Underfloor heating
Electric vs wet systems, installation requirements, and running costs.
At a glance
Quick Checklist
Key points at a glance
- 1Electric mats are easier for bathrooms
- 2Wet systems better for whole-house
- 3Check floor build-up height available
- 4Must be compatible with floor covering
- 5Consider running costs for electric
Questions to ask your installer
Take these to your next conversation with your fitter
- 1Is electric or wet system better for my bathroom?
- 2What floor build-up will this add?
- 3Will my floor covering work with underfloor heating?
- 4What are the estimated running costs?
- 5Where will the thermostat be positioned?
- 6How long until I can walk on the floor after installation?
💡 Tip: A good installer will welcome these questions. If they dismiss them, that's a red flag.
💡Myth vs Reality
Common Myth
"Underfloor heating is expensive to run"
The Reality
With proper insulation and smart controls, it's efficient. Bathrooms are small so costs are modest.
Common Myth
"You can't have underfloor heating with tiles"
The Reality
Tiles are actually ideal for underfloor heating - they conduct heat well.
What to look for
- •Electric mats: easier to install, ideal for single rooms
- •Wet systems: more efficient for larger areas but complex to retrofit
- •Thermostat type: programmable with bathroom-specific features
- •Insulation board: essential for efficiency under the heating element
Common mistakes
- •Not insulating under the heating - heat escapes downwards
- •Choosing incompatible floor covering (solid wood often problematic)
- •Positioning furniture over heating without consideration
- •Underestimating running costs of electric systems
Quality considerations
- •Quality systems come with long warranties (10-20 years)
- •Proper insulation reduces running costs significantly
- •Smart thermostats optimise heating and reduce costs
- •A warm bathroom floor is a genuine quality-of-life improvement
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This guide is written to help you make informed decisions, not to sell you anything. Always discuss your specific situation with a qualified installer.