If you’ve ever considered underfloor heating but hesitated because you’re worried it’s expensive to run, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions UK-based homeowners ask us, especially with rising energy costs.
The truth? When designed and installed properly, underfloor heating is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to heat your home.
Let’s break down why – and what really makes the difference.
1. Underfloor heating uses lower temperatures
Traditional radiators often run between 65–75°C, because they heat the air around them. Underfloor heating works differently as it radiates warmth evenly across your floor, gently heating the entire space.
Because of this, it only needs to run at 30–40°C to keep your home comfortably warm. That means your boiler or heat pump uses less energy to achieve the same comfort, lowering your energy bills.
2. Even heat = Greater efficiency
Radiators can leave you with hot and cold spots, leading to higher thermostat settings and wasted energy. In contrast, underfloor heating spreads warmth evenly, so you can set your thermostat lower and still feel perfectly warm.
That even heat distribution can reduce overall energy consumption by up to 25%, depending on insulation and usage.
3. The underfloor heating installation method matters
Not all underfloor systems are equally efficient. Traditional installation methods that add extra screed or build-up layers can trap heat and slow response times.
At Channel Heat Systems, we use precision floor-milling technology to cut clean, dust-free channels directly into your existing concrete or screed.
Our heating pipes sit just beneath the final floor finish, ensuring:
- Faster heat-up times
- More accurate temperature control
- Minimal heat loss
It’s a cleaner, smarter way to retrofit or install underfloor heating, with no floor height increase and no mess.
4. Pairing with modern heat sources to ensure maximum savings
Underfloor heating works perfectly with condensing boilers, but it truly shines when paired with heat pumps. This is because heat pumps operate most efficiently at lower water temperatures, combining the two can improve energy efficiency by 30–40% versus radiators.
That’s why so many homeowners choose underfloor heating when transitioning to renewable heating.
Heat pumps operate most efficiently at lower water temperatures. Combining the two can improve energy efficiency by 30–40% versus radiators.
So, what’s the real cost to run the underfloor heating?
The actual running cost depends on your home’s insulation, energy source, and control system, but generally, underfloor heating can be 15–25% cheaper to run than radiators.
In well-insulated homes, or when connected to a heat pump, the savings can be even higher. And because underfloor systems provide stable, gentle warmth, they avoid the “blast-and-cool” cycles that waste energy with traditional heating.
Underfloor heating can be 15–25% cheaper to run than radiators.
Final thoughts
So, is underfloor heating expensive to run? In most cases – absolutely not.
When installed correctly, it’s a low-temperature, high-comfort system that reduces waste, improves efficiency, and feels wonderful to live with.
At Channel Heat Systems, we install high-performance water underfloor heating systems using our dust-free, precision milling process — perfect for both retrofit and new-build projects.
We deliver systems that are:
- Installed and ready in 1–2 days
- Mess-free and efficient
- Fully tested and commissioned for long-term reliability
Contact us to learn more or request your free quote!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does underfloor heating use more electricity than radiators?
No. In fact, it typically uses less energy overall because it runs at much lower water temperatures and spreads heat more evenly. If your system is powered by a heat pump, the efficiency gains are even greater.
Can underfloor heating be used with gas boilers?
Yes. Modern condensing gas boilers work very efficiently with underfloor heating because the lower return water temperature improves their performance.
Can I use it under any floor type?
Absolutely. Our systems work perfectly beneath tiles, engineered wood, vinyl, or laminate, as long as the flooring is compatible with radiant heat.
Is it worth installing underfloor heating in an existing home?
Yes, especially with our milled-floor retrofit method, which requires no floor height build-up and can be completed cleanly within 1–2 days.
How long does underfloor heating take to warm up?
Because our pipes sit directly beneath the final floor layer, you’ll usually feel warmth within 30–60 minutes, depending on the floor finish and insulation.
Does it require maintenance?
Very little. Once installed and pressure-tested, water underfloor heating systems require minimal maintenance and can last for decades with proper setup.