Electric Underfloor Heating Installation: The Ultimate Expert Guide

Tired of cold floors and bulky radiators? Electric underfloor heating could be the simple upgrade your home needs.

Are you experiencing central heating allergy symptoms and need a viable solution? Electric underfloor heating could be the ultimate central heating system that you need for your home now. But what is underfloor heating, how does it work, how can it be easily integrated into the home, and conclusively, will you save money in the long run? In this article, we will answer all of these questions in more in regards to electric underfloor heating installations, with advice from the experts. Whether you’re renovating or planning a new build, this guide will help you decide what’s right for your home.

Key Points:

• Understand how electric underfloor heating works
• Learn the pros and cons of DIY vs professional installation
• Explore the types of electric underfloor heating systems
• Find out what tools, materials, and insulation are needed
• Step-by-step installation process for all skill levels

What is Electric Underfloor Heating?

Electric underfloor heating is a modern heating solution that uses a network of electrical wires or mats to warm a room from the floor upwards. Unlike radiator systems, which heat the air around them and can often leave cold spots, underfloor heating creates a consistent and even warmth throughout the designated heating space.

It’s most commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms but is suitable for any room in the house. The magic of underfloor heating lies in its ability to be hidden from view – watch in amazement as your house guests wonder how your home remains warm without the presence of dusty radiators taking up your wall space!

Electric underfloor heating systems are especially popular in new builds and renovations where energy-efficient heating is of the utmost concern. Since it doesn’t rely on a water-based boiler, it’s also easier to install in spaces where plumbing work would be more complex.

How Does Electric Underfloor Heating Work?

Electric underfloor heating kits are made up of heating resistance cables that warm up when electricity passes through them. These cables are either embedded in mats or laid out as loose wires underneath the floor surface. As the heat radiates upwards, it warms the floor covering and the room above.

The system is controlled by a thermostat, which can be manually adjusted or programmed to maintain your desired temperature. Some setups also come with smart features, letting you control underfloor heating from your phone.

Types of Electric Underfloor Heating Systems

There are a few different types of electric underfloor heating, each suited to different flooring types and room layouts:

• Electric heating mats – Ideal for use under laminate, vinyl, or carpet. Often aluminium-lined for even heat distribution.
• Standard heating mats – Designed for larger, regularly shaped rooms. These mats are pre-spaced for faster installation.
• Inscreed cable systems – Installed within a layer of screed (concrete), making them more suitable for new builds or large-scale renovations.
• Loose wire systems – Great for small or awkwardly shaped rooms as they can be laid flexibly around objects.

Is Electric Underfloor Heating Easy to Install?

Electric underfloor heating installations are relatively straightforward, especially with mat-based systems. Many DIYers find that they can manage much of the work themselves, particularly when working in smaller spaces. However, there are situations where installations can be more complex, therefore needing an expert approach.

For example, if you’re working in a space with high heat loss—like a room with large windows or a tiled floor—more powerful systems are often required. These involve laying individual cables, which can be more time-consuming and require careful planning.

Another thing to keep in mind is electrical safety. The final connection to the mains must be completed by a qualified electrician, even if you’ve done the prep work yourself.

Electric Underfloor Heating Installation – What You Need

Before you start installing your electric underfloor heating system, it’s important to plan appropriately. This will help you avoid common underfloor heating problems like cold patches, system failures, or wasted energy.

Floor Levels and Insulation

The first thing to consider is the floor height. Electric underfloor heating adds depth to the floor, so you’ll need to plan around this—especially in rooms with low ceilings or door thresholds.

Insulation backer boards are highly recommended. These sit beneath the heating cables or mats and help stop heat escaping downwards. Without them, you may experience problems with underfloor heating not reaching your desired temperature or taking too long to warm up.

Even if retrofitting underfloor heating, you will need to rip up your current flooring, which will need to be handled with extreme care, hence why you need to know about how to safely lift tongue and groove flooring, for example.

Materials You’ll Need

A standard electric underfloor heating kit will usually include:

• Heating cables or mats
• Primer and fixing tape
• A digital or manual thermostat
• Power supply cables
• Backer boards (optional but recommended)

Some systems may also include probes and sensors to help regulate floor temperature. If these aren’t included, they can be purchased separately.

Expert tip: Avoid using low-quality materials or skipping items like insulation boards in the ordering process. Cheap or incomplete kits often lead to uneven heating or system faults later on. Read further to understand how to install electric underfloor heating insulation boards.

Tools to Get the Job Done

To install the system safely and correctly, keep the following tools to hand:

• Stanley knife or sharp scissors for cutting mats to size
• Tape measure to mark your layout
• Tile adhesive for bonding mats to the floor
• Levelling compound to create an even surface
• Joint tape for sealing insulation boards
• Score and snap knife for shaping boards

Having the right tools at hand not only speeds up installation but helps avoid damage to heating cables.

Other Things to Think About Before Installation

Before starting your electric underfloor heating installation, consider the following:

• Do you need to upgrade your power supply for larger areas?
• Are there any objects (like furniture or kitchen units) that will block the heat?
• Have you planned where the thermostat and sensor will go?

Electric Underfloor Heating Installation – Step-by-Step 

Now that you have the tools and materials equipped, you can begin constructing the electric underfloor heating system using these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Measure the Area

Take accurate measurements of the room that you want to add your electric underfloor heating to; subtract areas where heating isn’t needed. Leave a 40–50mm gap from the edges of the room.

Create a simple floor sketch that includes (depending on the room type):

• The room’s dimensions
• Areas where heating won’t be needed (e.g., under appliances or fixed furniture)
• The power source location
• Any key placements like where thermostats and probes will go
• Avoid placing heating mats under cupboards, washing machines, or heavy furniture, as these block airflow and can cause the system to overheat

Step 2: Lay the Insulation

Adding appropriate electric underfloor heating insulation boards beneath your heating system will make the floor warm up faster and keep energy costs down.

Step 3: Locate the Power Source

Find the nearest electrical supply and cut a small channel in the wall to feed through the power cables.

Step 4: Test the Heating Cables

Before installing, use a multimeter to check resistance levels and ensure the cables are working properly.

Step 5: Lay the Mat

Begin unrolling the electric underfloor heating mat and stick the heating mat to the floor. Be sure to avoid overlapping or sharp bends in the wire.

Step 6: Install the Temperature Probe

Place the underfloor heating probe close to the centre of the heating area and secure it with tape. This helps the thermostat regulate temperature accurately.

Step 7: Final Testing

Run another resistance test to confirm everything’s working before you apply the final floor finish.

Taking the time to follow each step carefully will help you to ensure that the electric underfloor heating system performs as efficiently as possible.

How Much Does Electric Underfloor Heating Installation Cost?

The total cost of electric underfloor heating installation depends on a few key factors: the type of system, the floor size, and the layout of the room. Mats are generally quicker and easier to install, which can reduce labour time and cost. Loose wire systems, whilst often used for awkward spaces or bathrooms, may take longer and increase the price.

On average, installing electric underfloor heating can range from £200 for smaller rooms to several thousand pounds for large open-plan spaces. This includes the heating kit, insulation, thermostat, and any professional installation costs.

Running costs will vary depending on how often the system is used, your room’s insulation, and the electricity rate in your area. Using thermostats for underfloor heating and laying insulation boards under the heating system can help make it more efficient to run.

For a more in-depth analysis, view our guide on how much does underfloor heating cost per m2.

Best Flooring for Installing Electric Underfloor Heating

Some flooring types work better with underfloor heating than others. For best results, choose flooring finishes with good heat conductivity. These allow the heat to transfer efficiently into the room above.

Recommended best flooring for underfloor heating:

• Ceramic or porcelain tiles – Very responsive to heat
• Polished concrete – Holds and distributes warmth evenly
• Engineered wood – More stable than solid wood when heated
• Vinyl and laminate – Compatible with most systems, but check the product guidelines

Carpet can be used, but it needs to have a combined tog rating of 2.5 or less (including the underlay). Anything thicker can trap heat, reducing the electric underfloor system’s efficiency.

If you’re using timber or suspended floors, always use the correct insulation and backer boards to stop heat escaping and avoid damage to the heating cables.

Check out these other guides for installing underfloor heating on these floor types:

• Best tiles for underfloor heating
• Laminate flooring for underfloor heating
• Underfloor heating on floorboards
• Underfloor heating on concrete floors

Should You DIY or Hire a Professional?

You can install many electric underfloor heating systems on your own using a heating kit, particularly if you’re confident in reading plans and following instructions. But some projects are better left to the professionals—especially when dealing with larger spaces or more complex room layouts. This is especially important when learning if underfloor heating needs servicing.

Hiring an experienced installer reduces the chance of errors and helps avoid damage to the electric underfloor heating kit, such as uneven heat distribution, incorrect placement of thermostats and sensors, or damage to the cables.

When choosing a tradesperson, get a few quotes and compare the details. Ask about:

• Their experience with underfloor heating electric installation
• What type of systems they regularly install
• Whether they are qualified to connect the system to the mains

A professional will also ensure the system complies with electrical regulations and performs safely. Contact us today and see how our team of experts can help.

In conclusion, that is everything that you need to know about electric underfloor heating installations. Think you have what it takes to install electric underfloor heating yourself? Simply follow this detailed guide and you should have a worry-free process, but if you do encounter problems along the way, contact us today and see how our team can help. With the correct setup, your floors can stay warm all year round thanks to your electric underfloor heating installation.

FAQs

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Sources

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Deziel, C., (2022) How to Safely Lift Tongue & Groove Flooring. Week&. [online] Available at: https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/safely-lift-tongue-groove-flooring-18024673.php [accessed 14/04/2025]