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Underfloor heating is a saving grace for many homes around the world. Not only does it provide more widespread warmth to your rooms compared to traditional radiators, but it also offers a higher level of energy efficiency. More and more homeowners are looking to introduce these systems into their properties, but many are unsure of how much it actually costs.

If you’re considering installing an underfloor heating system in your home but you want to know how much it’s going to break the bank, we’re here to help. Below is a breakdown of all things financial regarding underfloor heating systems.

Let’s get started.

Types of underfloor heating systems

Underfloor heating works in the same way, regardless of what system you choose. It heats up below your floors and ensures this heat radiates upwards, eventually heating up your home room. They offer a more widespread warmth than radiators that only target a small area, helping you feel comfortable and cosy in your home when you need it.

There are two main types of underfloor heating systems you can choose from:

Water underfloor heating

A water system is the most popular form of underfloor heating for whole homes. This involves a series of pipes being installed underneath your floors. When turned on, warm water will rush through the pipes, eventually heating the floors and the room above.

Electric underfloor heating

Electric underfloor heating is best used if you only want to target one room in your house because it works better in smaller spaces. A series of cables or heating mats are placed under your floors, and when you turn them on, an electric current passes through them, heating your room.

Factors affecting the cost

Underfloor heating systems don’t always come with one set cost, so there are various factors you should consider before asking for a quote:

Materials

The materials required for your underfloor heating will depend firstly on the type of system you’re having installed and secondly on how many rooms you want your heating in. It is no surprise that the more rooms you want the system is, the more the materials will cost. You should also consider the costs of the flooring that will go on top.

Labour

Unless you have the know-how to install your underfloor heating system yourself, you’re going to need to get a trained professional to help. How much this person charges will vary between different companies, so you might want to get a quote from different places so you can compare the costs. However, ensure it is something that is trusted and will complete the job well.

Installation

The complexity of the installation will also affect the cost of your underfloor heating system. This could be based on whether you have a new build or your current home. It can sometimes cost more to install a system in your current home because the engineers will need to pull up your current flooring and take out your previous central heating system.

Initial investment vs. long-term savings

While an underfloor heating system might seem expensive to install, it could actually save you a lot more in the future. For example, underfloor heating systems are much more energy efficient, which means that they save you money on your energy bills each month. Radiators may be much more cost-effective to install initially, but you can often see high bills that will cut into a big chunk of your budget throughout the year.

If you’re looking at the two different underfloor heating systems, electric is much cheaper to install than water. However, electric will come with higher energy bills each month compared to water. Therefore, you need to decide on what the purpose of your underfloor heating system is and whether you want to save on costs now or in the future.

Maintenance and repair costs

If you have your underfloor heating system installed by a trusted and trained professional, then you shouldn’t have to worry about paying for repairs or replacements for a long time. However, things can always go wrong no matter how hard you try, so there may be some costs you have to deal with, including the following:

• Leak repairs for water underfloor heating systems
• Faulty wiring for electric underfloor heating systems
• Damage to the flooring that affects your system

You can prevent the need for repairs in the future by properly maintaining your system throughout the year. Some of the ways you can do this include:

• Performing regular inspections, looking for any leaks of wiring issues in your system.
• Ensuring the system’s thermostat is correctly calibrated for optimal efficiency.
• Keeping the system and all its counterparts clean to prevent blockages.

Additional considerations

While you might not be able to get the cost of the initial installation down too much if you want it done properly, there are a few additional ways you can reduce your energy bills each month:

• If you’re installing an electric underfloor heating system, you can integrate it with a renewable energy source such as solar.
• Choose a flooring type that has the best heat conductivity to ensure there is no heat loss and you make the most of your energy.
• Use a thermostat to regulate the temperature of your underfloor heating to get the most out of it.
• Integrate smart home technology with your underfloor heating system so you can better monitor and regulate your temperatures.

Conclusion

Underfloor heating is a very beneficial addition to any home, especially if you live in an area that is particularly prone to cold weather. However, it isn’t free, and you need to consider whether you have the funds for an installation. If you do, but you’re still unsure, it’s a good investment, especially with the cost savings you can receive. Just ensure you collaborate with a trained professional when it comes to installation, and you’ll no doubt be able to make the most out of it.