The Pros and Cons of Underfloor Heating

The Pros And Cons Of Underfloor Heating

Although underfloor heating is often seen as a luxury, it might not be as expensive as you think. I agree there are not many things more luxurious than the feeling of a warm, heated bathroom floor on a cold evening. Still, UFH provides an affordable alternative to traditional heating systems such as radiators. If you’re thinking of refurbishing underfloor heating can be a surprisingly affordable investment.

What is UFH (Underfloor Heating)?

There are two types of underfloor heating – Wet underfloor heating or (…you guessed it) dry underfloor heating.

A ‘wet’ underfloor heating system pumps warm water through UFH pipes under the floor using the principle of heat rising through the floor.

Dry underfloor heating systems comprise electric coils placed under the floor.

Here we go through the pros and cons of underfloor heating, the different types available, how to install them and the costs involved.

So what are the pros and cons of underfloor heating?

Pros Of Underfloor Heating:

Underfloor heating is hidden away and out of view, doing away with the clutter of radiators. And, due to the even distribution of heat, it is a fairly efficient way to heat a room.

Because radiators heat the area around them, this ends up being quickly dispersed upwards and away from the desired area. On the other hand, a good underfloor heating system will heat a larger area.

This means radiators have to work harder for you to feel the effects. They also require the water to be at a higher temperature to work effectively.

Alternately, underfloor heating works at a lower temperature. You can install ufh yourself and it works well with tiles and stone — making it a popular choice for bathrooms.

However, there are some important downsides to underfloor heating systems that you should consider before getting one installed.

Cons Of Underfloor Heating

One of the biggest downsides is cost — not from the system itself but from the cost of underfloor heating installation. New-build properties or properties undergoing renovations are particularly suited to these products.

Due to the lower temperatures, an underfloor heating system will take longer to heat a room. So it is vital to combine it with a timer. They can restrict what you can place on the floor as they can’t sit under particular items of furniture.

UNDERFLOOR HEATING PIPE

Cost of Installing Underfloor Heating 

Underfloor heating costs depend on what system you opt for and whether you install it into a new build or in an existing property.

An electric system will be per-square-metre for pre-fitted underfloor heating mats or per metre for the loose cables. Further costs come in the form of insulation to lay under the system, heating controls and electrician fees.

Water-based systems will cost significantly more, with total costs running into thousands of pounds after installation. So while a water-based system will save you money, it won’t save you much, making it more of a luxury option than a money-saver.

Deciding If Underfloor Heating Is For You

After reviewing the Pros and Cons of underfloor heating, it’s time to decide whether it’s for you.

Underfloor heating is not necessarily a money saver. The Energy Saving Trust states that a water-based underfloor heating system will only save you, on average, a mere £20 a year.

The majority of costs come from the installation that underfloor heating is ideal when building a new-build home or building a new room, bathroom or extension.

The main attraction for underfloor heating, though, is comfort. The way both types of systems heat a room means the heat will be evenly distributed and consistent. For example, if you have a stone floor with underfloor heating built in, the heat will be retained, even when the window is open. Compared to how radiator heat dissipates — the second a draft enters a room — that can be an attractive proposition.

Underfloor heating provides a very clean and minimal look. A bathroom with underfloor heating has no additional clutter created by bulky radiators.

Contact JCW Specialist supplies! 

We supply a wide range of underfloor heating and UFH Components, to find out more call us on 01204 548 400 or visit jcw-underfloorheating.com