What are the costs of running underfloor heating?

There are several factors that contribute to the running costs of underfloor heating.

In an Ideal Home article, Rebecca Foster said an underfloor heating system will keep the home warm and cosy in winter, and she added:

“A well-installed setup can deliver excellent efficiency, too, and potentially even save money on energy bills.”

No heating system is efficient if heat escapes the room and more heat is required to compensate This issue can be solved, however, through good insulation.

Fuel costs depend on the type of underfloor heating system. Water underfloor heating usually uses water heated by a gas boiler, and electric underfloor heating requires electric power. Running costs are affected by the current price of gas or electricity. Heat pumps are an alternative to gas boilers, and solar panels can provide renewable electricity, significantly reducing power bills. Underfloor heating requires less heat compared to radiator systems, making it more energy efficient.

Smart thermostats control underfloor heating in ways that make the heating system more energy efficient. Many of these devices are controlled by a smartphone app so that heating is only used when needed and is switched off or kept low when the home is unoccupied.

Another running cost of underfloor heating is maintenance. If the boiler or heat pump supplying the heat breaks down, it can be costly to repair. The system should be inspected annually. Pumps and actuator heads should be replaced every few years, but over a 10-year period, Foster estimates that spare parts should cost around £250.

Overall, underfloor heating is an energy-efficient, cost-effective option that is well worth considering.