Kit is currently priced at £55.99 per square metre from Screwfix. You will then need to include the cost of insulation board, screed and heating controls, as well as a labour charge for the work of the electrician. However, if you are a confident DIY-er, you should be able to lay a ready-to-roll electric mat yourself, making a saving on this particular cost.
Phil’s Top Tip
‘Under-floor heating is ideal for conservatories. Conservatories tend not to have much wall space to accommodate radiators, making under-floor heating more practicable and aesthetically pleasing. Remember, to comply with Part L of the building regs you must install controls that can switch off the under-floor heating system when it is not needed, ensuring you save energy.’
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