Underfloor heating is a luxury, but we’ve found an affordable way to have it in your home

Stepping into a house and feeling the warm floor beneath your feet with never cease to feel like a luxury to me. Underfloor heating is an easy way to add value to your home, whilst also making it cosy. It’s energy-efficient and stylishly cuts out the need for space heaters and radiators, so why doesn’t every home have it?

Underfloor heating (UFH) has been an expense that lots of people can’t quite justify when renovating a home, but omitting it is a renovation mistake that you’ll certainly want to avoid. This is especially pertinent, because, as more people are integrating it into their homes, more brands have started offering affordable underfloor heating kits, including Radiator Outlet.

You’ll recognise the name Radiator Outlet, because they’ve been reliably supplying the nation with radiators for years. Their recent expansion into underfloor heating is because “we understand the importance of creating warm and inviting living spaces without breaking the bank. Our commitment is to provide customers with a selection of underfloor heating kits, including both electric and water systems, ensuring that you can achieve optimal comfort throughout your home.” I am welcoming it with open arms (and toasty toes). 

Why have underfloor heating in your home?

Aside from keeping your toes toasty, there are some very practical reasons why underfloor heating is a good idea to add to your home. One of the main reasons people opt for underfloor heating is for its energy efficiency; it operates at lower temperatures than traditional heating whilst still giving the same amount of warmth too. So, if you’re looking for a longer-term cost saver at home, you’re in luck.

For me, one of the big appeals of underfloor heating is that you don’t need to give up space on your walls or in the room for radiators and space heaters. It’s one of the cleverest solutions for how to heat your home; not only do you get more floor space, but you’ll also get a cleaner, sleeker interior design. It’s perfect for modern, open-plan houses as well as compact rooms where you need to make every centimetre count.

There are plenty of other reasons that people opt for underfloor heating. I’ve always found that you get more consistent heat across the room, so everyone doesn’t end up huddled around a radiator. I think that’s also why it’s become so synonymous with luxury because it makes the whole house feel so comfortable. It’s either that or the smart thermostats and customisable heating zones. They’re all supremely sumptuous.

You’re getting a good dose of the good life, but there are some purely practical advantages too. For example, UFH can improve air quality, because it uses radiant heat rather than convection heat. It’s also quieter than central heating, and an easy way to add value to your home.

What are the different types of underfloor heating?

Before you dive into installing some underfloor heating in your home, you’ll need to know about the two different types. These are widely known as wet (water and pipe-based) or dry (electric) underfloor heating. Choosing between the two is actually really easy because they have very different offerings. On the one hand, electric systems are easier and more affordable to install, but they can be more expensive to run. Experts often say to use these for small areas of the home or as a secondary heating source, in a laundry room, for example. 

Wet, also known as water, systems are perfect if you’re starting from scratch. Radiator Outlet says, “For those looking for a touch of luxury and efficiency, water underfloor heating kits are an excellent choice. Our Toasty Toes' water underfloor heating systems use advanced technology to evenly distribute warmth throughout your home. From single-zone to multi-zone solutions, our kits cater to the specific needs of your living space, offering versatility and cost-effectiveness.”

It’s important to note that, whilst water systems have a bigger upfront cost, especially because of the installation, in the long run, they can be cost-saving and much more efficient. People often opt for water systems in bigger rooms (especially because of wet UFH’s reputation for having a high heat output) and when they’re undertaking renovations.

How much should underfloor heating cost?

The cost of underfloor heating can vary depending on how much space you’re covering and what type of underfloor heating you’ve chosen. Of course, you’ll also need to research the company that you choose, especially if you’re opting for a budget option.

I’d always recommend finding a team of experts who will be willing and able to chat with you about what you need. Radiator Outlet is one of my first ports of call because they take a lot of care over their customers. In fact, they’re very proud of their “team of professionals dedicated to helping you find the perfect underfloor heating solution for your home, whether it’s a new construction project or renovation of an existing space”. It’s no wonder that they have over 18,000 glowing reviews applauding everything from speedy postage to exceptional craftsmanship.

What else should I know before getting underfloor heating?

Installing underfloor heating needs a fair bit of research, which is why we’ve put together a list of everything you need to know before installing UFH. Aside from knowing what type you want and what your budget is, you’ll want to check that the type of underfloor heating you choose is compatible with your floor. Wet UFH is great for coldness out of tile, stone, and laminate flooring, whereas electric UFH works really well in smaller, modern bathrooms.

Radiator Outlet also added that you’ll want to look at accessories. “Carefully chosen accessories will complement your underfloor heating system, ensuring seamless installation and efficient operation,” they say, “Toasty Toes also provides a variety of accessories, including thermostats, insulation, pumps, manifolds, pipes, valves, actuators and other essential tools.”

My last piece of advice would be to enjoy it. Radiator Outlet says “everyone deserves the luxury of a warm and inviting home. Our commitment to affordability and quality reflects in every product that we offer…we prioritise both your comfort and your budget”. Get ready for your cosy dream home.