Underfloor heating has become one of the most desirable ways to heat modern homes, offering comfort, efficiency, and far better heat distribution than traditional radiators. But for many homeowners, the installation process still feels unclear: How does it work? Can it be retrofitted? What type of system is best?
This guide explains everything you need to know about underfloor heating installation services, from system types to installation methods, timescales, and suitability for your home.
What underfloor heating installation involves
Underfloor heating works by circulating warm water through pipes installed beneath the floor. Unlike radiators, which heat the air around them, underfloor systems deliver radiant warmth that rises evenly through the entire room.
A professional installation typically includes:
- Heat-loss calculations and system design
- Preparing or milling the subfloor
- Installing the pipework
- Connecting the system to a manifold
- Pressure testing and commissioning
- Making the floor ready for the final finish (tile, wood, vinyl, etc.)
A well-designed and correctly installed system should produce consistent, low-temperature heating with excellent energy efficiency.
Types of underfloor heating systems
There are two main types of systems installed in UK homes:
Water (wet) underfloor heating
Warm water is circulated through a network of pipes beneath the floor. This is the most efficient, comfortable and future-proof option, ideal for both new builds and retrofit homes.
Suitable for:
- Concrete floors
- Screed floors
- Timber suspended floors
- Extensions and renovations
- Whole-house installations
Electric underfloor heating
Electric heating mats installed below the floor surface. Quicker to install but more expensive to run long-term, and less suited to heating large spaces.
Most homeowners choose water-based systems for comfort and energy savings.
Retrofit underfloor heating installation
Retrofitting underfloor heating used to be complicated and disruptive, often requiring floors to be removed or built up significantly. Modern installation methods have changed that completely.
At Channel Heat Systems, we use an advanced floor-milling technique that allows underfloor heating to be installed directly into existing concrete or screed floors.
Why milling is the best retrofit solution
- No floor height increase
- No need to remove existing floors
- Clean, dust-free cutting
- Pipes sit just beneath the final floor finish
- Faster heat-up times
- Installation typically completed in 1–2 days
Retrofit underfloor heating is now suitable for almost every home, including older properties, extensions, and ground-floor rooms that previously felt cold or inefficient.
New-build underfloor heating installation
For new-build homes, underfloor heating is often installed before the final screed layer. This allows for full integration and maximum energy efficiency.
Key advantages include:
- Ideal pairing with air-source and ground-source heat pumps
- Excellent energy performance
- Even temperature distribution
- More space — no radiators needed
- Low-maintenance, long-lasting system design
Whether you’re building a single property or a full development, professional UFH installation ensures the system performs for decades.
How long underfloor heating installation takes
Installation times depend on the size of the property and the method used.
Typical timescales:
- Milled retrofit system: 1–2 days
- New-build screed system: 2–5 days (including curing time if screed is fresh)
- Electric mats: Same day
A professional team will provide a clear schedule and ensure minimal disruption.
What underfloor heating costs
Prices vary depending on:
- Total floor area
- Number of heating zones
- System type (retrofit or new build)
- Manifold requirements
- Floor construction
- Controls and thermostats
Although underfloor heating can cost more upfront than radiators, it typically reduces running costs by 15–25% and is especially efficient when paired with a heat pump.
The long-term savings and comfort often outweigh the initial investment.
Why choose Channel Heat Systems as your underfloor heating installer in the UK?
Channel Heat Systems specialises in both new-build and retrofit underfloor heating installations, including advanced milled-floor systems for concrete and screed in the UK.
Our services include:
- Full system design and consultation
- Precision milling for retrofit homes
- Professional pipe installation
- Manifold connection and setup
- Complete pressure testing and commissioning
- Fast, clean installations with no floor build-up
What sets us apart is our ability to install underfloor heating in properties that were traditionally considered unsuitable, all with minimal disruption.
Get a free underfloor heating assessment
If you’re considering underfloor heating for your home or project, our team offers expert advice and a free underfloor heating assessment to determine the best solution for your space!