The Pros & Cons of Underfloor Heating

Unless you are building your own home, or doing major renovations, underfloor heating isn’t something you’d usually consider. Retrofitting it can be very disruptive. Here are some of the pros and cons of underfloor heating, to help you decide whether it is right for you.

The benefits of underfloor heating

If you have the ability to put your heating in your floors despite the installation disruptions, here are some of the pros of having it.

• Energy efficiency – because underfloor heating sits at a lower temperature than other heat sources, it can be an efficient way of keeping the ambient temperature at a comfortable level.
• Comfort – Speaking of comfort, is there anything nicer than a warm floor? No need for slippers!
• Space economics – if you’re short of space for radiators or other forms of heating, then hidden heating might be a consideration for you.
• Works best under tile – If you want a tile or stone floor, these conducts heat really well and are a perfect companion to underfloor heating.

The cons / points to consider

• Installation disruption – If you aren’t starting from scratch, the installation is very disruptive. If you are doing a full renovation, then consider it before you begin.
• Upfront costs – Due to the specialist system and equipment, laying underfloor heating comes at a significant upfront cost. Not everyone is in a position to spend so much in one go, so it’s understandably something to consider.
• Flooring compatibility – Solid wood floors don’t fare well on underfloor heating, as the heat tends to dry them out.
• Cold climates – If you live in a very cold place, underfloor heating may not be sufficient during the colder months. Consider this when choosing your heating options.

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