Did you know that the amount of underfloor heating that you have can drastically impact how much you save on your energy bills?
Whilst underfloor heating (UFH) is extremely versatile and can be added to any type of home, several other factors can contribute towards how much value UFH can bring towards allowing you to save money, for instance, size and space. In this article, we will look at how much does underfloor heating cost per m2, with updated information for 2025 about how much money you can save with underfloor heating adding value to your home.
Key Points:
- Average expenditure: the average homeowner can expect initial investments in underfloor heating to be between £3,000-£13,000, depending on the size of the project, underfloor heating system used, and materials used.
- Consider the differences: electric underfloor heating is cheaper to buy and install, but might be more expensive in the long term. Conversely, wet underfloor heating is more expensive upfront, but has long term benefits.
- Analysis: understand how running underfloor heating can cost differently various house sizes and room placements.
In this article:
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- Factors That Will Affect The Cost of Underfloor Heating
- Cost Efficiency in New Builds
- Retrofitting Underfloor Heating
- New Builds
- Considering the Hidden Costs of Underfloor Heating
- Insulation and Efficiency
- Choosing the Right Flooring Materials
- Distance and Boiler Efficiency
- Retrofitting Challenges
- Flooring Considerations
- FAQs
Factors That Will Affect The Cost of Underfloor Heating
When you are considering underfloor heating, think carefully about all aspects of your structure, including asking yourself these questions.
- How many rooms are you heating?
- What is the size of the room(s)?
- Does the room have unusual dimensions?
- Are you zoning your heating so that different rooms can have different temperatures?
- How many energy-saving elements does the room have?
- What type of system are you installing? Electric or water?
- What is the age of your home or building?
- Are you retrofitting an older building, or building from scratch?
- What is the material of your flooring, and how well does it conduct heat?
Electric vs. Wet Underfloor Heating Average Costs
When planning to install underfloor heating, understanding the costs involved will be a homeowner’s first major consideration. After all, for a project as big as underfloor heating, you want to get it right the first time.
The average underfloor heating cost per m2 varies significantly depending on whether you choose an electric or wet (hydronic) system.
For new builds, electric underfloor heating cost per m² can range from £50 to £75, while wet UFH systems are typically priced between £85 and £100 per m².
For renovations, retrofitting underfloor heating can be more complex and costly to implement. However, our low profile overlay underfloor heating systems can make this installation a lot easier for those worried about having to dig or rip up the current flooring.
Electric underfloor heating systems range from £60 to £85 per m², and wet systems cost between £95 and £110 per m². These differences reflect not just the cost of the materials but also the complexity of installation.
Cost Efficiency in New Builds
In new builds, integrating underfloor heating can be seamlessly planned to fit the building schedule, often leading to lower overall costs.
For example, a typical 100m² new build might see a total cost of around £5,000+VAT for a screed-based underfloor heating system, excluding installation and screed costs.
Retrofitting Underfloor Heating
Retrofit installations usually require more materials, such as pre-routed panels or flexible self-levelling compounds for underfloor heating, pushing the cost higher than in new builds. A retrofitted underfloor heating system in a 60m² area, for example, could cost about £6,000+VAT. These systems are designed to avoid the need to dig up existing floors, making the installation simpler and reducing costs in the long term.
Electric underfloor heating is less costly upfront and can be ideal for smaller rooms or single-room projects. However, electric underfloor heating is more expensive to operate than wet systems, making them less suitable for larger areas or whole-house heating.
For larger spaces or entire homes, wet underfloor heating systems are more beneficial despite their higher installation costs. They operate more efficiently, especially when combined with modern boilers or renewable energy sources like heat pumps, significantly reducing running costs compared to electric systems.
Installing underfloor heating involves a variety of factors that influence the overall cost. Whether you opt for an electric or wet system, the price can vary greatly based on the size of the project and the region in the UK where the work is being done. Generally, the installation costs are expected to represent approximately 40-50% of the total system cost.
For smaller or more straightforward projects, it’s feasible to undertake some of the installation yourself, such as laying the fixing system and tubing. This DIY approach can significantly reduce costs, with a professional only needed for the final steps like setting up the manifold and connecting the system to a heat source, such as a boiler.
How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?
The ongoing expense of running underfloor heating is a common concern. Here, we’ll break down the operational costs, highlighting the differences between electric and wet systems in different housing environments.
New Builds
Incorporating underfloor heating in new builds can be highly cost-effective. Planning the installation during the construction phase can integrate seamlessly with other building processes, potentially reducing overall costs. Here are some typical costs for underfloor heating in new builds.
Please note: These figures are indicative and can vary based on specific system designs and installation requirements.
| House type | Normal Installation | Retrofitting |
| Terraced House (75m²) | Electric costs around £3,750, while wet systems cost about £6,375. | Retrofitting costs for electric systems are around £4,500, whereas wet systems might cost about £7,125. |
| Semi-Detached House (90m²) | Electric systems may cost £4,500 and wet systems around £7,650. | Electric retrofitting costs approximately £5,400, with wet systems at about £8,550. |
| Detached House (140m²) | Costs for electric underfloor heating can reach £7,000, with wet systems at about £11,900. | Electric systems may cost £8,400, with wet systems climbing to around £13,300. |
Considering the Hidden Costs of Underfloor Heating
Is there more to underfloor heating than meets the eye? Are there multiple factors that you should also consider before you purchase an underfloor heating system? Here is what you need to consider:
Insulation and Efficiency
When installing underfloor heating, whether it’s electric or wet, understanding all associated costs is vital, especially when it comes to insulation. Using effective insulation floor panels beneath your underfloor heating can help to prevent heat from escaping downwards, which is particularly important in older properties and if you are adding underfloor heating upstairs, such as in bathrooms.
Proper insulation not only improves the system’s efficiency but also reduces running costs. If you’re unsure about the insulation state of your property, consider this an essential step before proceeding with the installation.
The cost of insulation can vary, depending on the type of installation:
- Suspended Timber Floor Insulation: Costs about £95 to £115 per square metre.
- Solid Floor Insulation (Floating Floor): Typically ranges from £60 to £80 per square metre.
- Solid Floor Insulation (Screed Finish): Generally costs between £70 and £90 per square metre.
These insulation layers help in maintaining the efficiency of your underfloor heating system, making it a better investment for long-term savings.
Choosing the Right Flooring Materials
The type of flooring you choose plays a significant role in the effectiveness of your underfloor heating. Materials like tile and stone are preferred for their excellent heat conduction properties:
- Tile Flooring Installation: Costs usually range from £35 to £60 per square metre.
- Stone Flooring Installation: Can cost between £50 and £100 per square metre.
Distance and Boiler Efficiency
The location of your heating source relative to the installation area can significantly impact the cost. If the boiler or heating source is far from where the underfloor heating system will be installed, this could lead to higher installation costs due to more materials and manual labour.
Additionally, you should check that your boiler is still efficient and up to date. Older boilers are often less than 50% efficient, and can inflate the running costs of your underfloor heating. Upgrading to a more efficient boiler could provide long-term savings and improve the effectiveness of your new heating system.
Check to see if your boiler is working efficiently.
Retrofitting Challenges
Retrofitting underfloor heating in an existing building can have complexities. The process often involves removing the existing flooring entirely and potentially adjusting floor levels, which can be both costly and labour-intensive.
With the type of underfloor heating system chosen, the condition of the existing floors, and the required preparatory work all play significant roles in determining the overall cost of retrofitting. Read more about underfloor heating in old houses.
Flooring Considerations
Choosing the right type of underfloor heating system may also involve adjustments to your existing flooring. This is particularly important for older properties where you need to check if the property is fit for renovations and meets the relevant compliances of building regulations approval.
For instance, wet underfloor heating systems might raise the floor level, requiring adjustments that can increase labour costs and complexity.
Ensuring that these height adjustments meet standard building requirements is essential for a successful installation.
| Flooring type | Average Removal Cost |
| Carpet | £1-4 per m² |
| Ceramic tiles | £13 per m² |
| Laminate | £5-10 per m² |
| Vinyl | £5-12 per m² |
| Wood flooring | £2 per m² |
In conclusion, when considering how much underfloor heating costs, it’s important to evaluate all associated costs including installation, insulation, and flooring. The choice between electric and wet underfloor heating systems depends on your specific needs and the size of the area to be heated. Remember, effective insulation and the right flooring are the most vital factors to consider to ensure maximum efficiency.
FAQs
Can underfloor heating be installed in any type of home?
Yes, underfloor heating can be installed in any type of home, whether it’s a new build, a renovation project, or an older home. However, the cost and complexity of installation can vary. New builds provide the most straightforward scenarios for installation, whereas older homes may require additional work such as raising floor levels or adding insulation, which can increase the cost.
Is underfloor heating more expensive to install in older homes?
Generally, yes. Installing underfloor heating in older homes can be more expensive due to the potential need for additional floor preparation, such as insulation or adjustments to existing floor levels. This often involves more labor and materials, which increases the overall cost.
Sources
E.on Energy. (2022) How to keep your boiler at its best. [online] Available at: https://www.eonenergy.com/our-blog/how-to-keep-your-boiler-at-its-best.html [accessed 20/03/2025]
GOV.UK. (2012) Building regulations approval. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval [accessed 20/03/2025]
