Cost of water underfloor heating: How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?

How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?

Often known as radiant heating, underfloor heating systems make a luxurious addition to any home. Not only do they eliminate the need to clutter your walls with unsightly radiators, but they also bring whole new levels of comfort to every room, evenly distributing the heat across the surface of your floor so that every step feels like a dream and your whole home remains suitably cozy all day long.

That’s all well and good, but isn’t all that added luxury expensive? How much does underfloor heating cost? More importantly, why should you even bother paying for a whole new heating system when the one you currently have seems to be working just fine?

In today’s guide, we’ll answer all of those questions and more, breaking down the key costs involved so that you can start to work out your budget. We’ll also weigh up the pros and cons of switching to a whole new way of keeping your home warm and, of course, explain the best way to save money on underfloor heating.


Underfloor heating systems can cost several thousand dollars to install but often prove to be the most energy-efficient way to heat large rooms like this one.

What is Underfloor Heating?


Underfloor heating uses a series of interconnected tubes to heat the underside of your flooring 

Though it may seem like a frivolous extra, underfloor heating does much more than make your feet feel nice and warm in the middle of winter. It actually proves to be one of the most efficient ways to heat a house, relying on far less electricity or fossil fuels than a standard home heating system.

With traditional home heating systems, hot air moves from the perimeter of the room inwards, resulting in an uneven distribution of heat.

In extreme cases, this can mean that larger rooms are freezing cold in the center but overbearingly hot close to the walls, making for an overall uncomfortable experience. It also means that your heating system has to work twice as hard to heat the entire room.

Underfloor heating simply offers a better solution.

Tubing or cables are placed on the underside of your subfloor. Heat is then passed through them even in the form of hot water or electric heating which then rises up, through your floor and into your room, meaning that all floors and furnishings receive the same amount of heat, creating a much more comfortable experience.

That’s not the only benefit, either.

Traditional heating systems have a habit of blowing all manner of dust and allergens around the room, creating an unhealthy environment for you and your loved ones and necessitating the use of expensive air purifiers.

With underfloor heating, there’s no such problem; the air in your home remains clean, the temperature remains suitable, and your energy bills remain at an all-time low.

How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?


Underfloor heating makes any floor warm enough to walk around barefoot.

To install underfloor across an entire 2,000 square foot home costs between $9,000 and $50,000 depending on the materials used and the type of system you have installed.

These figures include all parts and labor and should give you a good idea of how much you’ll need to set aside to build underfloor heating into a new build property.

If you’re only planning to use an underfloor system for a single room, you’d be advised to set aside somewhere in the region of $1,900 to $5,000, with the biggest determining factors here being the size of your room and the type of system used.

However, if you’re retro-fitting a new heating system (installing into an existing home), then there’ll be extra costs involved in taking up the old flooring and installing a new floor afterward. This could add anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 to the overall cost of your project.

You’ll also want to consider the costs of additional equipment that can help you get the most of your new radiant heating.

A good quality smart thermostat, like the best-selling Google Nest, for example, will help you manage your system, control the temperature, and generally use your underfloor heating in the most efficient manner possible.

So far, so good, but let’s be honest:

There’s a world of difference between $9,000 and $50,000. So how did we come up with those figures?

Below, we’ll look at the different types of radiant heating systems for residential homes and their associated costs so that you can get a more accurate picture of how much you’re likely to spend.

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Google Nest 3rd Gen Smart Thermostat

Hydronic Underfloor Heating System Costs: $20,000 – $45,000

Though they typically cost more than an electric system, hydronic heating systems consistently prove popular in modern new build homes thanks to their low operating costs.

Often used as a whole-home solution rather than in a single room, hydronic systems rely on a boiler that heats water up to 120°F and pumps it through a series of interconnected pipes underneath your floors. Since hot water can retain heat much more effectively than electrical wiring, your home will require much less energy to become fully heated and thus you’ll find yourself spending less on your energy bills.

While that’s no doubt a positive, it does mean that you’ll need to spend more on the initial installation. If your current central heating system works off a boiler, you may be able to use that for your new hydronic heating system. Otherwise, you’ll need to install a new one along with an adequate pump.

Boiler installation alone could cost you as much as $6,0000 – $9,000, after which you’ll be looking at between $5 and $15 per square foot to lay down specialist tubing designed for hydronic floor heating.

You should be able to keep your costs on the lower end of the scale by doing most of the work yourself, but unless you’re a plumbing pro it may be worth bringing in expert help.

Once the job is done, your hydronic system can be overlayed with hardwood flooring, carpeting, or vinyl.

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Oxygen Barrier PEX Tubing for Hydronic Floor Heating

Electric Radiant Floor Heating Costs: $9,000 – $22,500


Electric heating systems are often better for single rooms such as bathrooms 

Since electricity can be pretty expensive,  you’ll rarely find a home that uses electric underfloor heating in every single room. Rather, they’re more commonly built in newly designed bathrooms to create a nice warm, cozy feeling when stepping out of the shower, or to add a touch of luxury to master bedrooms and similar living spaces.

The good news is that they tend to be much more affordable, not only because they’re applied over less space, but also because they require far fewer expensive parts.

With this type of system, electric cables come attached to specially designed heat mats which can easily be installed on top of your subfloor using a thin-set mortar to hold them in place. The mats themselves can cost as little as between $5 – $10 per square foot, making it a much more affordable option in terms of initial installation costs.

These days, you can even buy full electric radiant floor heating kits such as this 100 square foot set from Heatwave.

If you know what you’re doing, you could even install one of these kits yourself, saving you even more money on labor fees. Otherwise, you may want to bring in outside help, especially if you need electrical rewiring to ensure your system is installed safely and up to code.

Once installed, electric underfloor heating is typically overlayed with either ceramic or stone tiles, though it is possible to buy some heating mats which are suitable for laminate and vinyl flooring.

Alternatively, if you didn’t want to rip up your existing floor, you could always shop around for floor heating pads which can be built into the joist bays beneath your subfloor providing you have access to them from your crawl space or basement.

100 Sqft Electric Radiant Floor Heating System

Geothermal Under Floor Heating Costs: $25,000 – $50,000

Geothermal heating systems are often touted as an efficient way to keep your home warm without spending a fortune on energy bills, but, much as with hydronic systems, they can cost a small fortune to install.

Geothermal heating is based on the principle of using the earth’s own heat energy and transferring it into your home. Somewhere between four and six feet below the surface, the earth’s temperature remains at a constant level of between 40°F – 45°F. A geothermal system relies on this steady temperature to balance out the ever-shifting temperatures in your home and provide what could be considered ‘free’ heating.

The system uses a series of connected pipes (known as an ‘earth loop’) which is buried below the ground and a pump to draw heat energy from underground and distribute it into your home via an indoor handling unit.

Instead, the heat escaping back out of your home through doors, windows, and other gaps, the majority of it is drawn back into the system and returned to the ground for future use.

On the plus side, there’s a lot to like about this kind of system.

For one thing, it’s definitely one of the most environmentally-friendly methods of heating your home. It can also reduce the amount that you spend on home energy by as much as 50%, requiring just enough electricity to power the indoor unit and pump.

Some systems can even be designed for cooling too, helping you to lower the temperature of a room without traditional air conditioning systems.

However, they are remarkably expensive, with the pump alone costing several thousand dollars. They’re not the easiest things to install either, so you’ll likely find that you spend thousands more on hiring a professional service to install one for you.

While these costs generally rule them out as an option for most residential property owners, geothermal heating has become an increasingly popular choice for eco-minded businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and reduce their overall energy costs.

Solar Radiant Heating System Costs: $10,000 – $25,000


Solar energy can be used to power either an electric or hydronic underfloor heating system. Though they come with some of the highest installation costs, they’re one of the cheapest systems to operate 

If you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly way to use underfloor heating but find the excess cost of geothermal heating is way out of your price range, using a solar radiant heating system might be worth considering.

Sure, it’s still relatively expensive, but it’s also thousands of dollars cheaper than a geothermal system and you may even be able to get a solar panel grant to help out with the costs. This is especially true if you’re planning to use solar energy to power an electric underfloor heating system.

In this case, standard solar PV panels can be installed on your property which converts solar energy into electricity. Not only can this electricity be used to power your heating system, but it can also be supplied to your household appliances and lighting too, making for an all-round affordable, eco-efficient system.

If, on the other hand, you decide to use a solar-powered hydronic system, you’ll also need to invest in a solar thermal cylinder that works in connection with your solar panels to heat the water which will then be diverted into your underfloor system. As you can imagine, this costs significantly more to install but generally proves worth it in terms of long-term energy savings.

Propane Underfloor Heating Costs: $5,000 – $10,000

Though propane-based radiant heating systems aren’t exactly common, they do exist, and can often prove to be an effective way to get underfloor heating on a small budget.

For the most part, these types of systems are just a variation of your standard hydronic set-up. You’ll still need the hydronic tubing running underneath your flooring and you’ll still need a pump to distribute the hot water. The only major difference is that you’ll be using a propane water heater to get the water hot enough to keep your home warm.

The good news is that this is a very low-cost alternative to the more popular radiant heating systems. The bad news is that a propane water heater generally takes longer to get your water to a suitable temperature, not to mention the fact that while propane is fairly safe, it’s still combustible, and could, therefore, present the kind of high-level fire risk that most families won’t want to take.

Rinnai Propane Water Heater

Retro Fitting Underfloor Heating vs.

Installing in a New Build Home: How Do the Costs Differ?


It always costs less to install radiant heating during the construction of a new home than it does to retrofit one into an existing property

Whichever way you look at it installing radiant floor heating is always going to be more affordable in a new build development. This is because it can be easily integrated into the design plans and built-in as part of the flooring.

That’s not to say that you can’t have underfloor heating if you’re already living in an existing property, it’s just a little trickier -and therefore more expensive- to install.

To install a system on the first floor, the heating tubes can be placed on the underside of the subfloor providing you can get to it from your basement or crawl space. Where this is not possible, you’ll generally have to take up the entire floor in any room where you want to install heating. This generally shouldn’t cost much more if you’re doing the work yourself, though since it does take longer to do, you may find your labor costs increase if you’re hiring a contractor.

On second floors, your options are to either take out the flooring or remove the ceiling in the rooms below so that you can attach tubing underneath the subfloor. Both options will add to the total cost of your project, though given the complexity of the project, removing a ceiling will usually cost more than removing and replacing a floor.

If you’re looking to put a budget together, we recommend allocating $500 to have a professional take out your floor and anywhere from $500 to $700 for a ceiling to be removed.

You could then pay between $900 and $2,000 to install a new ceiling. To install a new floor, most homeowners pay an average of $5,000, though prices could vary from as little as $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the size and materials used.

Underfloor Heating vs. Traditional Heating: How Much Do They Cost to Operate


Managing your home energy usage is easier with radiant flooring as they cost as much as four times less to operate than traditional heating

Here’s where the really good news comes in:

Underfloor heating systems cost upto four times less to operate than your standard home heating system.

American homeowners typically spend average of $25 to heat a 200,000 square home for 24 hours. Meanwhile, an electric underfloor heating system costs just $10 while a hydronic system can cost as little as $3 – $5.

If you opt for solar or geothermal heating, you may find that you pay even less.

How Much Do Radiant Walls and Ceilings Cost?

Though radiant flooring is generally the most popular method for heating a home, some homeowners do prefer to install similar systems into their walls and ceilings, either instead of, or in addition to, a floor-based system.

Rather than using hidden tubing, radiant walls and ceilings tend to use individual panels. As a general rule, expect to pay between $150 – $300 for a single radiant heating panel, plus an additional $200 – $500 for a professional installation. For most homes, one or two panels per room should be enough.

As you can see, this makes them a much more affordable option in terms of installation, though you don’t get quite the same level of even heat distribution as you do with underfloor heating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Underfloor Heating


Underfloor heating can take several hours to work, so it’s always best to use a programmable thermostat to control when they turn on 

How Long Does Underfloor Heating Take to Install?

Installing underfloor heating across an entire 2,000 square foot home should take a professional contractor between two and four days, though this depends on how much preparation work they have to do first.

If your contractor has to first take up your existing floor before they can install a new one, then this could take an extra day or two. To speed up the process (and reduce costs in the process), you’ll benefit from taking up the floor yourself before your contractors arrive.

If you’re only installing underfloor heating in a single room, then this may only take up to a full working day, while more complex projects could take an experienced contractor up to a full week.

Can I Install Underfloor Heating Myself?

If you’re fully confident in your own DIY abilities, then there’s no reason why you couldn’t successfully install a standard radiant heating system yourself.

Doing so could knock as much as $5 – $10 per square foot off the overall cost of installing your system, so it’s certainly a useful way to save money. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that you may end up paying extra to buy the necessary tools and equipment if you don’t already have them, and even then the whole job could take you longer to finish than it would for an experienced contractor.

Having said that, you’ll still need to pay a qualified electrician to connect your new heating system to your electricity supply as not only is it dangerous to do this kind of thing solo, but it may also be against your state’s building regulations.

How Long Does Underfloor Heating Take to Warm Up?

While there are still some outdated systems that can take as much as 24 hours to adequately heat a home (especially in the middle of winter), most modern options work much faster.

As a general rule, expect it to take between two and three hours for your underfloor heating to warm up, making the use of a decent programmable thermostat essential.

That said, you may start feeling the benefits much sooner depending on the type of flooring you have. Wooden floors, for example, are decent conductors of heat, so you should start noticing a difference as soon as an hour after turning on your heating system.

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Honeywell Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat

Should I Really Leave My Underfloor Heating on All Day?

Although it may seem counter-intuitive, leaving your underfloor heating on all day may prove useful in the winter months.

As we’ve already discussed, most heating systems take up to three hours to warm up. That’s simply no good if you’re returning to a stone-cold home after a hard day’s work and then have to wait several hours before you can feel warm.

It’s for this reason that scores of experts recommend leaving your heating turned on, at least at a low level. This way, when you do return home, you’ll start feeling the benefit of your underfloor heating much faster.

But wait, isn’t leaving the heating on when nobody’s home a waste of money?

Not necessarily.

The truth is that it takes much more energy for your home to go from freezing cold to fully heated than it does to go from a low temperature to a high one. In other words, although it will cost you some money to keep the heating on all day, it may still end up costing less than turning your entire system on and off every single day.

What is the Best Kind of Flooring for Underfloor Heating?

The best kind of finished flooring for underfloor heating is any kind that is good at transferring heat from the hidden tubing into the room.

Ceramic and stone tiles often prove to be the most popular options as they offer the best thermal conductivity. This is the reason a lot of people opt to place underfloor heating in kitchens and bathrooms.

Hardwood flooring can also work, but some can warp if they get too hot. So, if you do want a wood finish, it’s often best to opt for engineered wood that can handle the heat.

Carpet can also be suitable, though since it tends to be less effective at transferring heat, it’s advised that you keep the combined tog of your carpet and underlay below 2.5

Final Thought: What’s the Best Way to Save Money When Installing Underfloor Heating?

Having explored the costs involved in installing the various types of underfloor heating, one thing becomes immediately obvious:

Even the cheapest systems could set you back several thousand dollars.

Yet before you let that high price tag put you off the whole idea altogether, it’s worth looking at a few ways that you can save money on this type of heating, enjoying all of the comfort, luxury, and energy-efficiency for less.

First things first, the quickest and simplest way to save money on underfloor heating is to do most of the work yourself. Depending on the size of the project, labor costs generally account for between 10% and 20% of the overall budget for a project like this. So, by forgoing the usual contractor fees, you could save hundreds, perhaps even thousands of dollars.

The only exception to this rule is if you’re not altogether confident in your DIY skills. A small mishap or a badly-fitted heating system could cause all kinds of problems that require costly repairs or even an entire replacement floor. In this scenario, what started out as a way to cut costs could end up costing you more in the long run, so you may find that it’s in your best interest to hire a professional.

Beyond that, saving money is all a matter of priorities.

If you’re more concerned with spending as little as possible on the actual installation, then an electric heating system is the way to go. While this will initially cost less, you’ll end up spending more on energy usage.

On the other hand, installing a hydronic underfloor heating system requires a much larger initial investment but comes with significantly lower operating costs. In other words, though you won’t save money in the short-term, in the long run, the added luxury of hydronic underfloor heating will eventually pay for itself.

How Much Does Radiant Floor Heating Cost? (2022)

Photo: depositphotos.com

  • Typical Range: $1,687 to $6,032
  • National Average: $3,867

Many homeowners don’t give much thought to radiant floor heating until cold weather strikes and their bare feet hit those cold bathroom tiles. That’s when many people wish they had installed this in-floor heating system. This space-saving heating method provides consistent heat throughout all parts of the room, unlike many other forms of heating, such as radiators or forced air. And because it’s not blowing hot air around, radiant heat doesn’t stir up dust. Even heat distribution enables an almost unlimited furniture arrangement without worry about impeding heat registers or dodging overhead drafts.

Floor heating systems were once considered a purely luxury feature, but today, more homeowners are discovering the benefits of installing a radiant floor heating system, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about radiant floor heating costs.

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What Is Radiant Floor Heating?

Radiant floor heating is an alternative method of heating your home—or at least part of your home. Often relegated to bathrooms and kitchens, it’s an under-floor system that emits heat from the ground up, making floors pleasantly warm to walk on and eliminating drafts from forced air heat ducts or radiators.

There are two types of radiant floor heating from which to choose: electric and water-based. Both provide consistent, efficient heat. A study by Kansas State University in conjunction with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) revealed that a radiant system could operate 25 percent more efficiently than a forced-air system.

Both water-based and electric systems can save as much as 15 percent on your home heating bill, and they are compatible with all types of flooring and are relatively easy to install.

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Factors in Calculating Radiant Floor Heating Cost

Floor heating can be pricey. Of course, the size of your room will impact the cost of materials and labor, but other factors can impact the price of radiant floor heating. First is the type of system chosen: electric or hydronic.

Don’t focus so much on installation cost that you forget to calculate the cost of operating each type of system. The heating source can make a difference in cost: geothermal, solar, propane, and electric all come with different price tags. In addition to the size of the floor you intend to install radiant heating in, the type of flooring can also make a difference in the cost.

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Where you live may alter the price due to travel distance and labor rates, but also in scheduling a contractor during their peak season. The cost also depends on how much demo (if it’s not being installed in new construction or a renovation), site prep, and cleanup are required.

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Floor Type and Size

While radiant floor heating can be used with most types of floors, it will cost more to install the system under certain kinds of floors. For example, vinyl is the least expensive, averaging $2 to $15 per square foot. Concrete is also relatively inexpensive, at $4 to $6 per square foot. Marble is at the top end, costing $12 to $60 per square foot. When contracting a project priced by the square foot, you can expect the price to be higher for more square footage.

Type of Radiant Floor Heating

There are two basic types of radiant floor heating: electric and hydronic. Electric systems cost between $8 and $15 per square foot installed, while hydronic systems average between $6 and $20 per square foot. The ability to install the electric system as mats contributes to its lower cost. However, when it comes to operating costs, the hydronic system costs less to run because water retains heat for an extended period.

Materials and Labor

The biggest percentage of radiant flooring cost is labor, which makes up about $8 to $12 per square foot, while the cost of materials is only about $1.50 to $2 per square foot.

Labor costs can be vastly different around the country, increasing the price considerably. The materials themselves can also vary widely in cost. Vinyl typically costs $2 to $15 per square foot, while hardwood floors can run $10 to $25 per square foot.

Location and Travel Distance

If you live in a remote area or at a great distance from the contractor’s headquarters, you may have to pay more for the installation because the contractor has to transport laborers and materials. If the contractor is located a significant distance from the materials supplier, that could also affect the price you pay.

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Room of Installation

The reason the room you choose to install radiant heat flooring in affects the cost is that certain rooms usually have specific types of flooring, which may cost more. For example, basements typically have concrete floors. The average cost of adding radiant heat flooring in a basement ranges from $11,200 to $31,000. Although a garage also usually has concrete floors, installation costs are significantly lower, averaging $8,064 to $17,856 because a garage offers easier access. Bathrooms and kitchens have the lowest average costs: $1,900 to $5,500 and $2,500 to $7,500, respectively.

Site Preparation, Cleanup, and Debris Disposal

Site prep, cleanup, and disposal of debris can increase costs as well. Prep work can include digging, installing foam, and compacting. The level of difficulty of that work will ultimately determine the final cost. Similarly, the amount of cleanup and debris to be removed will also affect the final bill.

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Additional Costs and Considerations

When planning for a radiant flooring system, there are a few other potential hidden costs to keep in mind. For example, if you choose a hydronic system, you may need to install a water heater if your current model doesn’t supply enough.

If you decide to heat your entire house with radiant floor heating, you’ll have to come up with another way to cool your home in the summer. If you want to add radiant cooling, you may need supplementary equipment, such as a chiller and a dehumidifier. You’ll also need to consider the placement of a cooling system.

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Whichever system you select, you’ll encounter operating expenses. Ongoing operating costs tend to be slightly higher for electric radiant floor heating than for hydronic systems—just the opposite of installation costs. There is generally little to no maintenance cost with either system, although a hydronic system may require the boiler to be inspected and serviced every so often.

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Water Heater Installation

A hydronic floor heating system requires a water heater or boiler to heat the water that circulates underfoot. If your water heater is old, it and possibly the pipes may need replacing. Similarly, if your water heater isn’t of sufficient capacity to add the floor heating system, you’ll need a new one. Installing a water heater can run from $770 to $1,450.

Radiant Cooling

Some radiant systems can be used for cooling as well as heating, although an under-floor system isn’t practical for cooling since cool air sinks. Instead, you’d want a geothermal cooler or chilling unit installed in the ceiling, which requires additional tubing. However, this will come at a price that could increase if you need to add a chiller or a dehumidifier. Alternatives include window AC units and ductless air conditioning.

Operation Costs and Maintenance

The two systems have similar operating costs, although a hydronic radiant heat system often runs a little less expensive since the hydronic system retains more heat, so the system won’t need to run as long. In general, both radiant systems cost between $1 and $5 per day. However, the size of your boiler and the type of fuel used to run it could alter that average. The typical 100,000 BTU gas boiler used with these systems cost just over $1 per hour to run.

Additional Components

If you opt for a hydronic radiant heat system, you might need to upgrade your water heater or add a boiler. Most likely, you’ll also need tubing. Other additional components needed for a floor heating system include a thermostat and brass manifolds. Some systems, such as solar and geothermal, have additional requirements, such as solar panels and pumps.

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Types of Radiant Floor Heating 

While the two main types of radiant floor heating are divided into electric and water-based, other systems can be used. Geothermal in-floor systems use thermal heat, transferred by heat pumps that circulate hot water through pipes. Solar radiant heat systems collect energy from the sun via solar panels, which then circulate a fluid to heat the floors. Propane under-floor systems use propane as the fuel source to provide heat. Each has its pros and cons, and each comes with a different price tag.

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Electric

Electric systems are often supplemental—not intended to be the sole source of heat in a room. Heating cables embedded in mats are laid under a tile floor, while a special heating mat can be laid under vinyl or wood floors. For a cost of about $8 to $15 per square foot, electric radiant floor heating consists of either mats with embedded cables or just the cables strung through a grid. Using mats adds a premium but makes installation simpler. Because of the cost of operation, these systems are generally reserved for bathrooms, kitchens, and smaller rooms.

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Hydronic

Hydronic systems are often used as whole-house heating, with PEX tubing running from a boiler or water heater under the floor. These are the most commonly used systems and are typically the most cost-effective to run. However, installation costs are usually higher than for electric systems, thanks to running pipes and potentially adding a water heater or boiler. The up-front costs of water-based systems can run two or three times more than an electric system or about an extra $6 to $20 per square foot. Throw in the added cost of a boiler or extra water heater, and the price increases even more. However, operating costs are usually lower since hot water holds heat and thus reduces the amount of time needed to power the system for heat.

Geothermal

Geothermal radiant flooring is another form of hydronic heating, but it relies on thermal energy from the earth to heat the water instead of a water heater. The average price for a geothermal radiant heating system is between $9,500 and $27,000, thanks in large part to the cost of a pump. The heat pump conveys a mixture of hot water and glycol (antifreeze) through a series of pipes underneath the floor.

Solar

About one-third of the cost of a solar radiant heat system goes toward the price of the solar water heating unit. Average cost runs from $8,000 to $19,500. As with other forms of solar power, the solar panels store energy from the sun, using it to heat a liquid that is piped through the tank before being circulated underneath the floor. The solar panels can add high costs to the project.

Propane

A propane water heating tank costs an average of $2,600, on top of the cost of tubing for the hydronic system and labor to install it—typically about $6 to $20 per square foot. It is one of the most affordable sources of energy to heat the water used in a hydronic system.

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Benefits of Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating offers many advantages, from savings to comfort. It’s quiet, energy efficient, and requires little to no maintenance. Plus, if you’re looking to sell your home in the future, a radiant flooring system can be a boon to potential buyers.

Comfort

One of the first things you’re likely to notice about radiant floor heating is that it keeps your feet warm. But you’re also likely to notice that there are fewer drafts or cold spots in your home since the flooring replaces the burst of forced-air heat and subsequent cool drafts you feel from radiators and furnace ductwork. Central heating can also dry out the air, making breathing more uncomfortable in the colder months—but this isn’t a concern with radiant heat flooring. Radiant flooring systems can be especially warming in places like basements and garages that are typically colder spots of the home.

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Safety

Old-fashioned radiators stick out into a room and can be very hot to the touch. Vents on the floor can have sharp edges or get dislodged, causing a safety risk for a pet or child. Radiant floor heating systems are completely underneath the floor’s surface, so there is no tripping hazard to worry about. Another safety issue involves air quality. Since there are no vents, there’s no air circulating and possibly stirring up dust, debris, and allergens. This will improve your home’s air quality, which can be especially beneficial for those with sensitive respiratory systems.

Energy-Efficient Heating

It’s possible to save on your energy bill by installing radiant floor heating. The cost of running it nonstop for 24 hours is about $3, compared with $20 to run a traditional heating system for the same amount of time. And because water can hold 3,500 times the heat air can, a hydronic system will allow you to reduce the temperature by 6 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit without loss of comfort.

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Low Maintenance 

Most radiant floor heating systems are virtually maintenance-free, and many come with a 30-year guarantee. If you choose a hydronic system, you may need to lubricate the bearings of the pump every few years. Boilers should be inspected annually and may require cleaning, lubrication of the bearings, and burner maintenance.

Home Value Increase

Installing a radiant floor heating system provides a good return on investment. In general, radiant heating can cost 25 to 50 percent less to run and maintain. Because its life expectancy is 30 to 45 years—double or triple the life of a forced-air furnace—it’s even more economical. A programmable thermostat increases energy efficiency. These energy-efficient systems are a popular luxury feature with homebuyers.

Radiant Floor Heating Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

It’s possible to cut installation costs of radiant floor heating almost in half by doing the job yourself. The average square-foot price of professional installation plus materials is $11, while the cost of DIY-ing an electric system (including materials) is $6 per square foot and $2 per square foot for materials alone for a hydronic system.

However, it’s potentially dangerous due to the electrical aspect and requires some rather specific knowledge that most DIYers won’t have come across without special training. The benefits of hiring professionals begin with the knowledge they bring. They can provide advice about whether the flooring type works well with the radiant heat system you’ve selected. They’ll know if you need to insulate under the floor components to avoid heat loss. Professionals also tend to complete the job more quickly than most DIYers can.

Depending on your local laws, plumbing and electrical work might need to be completed by a licensed professional in order to comply with codes. The product you choose may also need to be installed by a licensed professional, or you risk voiding the warranty.

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How to Save Money on Radiant Floor Heating Cost

While paying for radiant flooring is a big up-front cost, the big savings come with time. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 51 percent of a home’s annual energy consumption goes toward heating and cooling. Radiant floor heating systems can significantly lower energy bills. Because they don’t heat the air and because there are no drafts from forced-air heating systems, you may feel warmer even with the thermostat set lower. Because heat rises, the warmth from the floor will rise through the room. Many homeowners see energy savings of 10 to 30 percent.

You may be able to save money on radiant floor heating systems if your current water heater heater is sufficient. Installing a new water heater costs $770 to $1,450. If your system can handle the additional duties, it will save considerable costs.

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  • Choose the right flooring to best conduct heat. The U.S. Department of Energy indicates that ceramic tile is the most effective flooring for radiant heat systems. Other types of flooring may not conduct heat as well, meaning that you may not get the maximum savings on your energy bills.
  • Limit the area you install radiant flooring to critical areas, such as bathrooms. If you use your garage or basement a lot and heat doesn’t hold well in those spaces, it may also be worth it to get radiant flooring installed there, too. Less square footage to cover means less cost to bear.
  • Shop around. The first company you contact may not offer the best price or all the services you’re looking for. Do some comparison shopping for the best overall deal.
  • If you’re retrofitting a radiant flooring system, consider going for electric. Hydronic systems are more difficult (and more expensive) to retrofit.

Questions to Ask About Radiant Floor Heating 

Radiant floor heating tends to be a more energy-efficient method of heating your home. But with so many choices of flooring types and radiant systems, it can be an overwhelming decision to get the most out of your heating system. It’s important to ask your contractor what to expect and how much everything will cost to ensure you get the right system for your needs and budget.

  • How long will the job take?
  • Which kind of heating do you recommend for my home and needs?
  • What additional costs might there be?
  • Is there any new technology on the market I should be aware of?
  • Are you licensed and insured? (Licensing requirements will vary depending on your state and the type of work being done.)
  • How many people will be required for this job?
  • What kind of maintenance do I need to be aware of?

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FAQs

The availability of so many options leads to numerous questions to determine the right system and flooring for your home and budget. While this guide has aimed to cover all there is to know about radiant floor heating, you might still have some lingering questions.

Q. Can I heat an entire house with radiant floor heating?

Depending on the system, you can. Hydronic systems are better equipped to heat a whole home. Electric systems are better suited for heating single rooms that need extra warmth. However, hydronic systems are also harder to retrofit into an existing home and are best installed in new construction.

Q. Do heated floors use a lot of electricity?

Many radiant floor heating systems use about 12 watts of electricity per square foot per hour to heat a room. If the cost of electricity is $0. 1319 per kilowatt-hour, it would cost $0.00158 per square foot per hour to run an electric radiant floor heating system. Most homeowners see a reduction in their energy bills of 10 to 30 percent.

Q. What is the average cost of installing radiant floor heating in new construction? 

In the typical 2,400-square-foot new construction house, the average price of a radiant floor heating system would be $19,000 to $36,000 for an electric system or $14,000 to $48,000 for a hydronic system. For individual rooms, the price is usually between $8 and $15 per square foot for electric systems or $6 and $20 for hydronic versions.

Q. What’s the difference between radiant floor heat and baseboard heating?

Baseboard heating vents are located on the lower half of the wall and are usually part of a forced-air heating system that pushes heated air into the room. Radiant heaters are installed under the floor and powered by electric coils or water tubes. They radiate heat upward without air blowing.

Q. Is radiant floor heat efficient? 

Radiant floor heating can warm up a room at a temperature 40 percent lower than traditional heating systems would need. Hydronic systems tend to be more efficient because water holds more heat, so the system would use less energy. Adding a programmable thermostat can increase the efficiency of the system. Zoning is another way to increase efficiency by directing more heat to larger rooms.

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Q. What type of floor is the best for radiant heating? 

Radiant floor heating is compatible with just about every type of flooring, but some are more compatible than others. In general, ceramic tile and stone are the best types of flooring for use with radiant heating systems because they transfer heat more efficiently. Other types of flooring, such as wood, laminate, vinyl, carpet, rubber, and concrete, usually take longer to heat up, so they are often less desirable when paired with radiant heat.

Q. How long does floor heating last? 

Most radiant floor heating systems typically last an average of 20 to 35 years before needing repair or replacement. Individual components have different lifespans. For example, the tubing and coils generally last 20 to 35 years, while boilers last about 15 to 20 years.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, Warmup, Angi, Fixr, WarmlyYours, Forbes, NerdWallet, U.S. Energy Information Administration

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Underfloor Heating Cost (2022 Guide)

How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?

Underfloor heating costs can start as low as £30 for small projects, and go upwards of £10,000 for bigger projects. The cost will depend on a variety of factors, such as:

  1. The underfloor heating system you choose.
  2. The size of your room.
  3. The age of your building.

With good consideration and decision-making, underfloor heating systems are a great choice for homeowners because they provide evenly distributed warmth and comfort.

Underfloor heating falls into two categories: electric and water systems. In an electric underfloor heating system, commonly known as a dry system, a set of wires are installed beneath or within the flooring, where the heat output is controlled by a thermostat.

Water underfloor heating, also known as a wet system, circulates hot water to the pipework throughout the floor, connected to a boiler or a heat pump. A price breakdown can be found in the table below:

Underfloor Heating Cost — Retrofit vs New Build House
Type of Underfloor Heating New or Renovated Material Cost Labour Cost Completion Time Total Underfloor Heating Cost
Electric Renovated £3,600+ £480-£720 2-3 days £4,000-4,500
Electric New Build £2,100+ £240-£480 1-2 days £2,300-£2,600
Water Renovated £9,000+ £1,200-£1,680 5-7 days £10,000-£11,000
Water New Build £4,800+ £960-1440 4-6 days £5,500-£6,500

Sample price chart for a 60m² home with £30 contractor hourly rate

Underfloor heating costs for electric foil film start from £50 per square metre, excluding a thermostat. For a warm water system, you can expect to pay £40 per square metre, excluding fitting charge and additional equipment purchases.

The market offers kits from £165 for an aluminium structure 140w/m², including a thermostat for controlled heat output and a floor temperature sensor.

If you are interested in getting more information on underfloor heating costs, GreenMatch is here to help you. You can receive up to 4 quotes by filling in quick form at the top and hear from us shortly. The form is free of charge and there’s no further obligation with the service.

Learn More in Our Guide


  • How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?

  • How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost to Install?

  • How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost to Run?

  • Types of Underfloor Heating and Equipment

  • Does Underfloor Heating Cost Less than Radiators?

  • Find the Right Underfloor Heating Supplier in the UK

How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost to Install?

When it comes to installation, underfloor heating cost can be affected by a number of different factors:

  • the type of floor cover
  • the state of the property
  • the type of underfloor heating.

Materials will cost the most, followed by tradesman charge. Contractor costs could range from £200-£300 per day, and this depends on the length of the installation process.

Factors that Affect Costs

High quality insulation and a thermostat are important factors that will affect underfloor heating cost.

They vary according to model and property size, but you can expect to spend between £100-£200.The insulation will help the system distribute higher heat yield. The thermostat will regulate the timing of heat output.

Laying pipes for wet underfloor systems will be easier in a new building where removing the old floor cover is not needed. If renovating a home with an electric type, underfloor heating cost will be cheaper for materials. Let’s have a look at the installation costs below.

Renovated House Installation

When considering home improvements, underfloor heating is a great renovation project. Single rooms or bathrooms are great for electric underfloor heating, especially in a small renovation project.

If you cannot find the exact size for your project, It’s always recommended to purchase the smaller size and add an additional mat that protects against cracks in unheated areas if desired. This will avoid unnecessary overheating in the room.

A loose cable kit for a 4.5m² room can start from £290.

Wet underfloor heating in a renovated building costs about £150 per m², excluding the labour work, which could take up to 6-7 days.

New Building Installation

Underfloor heating costs can be overwhelming considering all associated costs, but some electric systems are a great affordable solution for a new build.

The average price per m² could start from £35 and the installation could take up to two days. However, using electric underfloor heating fitted throughout the whole building will result in high electricity bills.

Warm water underfloor systems are much more suitable for new homes. A wet system could cost upwards of £80 per m², more than double the amount in comparison with electric underfloor system.

How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost to Run?

The running costs of water underfloor heating depend on many factors, such as the main system generator — boiler or heat pump types.

The big advantage of installing a water underfloor heating is the cheaper running cost. Using a good floor leveling can reduce the needed flow temperature by 20%. Having a system running with lower temperature can save you around £10 a year for each degree.

Both water and electric underfloor heating can be regulated in order to prevent unnecessary heat usage. Leaving the underfloor heating on continuously is not recommended, and is particularly unnecessary with good insulation.

Let’s take, for example, an average room size of a 4m² bathroom that is heated for 4 hours a day. The average price of electricity is 14.37p/kW in the UK. That can come to £10-£11 pounds a month.

Calculations depend on the location — for example, in Northern Scotland the electricity prices could be more expensive than in London.

Types of Underfloor Heating and Equipment

Electric systems provide ease and flexibility in terms of installation with wide range of mats, loose cable fitting, and heating film systems to choose from.

Water underfloor systems are more complex in terms of materials and installation, but when connected to a good quality condensing boiler or a heat pump, they offer very efficient energy output.

Which Underfloor Is Best For My Home?
Avg. Room Size Suitable Electric System Suitable Water System
4m²

Electric Mat

Pre-spaced, suitable for small DIY projects

Condensing Boiler

Gas is cheaper than electricity

14m²

Loose Fit Cable

Cheaper to install in large rooms and around odd angles and corners

Air Source Pump

Cheaper running costs over time



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Electric Underfloor Heating System

Materials for electric underfloor systems are cheaper, but considering the higher electricity prices, expect electric underfloor heating costs to be higher in the long run than wet systems. That’s why electric underfloor is a great solution for small spaces or a retrofit building project.

Underfloor Heating Mats

Underfloor heating mats work great if installed under stone, tile, marble, because they retain heat well, making the system very efficient.

If you are planning on using an electric mat as your primary source of heat, for sufficient warmth a 150W/m²-200W/m² type of mat is recommended.

The mats or rollers are pre-spaced and you can select the size you need for regularly-shaped rooms.

By placing a thin layer of insulation on top of the concrete floor, you will guarantee fast warm up time as the heat makes it way upwards, minimising heat loss.

Investing in a higher wattage mat will optimise heat usage so you can enjoy the benefits of an even heat dispersion without adding up to the electricity cost. For reaching optimal warmth in less time and maximising energy savings, lay the mat on top of a well-insulated concrete subfloor or slab floor.

Loose Cable Fittings

Loose fit wires provide more flexibility when spacing the parameter in the desired room. This type of electric underfloor heating is perfect for a bathroom with a tub or any larger or irregular-shaped rooms.

The underfloor heating cost of this type vary according to manufacturer, but if you are working on a 14m² room, expect a cable system to be up to 20% less expensive than buying an electric mat for the same size room.

Loose cables could be easily fitted around odd corners and heavy furniture or appliances mounted to the floor without needing extra work to remove it.

Underfloor Foil Film Heating

Foil film underfloor heating is easy to install in dry rooms and perfect for wooden floors, parquet and laminate floors. It is best to install this type on top of concrete or chipboard.

It can be placed under a layer of insulation or used on timber floors and soft floors by placing an overlay that will help with the heat transfer.

Depending on the subfloor, additional insulation and underlay could be needed.

Warm Water Heating System

The underfloor heating pipes can be connected to either a boiler or a heat pump. A key characteristic of this system is that it works with lower temperature water. Considering their efficiency, heat pumps are regarded as a good match for underfloor heating. However, in the case of much higher heating demand, a boiler could be more suitable.

If the household already has a boiler, investing in an energy-saving one will cut down on your energy bills. Current regulations specify that the boilers used for underfloor heating must be of the condensing type. 

By using a condensing boiler, expect energy efficiency to increase by around 25% in comparison to radiators, whereas a heat pump will make an even bigger difference: up to 40% more efficient.

The water flow temperature from a boiler can be up to 65°C depending on the top floor cover whilst some heat pumps, such as air source types, work with 35°C. This will require tighter spacing between pipes and increase in material costs.

Investing in a water underfloor heating system will pay off in the long run with cheaper running costs and better efficiency.

This type of heating requires a professional installation and can result in higher underfloor heating costs for an old building project. Considering the preparation of the floor required, wet systems will be cheaper to install on new joist floors or newly built residential buildings.

The new boiler cost could be up to £2000 for an A-rated model.

On the other hand, the cost of a heat pump could be even higher, but they are considered inexpensive to operate in the long run.

If unsure whether to choose a boiler or a heat pump, it’s good to keep in mind that:

  • Heat Pumps are up to three times more efficient and will be suitable for underfloor heating with timber floors that require lower temperature. Air source heat pump running costs can be lower with an underfloor efficient heating system.
  • Boilers, on the other hand, might be more suitable for smaller projects and more efficient in colder areas by generating more energy.
Underfloor Heating Manifolds

Underfloor heating manifolds control the water flow to provide consistent warmth throughout the whole floor.

Open manifolds for low temperatures up to 60°C distribute an even flow and constant temperature without a mixing valve. The water is circulated within the underfloor heating system with the help of heat pump systems.

Manifolds with a mixing pump are required where water temperature reaches above 60°C in order to provide and maintain the correct temperature.

The running cost of underfloor heating is dependent on energy consumption and cost of electricity in the property area.

Does Underfloor Heating Cost Less than Radiators?

Electricity is more expensive than gas, thus electric underfloor heating will not cost less than using a gas radiator.

However, after the initial price for material and installation, water underfloor heating will pay off with very cheap bills over time. The heat is more efficiently distributed through the room and it offers better temperature control. 

In addition, UK homeowners that use a renewable source of energy to generate heat can qualify for a financial incentive scheme.

Renewable Heat Incentive

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a UK Government scheme that encourages homeowners to use renewable energy. It offers support for biomass boilers, ground to water and air to water heat pumps. 

Ofgem, the regulating body for the RHI has more information on how to apply, how calculations are made and recent scheme changes.

Should I Leave Underfloor Heating On All the Time?

Yes, it is advisable to leave it on constantly during the cold winter months. Underfloor heating needs more time to warm up and turning it off will lead to unnecessary waste of energy. Installing thermostats for different rooms will provide the most heat efficient control and optimal heat distribution where it is most needed. Modern thermostats offer setback temperature that automatically lowers the temperature at night and saves on your bills. 

Find the Right Underfloor Heating Supplier in the UK

Finding the right supplier for underfloor heating requires careful planning and decision-making. It is important to compare companies in order to find the right solution for your home. Below you can find UK suppliers with expertise in underfloor heating systems. 

Finding the right underfloor heating cost depends on your property size and state. If you want to receive a tailor-made solution according to your needs, we are here to help you by providing a non-obligatory, free of charge service. Simply fill in our contact form with your needs and specifications and we will be back to you shortly with up to 4 quotes from suppliers near you.



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How Much Would Underfloor Heating Cost for Your Home?


If you’re planning a renovation project or building your own home, consider installing a Warmup floor heating system for a sustainable, radiant heating solution that can offer long-term savings on your energy bills. In this guide, we’ll look at the costs involved in specifying a floor heater in your home, including:

  • How underfloor heating can help save you money
  • The initial costs of an electric floor heating system
  • The lower running-costs of underfloor heating
  • How much a floor heater costs to install

Floor heating systems offer increased energy-efficiency

Underfloor heating uses radiant heat technology to gently warm the people and objects in a room from the ground up. This process uses less energy to reach optimal comfort temperatures than central heating systems, which purely focus on warming the air in a room; an inefficient method of heating a space. Warmup’s floor heaters also offer quicker heat-up times and run at lower temperatures than traditional heating systems whilst still retaining the same level of warmth; with this increased energy-efficiency, you can expect lower long-term underfloor heating running costs too.

Cost of electric systems

Our electric floor heaters are perfect for renovation projects, providing an affordable heating solution for any room in your home. The cost of a Warmup electric underfloor heating system varies on which system you select and the size of the room you are installing it in. If you’re thinking about underfloor heating for a smaller room in your home, our popular StickyMat System offers great value for money – with full-package prices starting at just $628.00 (based on an average 89sf bathroom purchase).

All systems require a dedicated heating controller and insulation should be considered. Let’s work out the total cost for underfloor heating in a bathroom with a heated floor area of approximately 35 sf:

  • 30 of StickyMat DWM-120-420 = $379. 00
  • Insulation Boards for 48 sf= $231.00
  • 4iE Smart WiFi Thermostat = $309

Total Underfloor Heating System Cost (MSRP) = $919 + Applicable Tax

While this costing is based on suggested retail price, many of our heating systems can be purchased at lower prices within our reseller network and your installer may be able to make use of trade discounts too.

If you’d like to find out how much floor heating will cost you, get an instant online quote today.

Underfloor heating uses less energy to reach optimal comfort temperatures than central heating systems

Pricing of wet underfloor heating systems

Due to their specific installation requirements, water floor heating systems are typically recommended for new-build projects with larger heated floor areas. While they are more expensive to purchase and install than electric floor heaters, warm water systems (also known as “hydronic” systems) offer even lower long-term running costs due to using a gas-powered heat source or a ground/air source heat pump.

At this time we do not offer a range of hydronic underfloor heating solutions in North America. But not for long. Stay tuned!

What are the running costs of a Warmup system?

Due to their energy-efficient attributes, a floor heating system can help save you money on your heating bills. The exact running costs of a water or electric floor heater in your home will vary on your home’s design, your energy usage, and your energy provider.

The table below shows the typical running costs of a Warmup electric system, worked out by the heated floor area and the number of hours it is used over the course of a day.

With rapid heat-up times, you can see that using a floor heater to warm up a small bathroom in time for your bath or shower will cost just a matter of pennies each day.

Wet floor heating systems offer even lower running costs as they can use sustainable heat sources such as biomass boilers and heat pumps and if using a typical combination boiler, the price of gas is still significantly cheaper than electricity.

You can dramatically increase the energy-efficiency of a floor heating system by controlling it with a Smart Thermostat and using high-quality insulation to stop any heat escaping.

The price of getting a system installed will depend on your project’s needs, your location, and the tradesperson.

What are the installation costs?

We recommend that your new heating system is always fitted by a fully qualified installer who has worked with underfloor heating before. The price of getting a system installed will depend on your project’s needs, your location, and the tradesperson you have selected. As they provide rapid installation times, electric systems will be cheaper to install – you can expect to pay an installer anywhere from $50-100 an hour to install a heating system in your home.

Wet underfloor heating systems require a greater level of skill and time to install and will, therefore, cost more money.

Thinking of installing a floor heater in your home?

Underfloor heating is a cleaner, more contemporary way to heat your home and as this article has shown, it’s also more affordable than you think. Electric systems are cheaper to purchase and install whereas wet floor heating systems have higher initial costs but lower long-term running costs. Interested in learning more? See our 2021 Underfloor Heating brochure with pricing.

Use our Running Costs Calculator



Radiant Floor Heating Cost in 2022

If there’s one thing that floor heating is, it’s luxurious. It would be difficult to find someone who is unimpressed by the comfort of a heated floor. That’s because heated floors are known for their upscale appeal. There’s something about heat radiating upward through tile, stone or hardwood floors that produces that “wow” factor that furniture and décor just can’t replicate.

Of course heated floors are more than just an upscale heating option. They earned their “high-end” reputation because of their discreet ability to operate efficiently and effectively under nearly any flooring surface. Compared with alternative systems that boast unsightly vents or radiators in order to transmit heat, radiant floor heating is invisible and more efficient because it offers no escape route for hot air leakage. Ductwork, for instance, is prone to leakage and a forced air system often requires regular maintenance for the filtration system. 

Because in-floor heating is so efficient and such a luxurious way to deliver heat, many homeowners take interest in heated floors when they’re ready to replace (or install for the first time) the flooring in one of their rooms — the bathroom, in particular. However, when homeowners start shopping, they may be surprised to learn how affordable electric floor heating is, in terms of both material and operational costs. 

How Much Does Radiant Floor Heating Cost? 

Radiant floor heating cost will range from $10 – $12 per square foot— or about $600 for a typical remodeling project.  

This price per square foot for electric floor heating elements can go up to $30 for custom underfloor heating mats or down to $5 for large projects using floor heating cables and fixing strips. For a full 50-square-foot bathroom, the radiant floor heating cost can be as little as $265. A larger master bathroom that is 120 square feet will range between $590 and $833, depending on the type of heating product you select.

Heated Flooring Options

WarmlyYours Radiant Heating offers five different heated flooring options to meet its customers’ budgets and level of expertise. 

TempZone Flex Rolls: Cut-and-turn fiberglass rolls with pre-attached heating cables

Flex Rolls are 1.5 feet wide and consist of a heating cable attached to a mesh at 3″ spacing, which ensures an even heat output of 15-watts per sq. ft. 

These mats can be embedded (in thinset or self-leveling cement) beneath almost any flooring type and can be cut and turned during installation for ease and to accommodate the room layout.  

This is our most popular electric radiant floor heating product and has been for many years, largely due to the easy installation and the broad applicability of this heating system with the most commonly heated flooring types, like tile, marble, and stone. They can also be installed so that the heating wire is facing the subfloor and the fiberglass mesh facing towards the floor covering. 

This will help protect the heating cable during installation (as the mesh will block some incidental contact while cleaning grout lines or applying thinset above the system) without limiting heat transfer, which maintains low in-floor heating cost.

In this install plan, a single TempZone Flex Roll was used to cover this entire bathroom project.

 

For TempZone Flex Rolls, the in-floor heating cost will typically be between $10 and $12 per sq. ft. 

TempZone Easy Mats: Targeted floor heating mats for high-traffic areas 

Easy Mats are rectangular mats designed to heat small areas such as the space in front of a vanity, shower or toilet.  

These fiberglass mats also come with heating cables attached to them at a consistent 3″ spacing, which means they also boast a heat output of 15-watts per sq. ft. 

The advantage of these mats, besides super simple installation, is that you’re only heating the areas of your floor that you need to heat most, which means lower material costs and operating costs of your heated flooring options. 

For some smaller projects, two abutting floor heating mats can be used to maximize coverage but the TempZone Flex Roll will typically be a better solution as it will make the electrical connections easier later on in the installation. Like Flex Rolls, these heating elements can be installed so that mesh protects the heating elements during the installation process. 

Sometimes, a single Easy Mat is all you need for an entire bathroom project 

TempZone Easy Mats, like Flex Rolls, typically cost between $10 and $12 per sq. ft. but the total square footage is usually much smaller than projects with full coverage.  

TempZone Cable: With Prodeso Cable Installation Membrane or with Fixing Strips 

TempZone floor heating cable cable can be installed using fixing strips or an installation membrane for maximum flexibility. Each installation type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The Prodeso cable membrane serves not only as a framework for holding the electric floor heating elements at proper spacing (either 3.75″ or 5″) for even heating (between 7-watts and 15-watts per sq. ft.), but it also functions as an uncoupling membrane. This means the membrane is able to protect fragile flooring types, like tile or stone, from both foundational movement and from cracks telegraphing from the subfloor into the flooring surface. This can greatly extend the lifetime of these floors. 

The combination of the cable and the membrane is a costlier option, but can often cut the installation time for electric floor heating systems down to a single day (unlike other methods which can require time to let the embedded heating elements fully cure).  

This combo typically costs between $15 and $20 per sq. ft. but this is often mitigated by the fact that it eliminates the need for a secondary uncoupling membrane. 

A more economical option is to install the TempZone electric floor heating cable with fixing strips. These fixing strips are adhered to the floor on either end of the room and the cable is then strung at consistent spacing between the two anchoring lines of fixing strips. 

The method for adhering the strips to the subfloor will depend on the material and whether or not insulation is being used (but a very common method of installation for any well-cleaned subfloor is to use double-sided tape). This process is more labor intensive than most, but also affords a good amount of design flexibility and is by far the most affordable option. 

Typically, for a project using TempZone Cable and fixing strips, the in-floor heating cost will be between $5 and $15 per sq. ft., with larger projects costing less per sq. ft.

TempZone Cable install plan with fixing strips and 3″ spacing

TempZone Custom Mats: Customized heating mats that perfectly fit your project

Custom Mats are delivered pre-cut according to your room’s specs so that all you have to do is roll it out to install it. These products can also be customized in terms of the wattage per sq. ft. with a range of 12 to 15. Because they’re perfectly sized to the room they’re designed for, this is the easiest floor heating product to install. 

While there are a lot of variables that will go into pricing this product, most projects the in-floor heating cost will be between $15 and $30 per sq. ft. for a TempZone Custom Mat. 

WarmlyYours makes it easy to decide which product is right for you through its Radiant Floor Heating Quote Builder.

How To Get A Quote

By accessing WarmlyYours’s Radiant Floor Heating Quote Builder, you can enter the type of project, how large the room is, and a few more simple details to see your recommended choices side by side.  

WarmlyYours will show you the cost of each heating option and what the differences are between them so that you can select the one that best fits your budget and level of installation expertise. Once you’ve made your selection, the tool will even help you pick out a thermostat and any accessories you might need to complete your project.

With the Radiant Floor Heating Quote Builder at your fingertips every step of the way, finding an affordable in-floor heating system couldn’t be easier. WarmlyYours also offers free SmartPlans, which are custom installation plans for electric floor heating. 

Other Floor Heating Costs: Accessories, Controls, and Installation

For in-floor heating cost, the cost of the heating elements is just one piece of the puzzle. there are several other components to keep in mind including the control for your system, applicable accessories, and installation costs. 

Thermostats and Accessories: The key to energy efficiency 

WarmlyYours offers a wide variety of radiant heating thermostats ranging from the nSpire Touch WiFi smart thermostat to the dependable nTrust non-programmable thermostat. You should typically expect to spend between $100 and $300 on a floor heating thermostat (more if you’re looking to integrate it into a home automation system). A programmable thermostat can allow you to set up a heating schedule for your floor heating system that can decrease wasteful energy use, and turn into significant savings.

Likewise, if you’re installing a floor heating system on top of a concrete slab subfloor, you’ll want to install a thermal break underlayment like CeraZorb. This artificial cork underlayment helps prevent heat-loss and costs between $1.80 and $2.75. 

Installation Costs: Labor and Materials 

Obviously, the cost of a new floor heating system will also involve the costs of a new floor. Tile, the most commonly heated flooring surface, has a huge variety in costs. 

  • The tiles for a new floor will typically cost between $2 per sq. ft. at the very low end up to $25 per sq. ft. 
  • Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floors will typically cost between $2 and $7 per sq. ft. 
  • Nailed hardwood floors (which can be installed over TempZone Floor Heating Cable) can have a huge range of costs based on the species of wood, thickness, and quality–this can range from $3 to $6 for a softwood like pine to $8 to $14 for more exotic hardwoods like mahogany. 
  • A heated concrete floor cost can have a huge range based on the features desired (from $2 per sq. ft. all the way up to $30 per sq. ft.) and the heating system for a heated concrete floor would be between $8 and $16 per sq. ft. based on the project size and the heating elements used (either cables or mats). 

Another cost involved in tile floors is the adhesive, such as thinset or self-leveling cement. Make sure to check the installation guidelines on your floor heating system to identify how much adhesive depth will be needed for your project (also keep in mind that the electric heating systems outlined in this article will need to be installed no more than 1.5″ from the finished flooring surface). Combining this with the total square footage should give you an idea of how much adhesive you’ll need to purchase. 

If you’d like to hire a professional to install the floor heating system beneath a flooring material, there may be a surcharge since installing floor heating typically requires a few extra steps. If you’re a DIY-er, you can probably accomplish the flooring installation yourself over a weekend. 

However, we always recommend that a licensed electrician make the electrical connections for your floor heating system. Hiring an electrician may involve more than just their hourly cost (typically between $50 and $100 per hour), such as a travel fee and a minimum project charge. Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-875-5285 and we can provide some guidance about hiring a professional for your project. 

WarmlyYours SmartServices 

If you’re looking for specialized help installing your floor heating system, WarmlyYours now offers a wide range of different services for electric floor heating with competitive pricing where our Radiant Experts will help ensure your next project is a success. We offer both onsite and remote services and even a few that can be both like SmartGuide, our installation supervision service where a Radiant Expert can assist your installer (either onsite or via video conferencing). 

We also offer an onsite service called SmartInstall where our Radiant Experts will install an electric floor heating system so that your flooring installer can safely put down the actual floor covering. The cost for this service starts out at $399. We also offer a SmartFit professional measuring service and a troubleshooting and repair service called SmartFix. 

Make sure to check out our entire line of SmartServices for radiant heating.

What Are The Operating Costs?

If you want an even better understanding of how much your electric underfloor heating system will cost you on a day-to-day basis, WarmlyYours has another tool you should check out. By submitting the square footage of the heating area, the cost per kilowatt hour in your state, and how many hours a day your system will be running, the Electric Floor Heating Operating Cost Calculator will show you how much you’ll spend each day on electricity in order to run your system.  

For example, it would cost an average of $0.09 a day to heat the 50-square-foot bathroom mentioned earlier for four hours each day. That’s less than $3 a month! For a larger 120-square-foot bathroom, it would cost about $0.22 a day, which is less than $7 a month.

Test out the Electric Floor Heating Operating Cost Calculator yourself.

How does the energy use of electric floor heating compare to other appliances?

To really get an idea of just how energy efficient electric floor heating is, it helps to compare the energy use of an electric floor heating system to other household appliances. For example, if you used a 1500-watt portable electric heater for 8 hours a day to add supplemental heat to your home, you’re going to see a sizable $43.80 increase in your electric bill (assuming a kWh cost about 12 cents). 

By contrast, an electric floor heating system can be run in a 35 sq. ft. bathroom for about $6.60 per month. 

Even if you ran that system 24/7 in the bathroom, it would only cost $19. 80 per month. For more information on energy efficiency and floor heating, check out this post. 

Curious about how much it would cost to heat your project? Get started with a free, instant floor heating quote here. You can even get the process started with our team by uploading a photo of the room you’d like to heat here. 

Underfloor Heating Costs – Installation & Running Costs

Warm water underfloor heating costs as little as £800 for a 20m² room, but price varies by project. It is an affordable heating solution that is around 25% more efficient than radiators, so savings can also be made on heating bills.

How much does underfloor heating cost?

Underfloor heating is a more effective, efficient and eco-friendly alternative to using radiators to heat your home. But how much does underfloor heating cost and how much could you save on your heating bills?

The exact underfloor heating cost per m² will vary depending on the most suitable solution for the property. For example, a standard screed UFH system for a new build project is often cheaper than a retrofit solution where more materials are required.

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Screed underfloor heating, like ClipTrack®, is a cost-effective heating choice for a new build property that fits neatly into the build schedule. Installation is quick, which helps keep costs to a minimum.

In a typical self-build project (e.g. a detached 3 bedroomed home) with a 100m² floor area, you could expect a bespoke screed UFH system to cost approximately £5000, or £50m², excluding the screed and installation costs. This would include a unique system design tailored to the property, the highest quality components and unrivalled customer support for the lifetime of the system.

Every project is handled by qualified and experienced UFH experts to ensure the system performs exactly as required.

UFH for new builds

More materials are supplied with retrofit warm water UFH systems (e. g. pre-routed panels or specialist self-levelling compound), so for this reason they tend to cost more than a new build system.

Nu‑Heat’s award-winning LoPro® range avoids the time and expense of digging up floors, making UFH a reality for most properties. It includes everything needed to complete the installation before floor coverings are laid – there is no additional cost of screed, for example.

In a renovation project, like an average Victorian terrace with a downstairs floor area of 60m², a LoPro®10 system with a bespoke design and all the high quality components required would cost in the region of £6000, or £100m², excluding installation.

Installing UFH in one room? Electric underfloor heating kits, like ElectroMat®, cost less than warm water, making them a good option for smaller, single rooms. Be aware that electric UFH running costs are far higher than warm water, meaning it is best avoided for heating large spaces or a whole house.

UFH for renovations

Once you have an idea of the system price, you also need to consider the cost of having the system installed by a qualified heating and plumbing engineer.

The cost of installing underfloor heating is difficult to estimate as it varies depending on the area of the UK and the size and type of UFH system being installed. We would normally expect the installation cost to be roughly 40-50% of the cost of the system.

In straightforward or smaller projects, it is possible to install the fixing system and tube yourself, or have a builder do this, before getting the plumber in to set up the manifold, connect it back to the boiler and commission the system.

Find an installer near you

The Ultimate Underfloor Heating Buyer’s Guide

Find out how to choose the right underfloor heating for your home.

Download free guide

Underfloor heating running costs

One question we get asked a lot is, ‘is underfloor heating expensive to run?’. Here’s some more info on UFH running costs, along with a useful table comparing the running costs of warm water UFH and electric underfloor heating.

Compare running costs of UFH heating now.

Warm water underfloor heating is a highly efficient heating system – around 25% more efficient than radiators when paired with a modern condensing boiler and up to 40% more efficient when running from a heat pump (including air source heat pump or ground source heat pumps).

Because of this, running costs are often lower than a traditional radiator system and around a third of an equivalent electric UFH system.

Warm water underfloor heating

Electric underfloor heating running costs can be three to four times more than a warm water UFH system, or a radiator system, that is paired with a gas boiler. This is simply because electric tends to cost far more than natural gas per kWh.

Electric UFH is a good option for small spaces, like bathrooms or kitchen refurbs, where it can warm hard floor finishes. It is rarely used to heat an entire property because of the associated running costs.

Electric underfloor heating

Underfloor heating running costs: Warm water Vs Electric

Cost to heat a room per year with:
Room size
Electric UFH
Warm water UFH
Cost saving over a year
10m2
£384
£80
£304
20m2
£768
£161
£607
30m2
£1,152
£239
£913
The running costs have been based on a standard electricity price of £0. 24 per kWh and a domestic natural gas price of £0.05 per kWh (correct as of May 2022).

Want help finding the right underfloor heating solution?

We would love to speak with you to discuss your project. If you have a question about your existing Nu-Heat system, our technical support team are at hand.

Underfloor heating in Ufa ,Price for installation, Installation cost depends on the materials used and underfloor heating substrate

  • With concrete screed – the pipeline is poured with cement mortar. – screed price 300 rubles m2
  • Floor Mounted – Aluminum spacer and waterproofing layer between decking and piping system.
  • Wooden way – a pipeline for transporting a heat carrier in a heat supply system on floor slabs or logs made of wood.
Installation of a warm water floor on a thermal panel:
spacing 15 cm sq. m. 250 rub
spacing 20 cm sq.m. 200 rub
Installation of a warm water floor on a metal mesh and one layer of thermal insulation of the “Penoplex” type (up to 50 mm):
spacing 10 cm sq.m. 250 rub
spacing 15 cm sq.m. 250 rub
spacing 20 cm sq.m. 200 rub
Mounting damper tape m.p. 20 rub
Switch cabinet installation:
outdoor pcs. 1,000 rubles
internal pcs. 1,500 rubles
Installation of a distribution manifold with connection of heating pipes for up to 5 heating circuits pcs. 1500 rub

If you decide to use the first method of installing a water heating system, you should purchase a set of pipes made of metal-plastic or polymer, the circumference of which is not less than 20 millimeters. Also fixing fittings, decking and concrete mortar. It is advisable to buy a pressure pump (pump), it will be needed for the control point, which sets and maintains temperature indicators. Other necessary elements are a manifold, compression mounts, ball valves, a mixer for continuous mixing of liquids.

How to install a water heated floor:

  • preparation process;
  • a manifold cabinet is attached;
  • base is insulated;
  • the pipeline is divorced;
  • the system is connected.

To visualize the installation process, let’s take a closer look at each step:

1. Installation begins with the preparation of the work surface . The previous coating and screed are completely dismantled to the base. If there are differences that exceed 1 centimeter, they are corrected with a cementing mortar. When the surface becomes absolutely even, laying with a waterproofing layer is carried out. Along the length of all walls, the waterproofing layer is fixed with a damper tape, which contributes to the increase in materials when heated.

2. Manifold cabinet is mounted. When calculating the pipeline, the number of circuits is set, then, taking into account the initial information, you can proceed to the device of the box – the collector, in which the docking with the heating system and the elements of the heating setting are located. Experts recommend installing a closet in the center of the room, where the wall section is above the floor. The dimensions of the container can be determined by the parameters of the collector group of elements, under which space is left for the bends of the communications (in our case, pipes). You can hollow out an opening inside the wall and place the collector box there, or simply buy a ready-made structure with a complete set inside. If you decide to hammer the opening yourself, then you should know that it should be 600 x 400 x 120 millimeters.

3. The third important step is installation of pipes (both supply and return) into the water distribution cabinet. The supply is understood as the direction of the hot coolant from the boiler to the floor. Under the return line – the collection of cooled water, moved to the entire circuit, and sent to the heating device. The process is cyclic, occurs by means of an injection pump. If the room is disconnected from the general system, it is advisable to install taps – constipation on the pipes, fixed by connecting mating fittings.

The manifold inlet to Ufene must be connected to a valve, the outlet must be closed with a splitter with a drain cock and an air vent. In this way, it is possible to secure the occurrence of air blockage, to avoid the formation of a blockage, and to ensure the drainage of water if repairs are required. Connections must be made on the supply and return pipes.

This step includes a base for heated decking. The insulation is determined depending on the purpose of the direction of the structure and the type of room:

  • Penofol (foam structure, metal-coated polyethylene), used if water floors – additional heating.
  • Styrofoam or extruded polystyrene foam. Recommended for rooms under which there are heated buildings.
  • Expanded clay or polystyrene with indicators of more than 50 millimeters. Suitable for apartments located on the ground floor, especially if there is no heated basement under the apartment. Also applied to private homes where rooms are placed on a dirt surface.
  • Thermal insulator fixed with reinforcing mesh, or for special applications, with pre-existing channels.

4. Stage laying the warm water floor . It is possible to carry out in the following ways:

  • Parallel – the warm floor is located in a snake. Laying begins from the window structure or the outer wall due to the fact that the surface heats up unevenly. An ideal solution for a room with a small square.
  • Spiral – pipes are placed in a circle. The supply and return systems run parallel to each other, which ensures full heating of the floor. The perfect solution for large spaces.

Each pipe bend is a single piece. It is desirable that there are few connections, then the risk of leakage will be small. Concrete-free installation of a water floor involves fixing using special clamps and clips.

5. The water floor is connected in Ufa . For one collector to work properly, the length of the pipeline must be up to 80 meters. If the square of the room is large, you will need a large length of the hydraulic system and the installation of an additional distributor. The initial end is connected to the supply manifold, the final end to the return manifold. Next – the finish: the scheme is necessarily checked, water is started, after 24 hours, concrete should be poured and the flooring should be laid.

When installing a warm water floor in Ufa and the Republic of Belarus, do not make typical mistakes

Water heated floor, price of components and installation Hot liquid circulates inside these pipelines.

The underfloor heating system should also keep in mind the installation of a heat-insulating layer under the pipeline in order to avoid heat loss. The thickness of such a layer should be no more than 30 cm.

Next, consider the factors affecting the price of a water floor and its installation

It depends on the type of system and the load power of the water floor. Most often, polystyrene plays the main role of a heat insulator. A water heated floor, the price of which depends on which components you use, works as follows: the water heated in the pipeline gives off its heat to the concrete screed, which, in turn, transfers heat directly to the floor covering. Then the heat received by the floor covering, gradually warming up the room, rises into the air.

  • 1 Advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating
  • 2 Cost of underfloor heating
  • 3 What makes up the price of underfloor heating?
    • 3.1 Design of underfloor heating
    • 3.2 Installation of underfloor heating
    • 3. 3 Commissioning

Advantages and disadvantages of a water floor

Water heated floor, the price of which differs significantly from the usual register heating system, heats all parts of the air space where they are installed. The air flow in the room is divided into warm and cold. Water heated floor, the price of which depends on the chosen brand, provides uniform heating of the air in absolutely all directions – both vertical and horizontal. You can set a comfortable temperature yourself, because for each person this is a very individual indicator. The selected temperature will be maintained by an automatic system.

Temperature conditions in rooms with radiator heating (left) and warm water floor (right)

Before you buy a water heated floor, you must carefully study all the disadvantages and advantages of such a design. So, water heated floors maximize the comfortable area of ​​​​the room, are characterized by excellent heat transfer rates, and are also a distributor of uniform heat. In addition, they allow you to save electricity by lowering the temperature of the air flows in the room without much damage in maintaining heat.

Water floors have a very positive effect on human health, namely pain in the legs and relieve fatigue by emitting a small amount of magnetic field, help to reduce the spread of dust particles in the air. The main disadvantages of such a system include the impossibility of installation in apartment buildings, but this problem is solved if everything is carefully thought out.

You can buy water heated floors already at the stage of construction of your new home. It would be advisable to install such floors on an area of ​​​​70 sq.m.

Do not forget that water heated floors, the cost of which differs depending on the desired result, significantly increase the surface level by about 10 cm.

Installing a water floor is not particularly difficult and requires, perhaps, not a professional approach of specialists, but also self-installation with full receipt and study of all the necessary information. The main thing is the sequence of actions and the desire to make high-quality water floors.

Installing a water floor

As for such a parameter as the price of a water-heated floor, we can say that, of course, a water floor is definitely more expensive than an electric one. But it is also worth thinking about the future. Remember that the cost of a warm water floor and its installation is a one-time cost that pays for itself in a few years, and electricity, today, is becoming more and more expensive.

Cost of water heated floors

One of the essential questions of interest to most customers: “how much does a water heated floor cost.” Most companies that sell water heated floors value their work with each client, including potential clients who have a great desire to install the water floor system on their own. Therefore, each of these specialized stores have their own prices for underfloor heating, which, of course, differ from each other.

An example of calculating the heating system for a water-heated floor

Prices differ not only from the brand you have chosen. Let’s say the cost of a pipe for a warm floor can be different in one store due to the material from which it is made. It can be a copper pipe, which is by far the most expensive, or it can be polypropylene or metal-plastic. Also, the cost may increase due to the installation of the system, which you can include in the overall calculation of the system. The main decisive components of the price of a water floor are the number of rooms in which you want to install underfloor heating, the number of storeys of the object, as well as the selected heating scheme.

It is worth noting that most specialized stores offer discounts for underfloor heating, the price of which varies depending on the selected materials. An impeccable option that will give you comfort and coziness for many years – “Rehau” – a set of water-heated floor, the price of which is affordable. The Rehau manufacturing plant produces high-quality components and pipes for the underfloor heating system.

Warm water floor “Rehau”

For a water floor pipes “Rehau Rautherm” are used. They are produced by cross-linking polyethylene with peroxides. The service life of such a pipeline is at least 50 years. The process of their stitching under pressure at high temperature is carried out, which allows you to create a uniform, absolutely tight seam. At the same time, the Rehau pipeline for underfloor heating is not subject to corrosion, it is resistant to the formation of deposits, it perfectly tolerates temperature rises up to 110 ° C.

Pipe “Rehau Rautherm”

Such a pipeline is easy to install, as it has a shape memory and has sufficient elasticity. The main installation condition that must be observed is that the temperature in the room should not be lower than -10°C. The pipe (a warm water floor, the price of which depends on the number of circuits, is a very expensive pleasure) is made with a diameter of 1-3.2 cm, which allows it to be used in any heating systems. As for the cost of such a system, it is worth noting that, despite its high quality, it is available to anyone who wants to install warm water floors in their home.

If you decide to install underfloor heating in the room with water, the price of components and the excellent performance of the Rehau brand will significantly reduce heating costs.

“Rehau” is a functional and aesthetic heating system, widely used not only in private homes, but also in manufacturing plants, passenger transport terminals, sports halls, administrative and storage facilities, educational and recreational institutions.

Costs for installing a conventional heating system and underfloor heating “Rehau”

In addition to the above brand of water floor, there are other systems that can be considered before the final decision. The Water Energy company presents the product “Thermo” made in Sweden for unquestioned quality and a special price. So, “Thermo” – a water heated floor, the online store provides a unique opportunity to buy all the components for the specified system at once in one place at affordable prices, rather than in specialized stores.

It is worth remembering that goods in online stores are always an order of magnitude cheaper than in the market, since they require practically no costs for storing goods directly at the point of sale.

Goods are stored in warehouses, and consultation takes place online. Everything is quite easy and simple. “Thermo” is a water heated floor, which is sold in almost any online store or in specialized sales outlets, which meets all the requirements of today.

Of course, the first thing that catches your eye is the cost, a warm water floor is not so cheap compared to an electric one, but this is only at first glance. In fact, it will pay off very soon. One has only to calculate the costs in the future for electric floors, it immediately becomes clear that warm water floors, the prices of which are slightly higher when purchased, are much cheaper to operate.

What makes up the price of underfloor heating?

It is worth noting that the price for installing warm water floors consists of three main components – this is the design of the system itself, the installation of the system itself and commissioning. Let’s consider each stage separately.

We also recommend reading the article, from which you can understand what kind of underfloor heating to buy and what options manufacturers can offer.

Design of underfloor heating

Most of the specialized stores that sell sanitary wares offer floor heating design without any calculations, in order to simply realize the sale. But this is wrong. A high-quality water floor cannot be designed without a preliminary calculation, since the design process determines the necessary parameters when installing underfloor heating.

An example of an installation plan for underfloor heating in cottage

Namely, the heat loss of the room where the underfloor heating is installed, the required floor power, the length and number of circuits necessary for optimal operation of the underfloor heating, as well as the pipeline laying scheme, taking into account areas with increased heat loss. When designing, you should not lose sight of the setting on the flowmeter manifold, which equalizes the hydraulic resistance of each circuit, the required power of pumping equipment and many other parameters that will directly affect the efficiency of the system. To determine for yourself which underfloor heating, electric or water, is right for you, see the link.

Installation of underfloor heating

Underfloor heating with water, the price of m2 of which is slightly more expensive than an electric floor, includes the installation of a heat-insulating layer, a polyethylene film, laying and fastening a reinforcing mesh, as well as a pipeline to it.

Underfloor heating collector cabinet

Also, the installation of a warm floor includes the installation of a collector cabinet and the collector itself, connecting circuits to the collector group, a pumping and mixing unit, shutoff valves and automation elements, and, most importantly, filling the system with liquid and pressure testing. The last thing included in this section is to check the system with working pressure, in order to identify deficiencies in the installation of the system.

Recommended – What determines the price of installation of underfloor heating.

Commissioning

This item includes the whole range of works related directly to the finishing system and its performance. Namely, adjustment of the required temperature in the room and other commissioning works.

Anyone who wants to install underfloor heating in their home, in conclusion, you need to remember the most important thing that you have the opportunity to significantly reduce the cost of the system by excluding elements from the estimate for the construction of a water-heated floor that allow for simple and easy operation in the future. The question is, will you be satisfied with the result? Will the underfloor heating system installed in your home work exactly as you planned and expected it to? Weigh absolutely everything “PROS” and “AGAINST” and you will definitely understand that cheap is not always of high quality.

parameters and selection rules, installation cost

Many owners know what a warm water floor is. It is based on pipelines that are placed between the floor and the finish coating. Hot liquid moves through these pipelines. The installation technology of such a floor heating system requires laying a heat-insulating layer under the pipeline. This will prevent heat loss. Moreover, it is important that such a layer reaches no more than 30 cm in thickness.

When determining this parameter, the type of system and the load capacity of the water floor must be taken into account. Usually polystyrene is used as an insulator. The operation of a water-heated floor is based on the following principle: heated water circulates through the pipeline, from which heat spreads to the concrete screed, after which the flooring begins to heat up. Having reached a certain heating temperature, the floor covering begins to release heat into the air of the room.

The cost of water heated floors

Many consumers who decide to install such a system in the house have a lot of questions, among which the following is quite relevant:

Many companies that sell such systems place great emphasis on maintaining their reputation. Therefore, they take care not only of current customers, but also of potential ones, and the latter often have a desire to do the installation of a water floor system with their own hands. For this reason, the price of water-heated floor systems offered by specialized stores may vary.

It is worth noting that for any modern underfloor heating , the cost will not be a determining factor that the consumer must take into account. At the same time, not only the brand affects the final price of the underfloor heating system.

Rehau products

If we consider Rehau products, Rehau Rautherm pipes are used in the construction. Here, the technology of cross-linking polyethylene by means of peroxides is used. Such a pipeline can be operated for at least 50 years.

The stitching work itself is carried out under conditions of high pressure and temperature. Due to this, it is possible to provide the structure of the system with a uniform coating, making the seam completely sealed. Of the advantages that such a pipeline has, it should be noted resistance to corrosion processes , as well as to the appearance of deposits. These designs perfectly withstand temperatures up to 110 degrees Celsius.

There are no difficulties with the installation of such a pipeline. This is due to the presence of shape memory properties and high elasticity. During the installation work, it is necessary to comply with the main requirement – in the room where the installation is carried out, there must be keep the temperature at a level not lower than 10 degrees Celsius . The pipes used in such systems have a diameter of 1-3.2 cm, due to which it becomes possible to use them in various heating systems. Noteworthy is the price per square meter of such a system. With high quality workmanship, anyone who decides to acquire a warm water floor can buy this heating system.

If you are looking at the various options for underfloor heating available on the market, you can opt for Rehau brand products . Due to the high quality of the components and the excellent performance characteristics of such a heating system, you will be able to achieve significant savings in heating costs.

Products Water Energy

It is worth noting that the water floor brand in question is not the only one available on the market. Other options are also possible. Among these, should also highlight the company Water Energy , whose products are distinguished by the highest quality of workmanship and a fairly low price. Through the efforts of specialists, the Thermo product was created. This is a water heated floor system, for which, if necessary, you can purchase all the necessary components that can simplify the installation and maintenance of the system.

Accessories for such constructions are available in many online stores, where their cost is much lower than in conventional stores. This is due to the fact that such outlets do not face the cost of storing goods.

All goods are in stock, while the visitor of such an online store can get answers to the necessary questions online. Thus, choosing a suitable heating system model is not a problem. If necessary, purchase a system water floor heating Thermo is available not only in online stores that are ready to offer a large selection of similar products. Also, a wide variety of these products is presented in specialized sales outlets, which have recently become increasingly popular.

What makes up the price of underfloor heating?

Considering underfloor heating systems as a solution to the problem of heating an apartment or house, it is necessary to take into account a large number of factors that affect the final costs of installing and operating this product.

  • heating system design;
  • performance of works on installation of the system;
  • commissioning.

Each step will be discussed in more detail below.

Underfloor heating design

By contacting many stores specializing in the sale of sanitary ware, the consumer can receive a project of underfloor heating , for which no calculations are required. This approach speeds up the sales process.

However, this should not be done. In order for the installed water floor system to be able to do its job normally, making preliminary calculations is a mandatory requirement that must be met in any case. If this condition is neglected, then it will be difficult for to select the optimal characteristics of for a specific model of underfloor heating, taking into account the characteristics of the room where it is planned to install and use the selected heating system.

It should be noted that when designing the system, several parameters must be taken into account:

  • heat loss of the room that is selected for installing a heated floor;
  • optimal power value;
  • the length and number of circuits that will ensure the maintenance of a comfortable microclimate in the room;
  • piping layout, the selection of which should take into account areas characterized by increased heat loss.

It is also necessary to remember the need to adjust the flowmeters on the manifold, the beneficial effect of which is to bring to hydraulic resistance balance each circuit. The power of pumping equipment, as well as a large number of other characteristics that can affect the efficiency of the system, have an equally important influence on the system being designed.

Installation of a warm floor

When choosing a warm water floor, it should be taken into account that the price per square meter for this system will be slightly higher than for an electrical construction. Such a difference is due to the need to use a heat-insulating layer, a polyethylene film, installation and fastening of a reinforcing mesh and a pipeline.

  • When performing installation work , it is imperative to take care of installing the manifold cabinet and the manifold itself. These components must be supplemented with a pumping and mixing unit, elements of shutoff valves and automation.
  • Quite a lot of importance is given here to filling the system with water and correct pressure testing.
  • The final stage of work will be a test of the system under the conditions of creating a working pressure, which will allow, even before commissioning, to detect defects made during the installation of the system.

Commissioning

This should include all activities that complete the installation of the system and its commissioning. In more detail, here we mean the choice of the optimal temperature regime and other commissioning.

Conclusion

If you are planning to install a water floor heating system in your apartment, then you should remember that it is possible to achieve a reduction in the installation cost of this system, which is achieved by eliminating from the planned installation elements that can provide a simpler system design. However, before taking such a step, you need to decide whether you are ready to agree to such an option?

Choosing an installation method that makes it easier to install the heating system does not always guarantee correct operation. Therefore, even before making a final decision, you should evaluate all the pros and cons of such a decision. Ultimately, you realize that not in all cases, saving can lead to the desired result.

  • Author: Leonid Grigorievich Chernukhin