How it works
Underfloor heating warms the whole floor, which then warms the room with gentle radiant heat. There are no radiators on the walls, and no cold side of the room furthest from the radiator.
Water or electric
Water (wet) systems run warm water from a boiler or heat pump through pipes laid under the floor. They're the efficient way to heat large areas and whole houses, and need very little maintenance.
Electric (dry) systems use heating mats or cables under the floor, run from the mains with their own thermostat. They're simple to fit in a small room, such as a bathroom, but cost more to run over a large area.
Which floors can go over it
Most floors work well over underfloor heating. Each has something to check.
- Tiles and stone: pass heat through well and respond quickly
- Wood: engineered boards are the usual choice; check the maker's maximum floor temperature
- Vinyl and LVT: choose a product rated for underfloor heating
- Carpet: keep the carpet and underlay thin enough to let heat through
How quickly it warms up
It depends on the floor build-up and how well the room is insulated. A timber floor warms faster than a thick screed, which takes longer to heat but holds the warmth for hours afterwards.
When to install it
It's easiest when the floor is being laid anyway: a new build, an extension, a renovation or a new bathroom. It can go into one room or a whole house, and we'll help you choose the right flooring before anything is laid.
With a heat pump
Underfloor heating runs at low water temperatures, which is exactly what a heat pump does best. The two are often designed together.
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