UNDERFLOOR HEATING WHICH IS BEST?
The experts at ThermoSphere provide a straightforward guide to choosing between electric and wet underfloor heating.
Thinking about underfloor heating? It’s a smart way to eliminate cold floors and enjoy consistent, comfortable warmth. Before you start, you’ll need to decide between electric underfloor heating and wet (hydronic) underfloor heating.
Neither system is automatically better – the right choice depends on your space, budget and how you’ll use it. Let’s look at how each works and when one may be more suitable than the other.
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
Wet systems tend to be best suited to heating big spaces and large renovations where floor levels can be planned in advance. The pipes require a certain floor depth and are typically embedded in screed, meaning they are easier to install before flooring is laid.
Electric systems are ideal for new builds, retrofits and smaller spaces or single-room projects. They require minimal floor build-up and can be fitted directly beneath tiles, stone or other finishes. This makes them a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens and extensions, creating easy and efficient heating with minimal disruption.
INSTALLATION AND RUNNING COST CONSIDERATIONS
Installation cost: The upfront cost of electric systems tends to be lower than wet systems when you factor in piping, manifolds, boiler upgrades, etc. Take a look at these underfloor heating blogs for some rough cost estimates, but it is always best to talk to an expert about your exact job.
Running costs: Wet systems paired with a gas boiler (which often has lower cost per unit energy) can represent better value for large, continuously heated areas. Although wet systems are cheaper due to energy prices, electric is 100% efficient at point of use, saving on wasted heating and energy.
MAINTENANCE AND LONGEVITY
Wet systems are durable and can provide reliable heating for many years. However, they include several components such as
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pumps, valves and a heat source. These may need occasional servicing to maintain efficiency. Issues like air or sludge build-up in the pipes can affect performance, though these are typically straightforward to resolve with regular maintenance.
Electric systems are simpler in design, with no moving parts and minimal maintenance requirements. Once installed and tested, they can offer consistent and quiet operation over the long term. While they don’t require annual servicing, it’s still good practice to periodically check controls and electrical connections to ensure safe and efficient performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Sustainability plays an increasing role in heating decisions. Wet systems connected to a heat pump can achieve impressive energy efficiency, while electric underfloor heating becomes more sustainable as the UK’s grid continues to decarbonise. When paired with renewable electricity sources, such as solar panels, electric heating can be a genuinely low-carbon solution.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The decision depends on: • The size and type of the area you are heating • How the space will be used • Your budget, both upfront and running costs • The constraints of floor height, retrofit vs new build and existing heating system
In summary, underfloor heating is a smart upgrade for floor-level warmth and comfort. Go with wet if you have a large area, will be heating all day and the floor build up allows pipe installation. Go with electric if you’re working on a smaller or retrofit space, want faster heat-up times and a simpler install with minimal maintenance.
Whichever you choose, you’ll eliminate cold floors, and that makes every step feel better.
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