How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?
The typical cost of installing an electric/dry system when renovation work is required will range from £2900 to £3100 for an area of 40m2 and £4200-£4500 for 60m2 or £5700 to £5900 for an area of 80m2.
If you are building a new home, installing dry systems would cost around £1650 up to £1750 to cover a forty-square-meter surface, £2400 to £2700 for 60m2 and £3300 or £3500 for an area of 80m2.
If you want a wet system installed, and a renovation project it is recommended to budget around £6900-£7500 for 40m2, and £10,500 to £11,100 for a 60m2 area, or £14,100–£14,700 for an area of 80m2.
For a water-based underfloor heating system installed in a newly built home It could be around £4100-£4700 to be the best option for a 40m2 space and £6000-£6600 for 60m2 or £8200 to £8800 for an area of 80m2.
The most significant cost-inducing factors for installing underfloor heating include the kind of heating underfloor as well as the size and type of the flooring, the quantity of tradespeople you hire, access to the property as well as where you are located in your house.
In particular, laborers are more expensive in the southeast region of England (London particularly) but are much less than the national average for the likes of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Underfloor Heating Prices
| System Type (Property) | Surface Area | Total Cost |
Dry (Renovation) | 40m2 | £2900 to £3100 |
| 60m2 | £4200 to £4500 | |
| 80m2 | £5700 to £5900 | |
Dry (New Build Property) | 40m2 | £1650 to £1750 |
| 60m2 | £2400 to £2700 | |
| 80m2 | £3300 to £3500 | |
Wet (Renovation) | 40m2 | £6900 to £7500 |
| 60m2 | £10,500 to £11,100 | |
| 80m2 | £14,100 to £14,700 | |
Wet (New Build Property) | 40m2 | £4100 to £4700 |
| 60m2 | £6000 to £6600 | |
| 80m2 | £8200 to £8800 |
What are the Supply Costs of Underfloor Heating?
The cost of materials for underfloor heating is distinct from the cost of labor and is a complete cover for the equipment. Let’s look at the costs of installing underfloor heating in relation to different kinds of underfloor heating, as well as the dimensions of the floor.
Electric underfloor heating is likely to include a cost for supply that can range between £50-£60 per square meter. For a wet underfloor heating system, expect that the cost of materials to be somewhere between £40 or £150 per square meter.
The cost of supply will be based on whether the house is being renovated or new construction since the costs of supply for renovations will be more expensive.
| Type of Underfloor Heating | Supply Costs |
| Dry System | £50 to £60 per m2 |
| Wet System | £40 and £150 per m2 |
What are the Additional Costs of Underfloor Heating?
There are a variety of extra costs you might have to cover when you have floor heating in your home. Let’s take a look at a few common examples.
Minimum Fee
In some instances, workers may charge a minimum amount in addition to your final bill, or as an assured cost (e.g. an hourly labor cost).
In the event of being charged per day of labor that would be for the work to be done over two days and 6 hours.
You’d pay the same price as you would pay if the job were to take two days and 8 hours (i.e. you’d have to pay for three days’ work).
Types of Underfloor Heating
Of course, the installation’s cost will differ based on whether you’re getting an electric or wet heating device installed. In general electric underfloor heating is likely to be cheaper than electric systems.
Floor Size
One of the major cost elements is the total area that will be covered by underfloor heating. The bigger the floor the greater the labor and supply cost will be.
Floor Type
The reason floor type is a factor in the price for installing heating underfloor comes due in part to certain flooring being less easy to raise and reinstall in comparison to other flooring. This means that the price of labor will differ with the type of flooring.
Materials
The quality and the nature of the underfloor heating system, whether it’s a wet or dry system, prices will vary depending on the type of material employed (e.g. mats for heating underfloor and the installation of an underfloor heating system).
For example, a better quality product will come with premium materials compared to the less expensive alternative.
Number of Tradespeople
Another important cost element is the quantity of workers employed. It’s no surprise that the more tradespeople working on the job, the more expensive the cost of labor will be.
But, it won’t increase the cost of your bill because the more employees working on the task, the more time it’s going to take.
Duration
In general the more time it takes to install underfloor heating, the more expensive the cost of labor. It’s not always the case, however.
If, for instance, you’re charged per day of work, you’ll have to pay the same amount of labor expenses regardless of whether the work is for the duration of four days or for four seven hours and four days. In this instance, you’ll be paid for five days of labor.
Tradesmen Costs for Underfloor Heating Installation
Now, we’ll look into the labor costs associated with installing underfloor heating. We’ll break down costs according to the installation of the system and the size of the floor. This section will take a look at the many elements that impact the labor cost.
The total cost for labor in installing underfloor heating could amount to around £300 per day.
With a dry or electric system for renovations to a property the cost of labor would be approximately £500 up to £700 for a floor of 40m2 size. £600 or £900 to cover a 60m2 space and £900 up to £1100 for an area of 80m2.
If you’re planning to build an electric-powered new build, the cost of labor will range from £250-£350 for a 40m2 space or £300 to £600 for 60m2 and £500 to £700 for an area of 80 square meters.
If you were to move on to a water-renovated construction, the labor costs will range from £900 to £1500 for a 40m2 area and £1500 to £2100 when it’s 60m2 or £2100 to £2700 for a 80m2 surface.
For a brand new home, having an installed wet system would cost £900 up to £1500 to cover a forty-square-meter space, £1200 to £1800 for 60m2, or £1800 and £2400 for an area of 80m2.
The cost of labor can vary depending on the amount of tradespeople employed as well as the accessibility of where you are located in your home as well as the condition of your area of work, and the kind of flooring.
This is a significant cost element for the location of a property since heating engineers charge various rates across the country.
For instance Heating engineers in Plymouth would likely charge between £30 to £38 for an hour. In Belfast it could be as low as £30 up to £34 each hour. But, the cost can go up to around £50 up to £62 per hour for London and up to £68 up to £76 each hour, in Gloucester.
How Long Does It Take to Install Underfloor Heating?
The length of time needed to install underfloor heating will differ based on a variety of factors which we’ll examine in this article. Let’s first examine how long it will take to complete this task based on the kind of installment and the floor area size.
Installing the electric heating unit that includes renovation work, it will take around two days for an area of 40m2, between two and three days for 60m2 or three days for an area of 80m2.
For a dry system to be installed in a newly constructed home, it is expected to take around one day for an area of 40m2 and up to two days, in the event of a 60m2 space and two days for an area of 80m2.
For water underfloor heating with changes to the installation, this kind of installation could take three to five working days for an area of 40m2 and five to seven days should the area be 60m2, or 7 to 9 days for an area of 80m2. area.
For a brand new home, having an installed wet system will take between three and 5 days on a 40m2 area and 4 to 6 days for 60m2 or more or 6-8 days for an area of 80m2.
Types of Underfloor Heating
Now, we’ll take a closer look at the advantages and pros and cons of an electric or humid underfloor heating system.
Dry Underfloor Heating Cost
A dry or electric underfloor heating unit is powered by electricity which reaches the heating system via cables.
These cables run through the space beneath the flooring and are in loops. Heating is usually improved by dry systems as opposed to a wet system.
This is typically the best choice for home improvement. The installation of electric underfloor heating could cost between £1650-£5900.
Pros:
- Less expensive than a wet system
- It takes less time to put it on
- Perfect for home renovations
Cons:
- More vulnerable to flaws
Wet Underfloor Heating Cost
Wet systems, often called a water-underfloor heating system, consist of pipes that are designed to supply warmth to the space above.
In the majority of cases they are linked to boilers through manifolds. But regardless of the heating source wet systems emit heat upwards from the floor beneath.
They are more popular as compared to electric ones. The typical cost for setting up a system that is wet ranges between £4100 to £14,700. Although they cost more to set up systems, they have less running costs.
Pros:
- Lower running costs
- Not all of the time suited to the installation location in question.
Cons:
- More expensive
- Installation takes longer
Benefits of Underfloor Heating
If you choose to go with dry or wet systems there are numerous advantages for underfloor heating no matter. Let’s take a look at a few of the main benefits.
Saves Space
The first and most important thing is that underfloor heating can certainly save much space above the floor. Because it is a completely hidden heating system, you can get rid of old radiators, and even open your home’s interior visually and functionally.
Energy Efficient
Although a system that is wet will reduce your energy costs than a dry one, both kinds of underfloor heating are energy efficient.
Increased Property Value
Furthermore the underfloor heating system can enhance an increase in the worth of your home since many potential buyers will consider this system to be particularly attractive. It can add up to a few percent to your home’s value.
Comfortable Underfoot
It is not just an efficient and discrete method to heat the home but a further benefit is that it can provide a warm, cozy underfoot.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Underfloor Heating?
You could choose to remove it due to legal reasons (e.g. you have underfloor heating installed in a listed structure and was told by your council to take it off).
The flooring taken away would cost between £30 up to £34 per square meter. The labor rate could be between £25 to £35 per hour.
If you require an electrician to remove dry systems, you’ll need to be prepared to shell out an extra £30 up to £40 per hour. As you will see, these costs can quickly add up.
FAQs
Q: How does underfloor heating work?
A: Underfloor heating works by having underfloor components heated (a circuit for a dry system or a pipe network for a wet system) and then distributing the heat to the areas above.
Q: How much does underfloor heating cost to run?
A: Though it will depend on the size of the underfloor heating system, on average about £260 to £300 per year for an electric system. A wet system will cost noticeably less to run.
Q: How long does underfloor heating last?
A: If well maintained, in theory, they can last indefinitely. There is no clear lifespan for underfloor heating.
Q: How much will underfloor heating save on my bills?
A: Unfortunately, underfloor heating may not actually save you as much as you’d like. In fact, it may save about £20 per year on your heating bills, but it will depend on the layout and type/quality of the system.
Q: Can I install underfloor heating DIY?
A: Yes, but only if you know exactly what is involved and take all of the necessary safety precautions. There are also building regulations and planning permission rules that you’ll need to take into account.
