How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?

underfloor heating pipes

If you’re looking for an efficient new home heating system, underfloor heating could be the perfect solution. This clean and simple form of heating provides a gentle warmth throughout the home by distributing hot water through pipes buried in the concrete in your floor. There’s little doubt that underfloor heating can make your home feel more comfortable and luxurious, but one burning question remains for many unsure whether it is the right choice for them: ‘how much does underfloor heating cost?’.

The answer to this question is not straightforward. Different suppliers will provide different quotes, and several further factors come into play which influence the overall cost of both installation and operation. These factors include:

Type of Installation

One of the reasons why the cost of underfloor heating can vary so significantly is the fact that different types of installation incur different costs. Underfloor heating is commonly associated with newly built homes, but it can also be retrofitted into existing properties provided your home is suitable. Retrofitting is typically a more labour-intensive process, with extra planning required to ensure that the pipes can be fitted correctly and keep the structural integrity of the property intact. Existing flooring may need to be refitted or replaced, which can add further costs to your overall quote for underfloor heating.

Size of Home

The size of your home is also a major factor influencing the cost of underfloor heating. It goes without saying that larger homes will be more expensive as more materials and more time will be required to fit a suitable system. Designs are likely to also be more complex for a larger property, though some suppliers may try and cut corners by supplying an undersized heat pump to power the system. While this will make the initial underfloor heating costs cheaper, you should err on the side of caution when it comes to these quotes. An undersized heat pump will struggle to create the right levels of heat for your property, burning excess fuels and therefore increasing running costs over time.

Pipe Quality

The quality of the underfloor heating system components, particularly the pipes, significantly impacts the cost. There are different types of pipes available and each varies in terms of quality, with PEX pipes being the most durable, efficient, and therefore most costly. The quantity of pipe used also causes the cost of underfloor heating to fluctuate. The more pipe used, the more expensive the system will be to install. Some suppliers will try to reduce cost by burying less pipe in your concrete floor, but this can jeopardize the quality of your underfloor heating system as less pipe over a larger surface area can result in a heat output that is too low.

Running Costs

While the initial installation costs outlined are a substantial consideration, it’s also essential to evaluate the long-term running costs of underfloor heating. These types of home heating systems are known for their energy efficiency, which can lead to lower running costs and savings over time in comparison to traditional radiators powered by an oil or gas boiler. For many homeowners, the benefits of these long-term savings far outweigh the initial costs that may be incurred when installing the system for the first time.

With the cost of underfloor heating varying quite significantly on a case-by-case basis, you must speak to an experienced supplier to obtain a personalised quote for your property. This will give you the insight that you need to make an informed decision about whether underfloor heating is right for you.

Pipelife’s experienced engineering team has over 50 years of experience in underfloor heating design, working tirelessly to ensure that each system meets the requirements of each property. To find out more about the cost of underfloor heating and whether it’s right for your home, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

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