Underfloor Heating Installation

Can I install underfloor heating myself?

Underfloor heating is a system that is possible to install yourself, so long as you have some relevant DIY skills and the time to complete the installation in one go, but isn’t exactly straightforward. 

For example, for a wet underfloor heating system, you have the technical aspect of fitting it to your existing central heating system and ensuring that you have the correct time and temperature controls that will be compatible to control the underfloor heating.

We would always recommend going to a professional to ensure the system is correctly fitted and running as efficiently and effectively as possible. 

How does underfloor heating work?

Underfloor heating works by distributing a lower temperature of warm water through a pipe circuit, which sits beneath flooring. 

Temperature is monitored and controlled by intelligent thermostats to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the home or in individual rooms. The floor is also insulated, which prevents any heat from escaping.

How is underfloor heating connected to the electric supply?

Electric underfloor heating works by using a network of cables that are wired up to the electric mains. 

The wires are fitted on the top layer of the screed, which is a thin layer of flooring placed on top of the concrete subfloor, and a layer of insulation which stops the heat from travelling down. 

Electric underfloor heating is an easier system to fit compared to wet underfloor heating, which also means the cost of installation is cheaper too. 

Wet underfloor heating systems have bigger pipes that need to be fitted, meaning more floor space is needed. However, this isn’t necessarily a problem for newly built homes.

Is it expensive to install underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating can cost as little as £25/m2 to install depending on whether you choose electric or wet heating systems and what property type you have. 

Underfloor heating tends to be cheaper to install in new builds and extensions, since it can be designed and planned from the outset. In older properties however, it often requires the removal or lifting of floorboards to reach the subfloor.

Benefits of underfloor heating

Underfloor heating systems have plenty of benefits for homes and offices, and it is a great solution for homes with renewable heat sources. 

Low maintenance costs

Since the pipes are made from polypropylene, which is extremely tough material, it requires very little maintenance. This is the case for both electric and wet underfloor heating systems. 

Energy efficient  

Underfloor heating is far more efficient than conventional radiators, since radiators cool down rapidly as soon as the heat supply is cut off. 

Due to this efficiently, homeowners can experience reduced energy bills. 

Low running costs 

Although many think otherwise, running a whole house on underfloor heating is actually cheaper than conventional radiators and heating systems. 

Traditional radiators need to be heated to a high temperature in order to heat up a room effectively, whereas underfloor heating needs to be heated up to around 29 degrees celsius or less, depending on the floor. 

More design freedom 

With underfloor heating systems, you’re able to design your home without radiators taking up space on the walls. 

Floor heating can be installed in every room of your home, and can either be used as the primary or secondary heating system alongside your existing heating system. 

How long does electric underfloor heating last?

Although many underfloor heating systems will come with a warranty of 25 years, the lifespan is typically much longer. 

Many homeowners are seeing their underfloor heating systems lasting for 30-40 years. 

Underfloor heating for new builds

Incorporating underfloor heating at a new build stage is far simpler than as part of a refurbished project, which will likely require a bespoke fit solution. 

At the new build stage, you have much more scope to include underfloor heating since the complete floor structure is open. It is also easier to install the necessary wires rather than chasing wires into existing walls and floors. 

Upstairs underfloor heating

Underfloor heating upstairs is becoming more common in recent years. It can be installed on any suspended floor with wooden joists. 

Retrofitting suspended floor underfloor heating for rooms upstairs is relatively straightforward, for a team of professionals. Either the existing floorboards will be lifted up or the ceiling below would be removed. Alternatively, there are ultra thin underfloor heating solutions that can be installed on top of an existing floor.

There are many brands of underfloor heating. Some of the most popular brands that we install are Polypipe and Beneath Heating. 

If you’re thinking of having underfloor heating installed, contact our friendly and professional team for advice. At Lacey Plumbing and Heating, our team has the knowledge and experience at fitting a range of heating solutions in a variety of different homes. 

Our office team is always happy to talk through heating solution requests. Please give us a call with your query and we’ll try our best to help.