Electric Underfloor heating systems: the pros and cons

Is electric underfloor heating the right choice for your home?

Electric underfloor heating systems can be less efficient than water-based heating options. This means it’s important to examine the pros and cons of this heating system before you install it.

Here, we take a closer look at how electric underfloor heating works, how much it costs and if it’s the right choice for your home.

How does electric underfloor heating work?

It is a little like an electric blanket for your floor. A mat or network of wires is placed under the floor. When the system is on, an electric current runs through the mat or wire network, instantly heating them up. These then heat up the tile, stone, laminate or carpet above and provide you with a warm surface to walk on.

When the system is turned off, the wires begin to cool. As electric underfloor heating systems warm up the entire surface of the floor, residual heat can last for hours. This provides an affordable and efficient way to heat your home.
In general, loose wires are used in small or awkwardly shaped rooms while mats are used in larger spaces. Electric underfloor heating systems provide even, consistent heat. This allows homeowners to accurately control the warmth of a room and optimise the temperature in the space.

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Most electric underfloor heating systems use a timer or programmer to optimise usability. This allows you to set the system to come on when you need to heat the space.

What are the pros and cons of an electric underfloor heating system?

These systems are just one of a number of heating options homeowners have. Understanding the benefits of the system will help you decide if this is the option that’s right for you.

Pros

• Affordability
  It is an affordable option for homeowners who want to warm specific parts of their property. These kits can be bought online and in specialist shops. The systems can be installed without the help of professional trades people and, once in place, these systems have low maintenance costs.
• Easy installation
  Unlike radiators and water-based underfloor systems, electric underfloor heating is very easy to install. In most cases, all you need to do is unroll the mat or lay the wires out on your concrete or wood floor. Once the system is in place, you can install your tiles, laminate or stone flooring on top.
  The installation process is so straightforward, most people can fit the system themselves. This can help to minimise the cost of installing electric underfloor heating in your home.
• Comfortable living space
  An electric underfloor heating system can help you create a comfortable living space. Underfloor heating creates even, consistent warmth. This is ideal for homeowners who want to carefully control the temperature in certain spaces.
• Maintenance free
  Once in place, electric underfloor heating systems are virtually maintenance free. As the system is buried beneath the final layer of flooring, it’s protected from potential hazards and shouldn’t be damaged by heavy footfall or regular use.

Cons

• Slow to warm up
  As electric underfloor heating systems can be slow to warm up. Homeowners will need to set the system to come on around 30 minutes before they want to use a room. This can be inconvenient in cold weather and when you’re in a hurry.
• Furnishings
  When using underfloor heating systems of any type, you need to be aware of how you furnish your room. Large, heavy pieces of furniture can block the heat and make the system less efficient. This is one reason electric underfloor heating is more suitable for bathrooms and kitchens than other living spaces.

Underfloor heating costs

There are a number of factors that will impact the running costs of your underfloor heating. These include:

• Room size.
• The type of flooring installed beneath the underfloor heating.
• The type of flooring above the heating system.
• The insulation of the room.
• The furniture you have in the space.

Underfloor heating installed in a 14 square metre, well insulated space with appropriate flooring and furnishings will cost around £6 per week to run. This is slightly more than a standard radiator which should cost just under £5 to heat the same space.

Installing it in a small, well-insulated space will help the system to work as efficiently as possible. Read more about optimising your underfloor heating system.

Underfloor heating systems compared

There are two main types of underfloor heating available, electric, or dry, systems and water-based heating. Here we compare the two to help you select the heating that’s right for you.

Read more related articles:

• Heat pump
• Smart thermostat
• Energy saving lightbulbs
• Energy efficient heating

FAQ

What are the pros of an electric underfloor heating system?

It is an affordable option for homeowners who want to warm specific parts of their property. These kits can be bought online and in specialist shops. The systems can be installed without the help of professional trades people and, once in place, these systems have low maintenance costs.

What are the cons of an electric underfloor heating system?

As electric underfloor heating systems can be slow to warm up. Homeowners will need to set the system to come on around 30 minutes before they want to use a room. This can be inconvenient in cold weather and when you’re in a hurry.

How does electric underfloor heating work?

It is a little like an electric blanket for your floor. A mat or network of wires is placed under the floor. When the system is on, an electric current runs through the mat or wire network, instantly heating them up.