Underfloor Heating

Wet (hydronic) and electric underfloor heating systems differ significantly in installation, operation, and suitability. Wet systems circulate warm water through pipes embedded in the floor, connected to a boiler, heat pump, or solar thermal system. They're typically more expensive to install (£80-£150/m²) but cost less to run (approximately 30-40% less than electric systems), making them economical for larger areas and whole-house installations. Electric systems use heating cables or mats wired to your electrical supply, are less expensive to install (£50-£100/m²), require minimal floor height increase (as little as 3-4mm for ultra-thin mats), and are ideal for single rooms, renovations, or bathrooms. Wet systems have greater thermal mass, providing longer heat retention but slower warm-up times, while electric systems heat quickly but cool faster when turned off. For Bath's period properties with limited floor-to-ceiling height, ultra-thin electric systems often prove practical, while new builds in Bristol frequently benefit from wet systems integrated with renewable heat sources. We can help determine which system type best suits your specific property and heating requirements.

Yes, underfloor heating can be successfully installed in Bath's older properties, including listed buildings and period homes, though special considerations apply. For the city's numerous Georgian and Victorian buildings, we typically recommend low-profile electric or water systems that minimise floor height increases (some as little as 15-18mm total build height). In properties with suspended timber floors, we can install systems between joists with minimal disruption, often using aluminum heat diffusion plates to improve efficiency. For solid stone floors common in Bath's basement levels, we carefully assess moisture conditions and may incorporate appropriate damp-proof membranes before installation. When working with listed buildings, we coordinate with Bath & North East Somerset Council's conservation officers to ensure compliance with heritage requirements. Alternative options for particularly sensitive spaces include retrofit overlay systems that install directly over existing floors. Many Bath homeowners combine underfloor heating in certain areas (typically kitchens, bathrooms and extensions) with traditional heating elsewhere, creating a balanced approach that respects the property's character while improving comfort and efficiency.

Underfloor heating installation costs in Bath and Bristol properties typically range from £50-£150 per square meter, varying based on system type and property specifics. Electric systems generally cost £50-£100/m² installed, with water-based systems ranging from £80-£150/m². Additional factors influencing cost include: subfloor preparation (existing concrete floors may need leveling at £15-£25/m²); screed application (approximately £20-£30/m² for traditional screed, £30-£40/m² for liquid flowing screed); insulation requirements (£10-£20/m² depending on type); and control systems (from basic thermostats at £50-£80 each to full smart control systems at £200-£500). For a typical Bristol semi-detached house installation covering a 25m² kitchen-diner area, an electric system might cost £2,500-£3,500 fully installed, while a wet system would typically range from £3,500-£5,000. Whole-house installations offer economies of scale but represent a significant investment, typically £7,000-£15,000 for average-sized properties. We provide detailed, itemized quotes following thorough property assessment, ensuring transparency on all costs involved.

Underfloor heating offers significant energy efficiency advantages compared to conventional radiator systems, potentially reducing heating costs by 15-40% when properly installed and controlled. This efficiency stems from several factors: lower operating temperatures (water-based systems typically run at 35-45°C compared to 65-75°C for radiators) while maintaining comfort; more even heat distribution eliminating the energy waste from hot spots near radiators; reduced heat loss as the warmth is concentrated at floor level rather than rising immediately to the ceiling; and superior zoning capabilities allowing unused rooms to be turned down or off completely. The efficiency advantage is particularly pronounced when combined with well-insulated floors (reducing downward heat loss) and renewable heat sources like heat pumps, which operate most efficiently at lower flow temperatures. In our experience with Bristol and Bath properties, well-designed underfloor heating systems paired with smart controls often deliver around 20-25% energy savings compared to conventional heating. The actual efficiency gain for your property will depend on insulation levels, system design, control strategy, and building characteristics – factors we carefully consider during our design process to maximize potential savings.

Virtually all modern floor coverings can be used with underfloor heating, though some materials perform better than others in terms of heat transfer and efficiency. Tile and stone flooring are ideal, offering excellent thermal conductivity and heat retention properties – these materials typically allow the heating system to operate at maximum efficiency and are particularly popular for Bath properties with traditional flagstone aesthetics. Engineered wood flooring is well-suited when specifically rated for underfloor heating (look for the UFH symbol), with most manufacturers now offering compatible products up to 18-22mm thickness. Vinyl, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), and laminate flooring work effectively but require temperature limitation to approximately 27°C to prevent damage. Carpet is compatible when the combined tog value of underlay and carpet doesn't exceed 2.5 tog (thinner, denser carpets work best). For most Bristol and Bath installations, we recommend notifying your flooring supplier about the underfloor heating system during selection, as they can advise on specific suitable products. We coordinate closely with flooring contractors to ensure appropriate installation methods, including necessary acclimatization periods for natural materials and the use of flexible adhesives that accommodate thermal movement.

Underfloor heating installation timelines vary depending on system type, property size, and whether it's a new build or retrofit project. For a typical Bristol home renovation covering a single room (e.g., a 20m² kitchen), an electric underfloor heating system can usually be installed in 1-2 days, followed by floor covering installation. Water-based systems for similar areas typically take 2-3 days for pipe installation, plus additional time for connecting to the heat source and commissioning. Whole-house installations naturally take longer, with timelines of 5-10 days for complete water-based systems in average-sized properties. Additional factors affecting timeline include: subfloor preparation requirements (leveling, insulation installation); screed drying times (traditional sand/cement screed requires approximately 7-10 days per inch thickness before floor coverings can be laid, while liquid screeds may reduce this to 7-10 days total); integration with existing or new heating systems; and coordination with other trades. For Bath's period properties, where careful adaptation to existing structures is necessary, installations may take longer due to additional preparation work. We provide detailed project timelines during quotation, and our experienced team works efficiently to minimize disruption while ensuring quality installation.