The Pros and Cons of Underfloor Heating – Wet vs Electric Systems
Underfloor heating is a popular, energy-efficient alternative to traditional radiators, offering luxurious warmth and enhanced space utilization. However, selecting between wet (hydronic) and electric systems requires a clear understanding of their respective strengths and limitations.
What is Wet Underfloor Heating?
A wet underfloor heating system circulates warm water through pipes laid beneath the floor. It’s connected to a boiler or renewable energy source like a heat pump.
What are the Pros of Wet Underfloor Heating?
- Energy Efficiency: Wet systems operate at lower temperatures, leading to reduced energy consumption compared to radiators. When a boiler’s flow temperature is lowered by 20°c, it typically uses 12% less gas. Where a boiler heated to 70°c for an hour would use 20kWh* of gas, the same boiler heating to 40°c for an hour may use 16.4kWh of gas or less. We offer Free Advice on how to make your underfloor heating system as energy efficient as possible, you can contact us here.
- Compatible with Large Areas: Ideal for whole-house installations, especially in new builds. For older houses, please feel free to Contact us here for free advice.
- Cost-Effective with Renewables: Pairs well with air source and ground source heat pumps and solar thermal systems for long-term savings. A hydronic heating system laid in a floor operates at a lower boiler flow temperature than traditional central heating. Boilers have to be heated to 70°c to supply radiators efficiently but operate effectively at 40°c for underfloor systems without sacrificing efficiency.
- Uniform Heating: Eliminates cold spots, ensuring even warmth across the room. Underfloor heating will provide you with maximum comfort. Your rooms will be heated evenly and distributed, as the heat comes from every area of the floor rising up into the room, rather than say, a single radiator in a room.
- Aesthetics: If you want to free up more space in your home or are tired of looking at radiators, underfloor heating can eliminate the need for any radiators at all.
- Maintenance Free: After the water underfloor heating has been installed, it needs virtually no maintenance at all. Unlike radiator systems, which need bleeding regularly to maintain efficiency, underfloor heating systems do not require regular servicing.
What are the Cons of Wet Underfloor Heating?
- Installation Costs: Installation is more complex, requiring skilled labour. While it’s possible to tackle underfloor heating installation yourself, you’d be surprised how much more efficient and hassle-free it is to let UFH Direct handle it for you. Our skilled team ensures the job is done right the first time: and often at a cost that’s not much more than doing it yourself. For Free Advice, you can contact us anytime here
- Floor Depth Considerations: Requires adequate subfloor depth for the pipe system. There are low profile systems that are very common for UFH Retro Fits (Installing underfloor heating in an existing home). These systems raise floor levels by only 16-20mm, meaning that if you have access below your boards, you can install between the joist. Contact us here to find out more.
- Longer Installation Time: Typically installation can take longer than Electric Underfloor heating, however, in most cases, even the best electric underfloor heating has less efficiency savings than wet underfloor heating.
- Slower to warm up: Underfloor heating pipes can take slightly longer to heat up than radiators, which reach higher temperatures faster. But, with timers and smart controls, you’ll be able to plan when you need your room to be cosy and warm.
Explore wet underfloor heating systems in Plymouth to find tailored solutions for your property. Any other questions you may have on wet underfloor heating, please check out our FAQS
In summary:
Is wet underfloor heating worth it? – Depending on your budget, yes, due to the long term savings and comfort considerations (depending on the age and floor type of your house – Contact us here to find out more)
What is the downside of underfloor heating? – See above Cons – planning is key here.
Is it expensive to run wet underfloor heating? – Underfloor heating can save you up to 40% on your heating bill – https://www.easyflow.org.uk/how-much-money-does-underfloor-heating-actually-save/
Should wet underfloor heating be left on all the time? – Set the minimum temperature at around 16°-18° in Spring/Summer and 18°-21° in Autumn/Winter outside of any programmed or manual temperature settings. Good UFH systems can give hours of residual heat so it can feel like the system is on when it’s off.
What is Electric Underfloor Heating?
Electric UFH uses cables or mats to generate heat. These systems are powered by electricity and are often used in smaller spaces like bathrooms or kitchens.
What are the Pros of Electric Underfloor Heating?
- Quick Installation: Straightforward to install, making it ideal for DIY projects or small retrofits.
- Lower Initial Costs: Typically more affordable than wet systems in smaller areas. Check out our Electric Underfloor Heat mat prices here.
- Flexible Design: Suitable for areas with limited floor depth. Contact us here to find out more.
- Rapid Warm-Up Times: Heats up faster than water-based systems.
- Maintenance Free: After the electric underfloor heating has been installed, it needs virtually no maintenance at all. Unlike radiator systems, which need bleeding regularly to maintain efficiency, underfloor heating systems do not require regular servicing.
What are the Cons of Electric Underfloor Heating?
- Higher Running Costs: Generally, Electricity is more expensive than Gas or renewable energy sources, leading to increased operational expenses: less efficient than water underfloor systems, similar to radiator systems.
- Not Ideal for Large Spaces: Best for smaller rooms due to cost-efficiency, e.g. bathrooms, kitchens, extensions, holiday homes. For larger spaces and full home systems UFH Direct would recommend considering Water Underfloor Heating. Our installation prices could surprise you. Contact us here to find out more.
- Limited Compatibility with Renewables: Less effective when paired with some renewable systems. Although can work well with solar in small spaces.
Discover electric underfloor heating in Plymouth and select from a wide range of affordable, efficient heating mats.
Which Underfloor Heating System is Right for You?
- Choose Wet Underfloor Heating for:
- Whole-home heating, new builds, or major renovations.
- Compatibility with renewable energy sources for reduced long-term costs.
- Choose Electric Underfloor Heating for:
- Small rooms, retrofits, or projects requiring minimal disruption.
- Budget-friendly initial installation and rapid heating.
- Whole systems based around solar panels
Why Choose UFH Direct?
At UFH Direct, we offer a comprehensive range of wet and electric underfloor heating systems. Whether you’re looking for high-performance heating kits, easy-to-install mats, or expert advice on underfloor heating in Plymouth, we have everything you need to transform your space. Please fee free to contact us for Free Advice here
Respected Sources for Further Reading
- Energy Saving Trust: Provides insights into maintaining energy-efficient heating systems – https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/heating-your-home/
- Which?: Offers comparisons and reviews for various heating systems – https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/home-heating-systems/article/guides
- GOV.UK: Details building and heating regulations to ensure compliance – https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval
- Ideal Home: Offers advice for homeowners –https://www.idealhome.co.uk/property-advice/underfloor-heating-costs-297871
Conclusion
Underfloor heating, whether wet or electric, offers a sleek and effective way to heat your home. By understanding the pros and cons of each system and using trusted suppliers like UFH Direct, you can ensure a warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient environment for years to come.
For more information on our installation services or just to ask any questions you may have please feel free to Contact us here.
