Underfloor Versus Radiators

When it comes down to it, one of the most important factors to consider before installing your central heating system is cost. Obviously the cost of each individual system is dependent on many factors. As such it is possibly better to think of the cost savings.

To make a comparison one must assume that all material factors are equal, such as size of property, geographical location, insulation etc.

Firstly, because underfloor heating is 40% faster to install than radiators, the actual installation is cheaper. However the cost of the component parts is more expensive. Some people assume that by installing radiators upstairs with underfloor heating downstairs, they will dramatically cut the costs. Unfortunately though this is not true as some controls are only fitted once per system irrespective of whether the underfloor heating is on one floor or two.

It is a fact that underfloor heating can heat a room much more efficiently than radiators do, so the running costs are much lower than a radiator system. The part the boiler or heat provider plays in the equation is also very important. The current recommendation is that a gas condensing boiler be used with underfloor heating for optimal results. Studies by leading UK construction consultant, Cyril Sweett published by Building in July 2000, show that the total cost of an underfloor system is 95% that of a radiator system. However the long-term cost for a radiator system is about 25% more than for an underfloor heating system given the running costs over thirty years.

The underfloor heating system itself requires no maintenance unlike radiators which require painting. Only the boiler itself requires maintenance.

Other factors to consider are floor coverings. These are important in underfloor heating as some will act as conductors of the heat (tiles), others as insulators (carpets).

Electric Or Warm Water

The two main types are warm water or electric systems. The electric systems which can be heated cables or mats have an advantage of being easier to install in situations other than new builds. However the warm water system can be powered by any type of fuel.

Supply Costs

Back in the January 2006 Build It magazine, Graham Norwood approached six different companies, three warm water and three electrical. Posing as a self builder, he supplied them with plans for a two storey, 250m2 four bedroom house. He notes that every company he approached was helpful and willing to supply additional material and ideas. He also notes that they were prepared to negotiate on price.

Other factors that varied between quotes were cost of delivery with some being free and others fairly expensive.

Installation costs varied as well. Some companies expect that a self builder (or at least his plumber) should be able to take it on, others that their operatives who are obviously more familiar with their product, should install it. In this case a supplier local to you would cut what you have to pay for their travel costs.

Some companies supplied controls per room, others per zone which caused a variation in prices.

The cost of covering the cables in the electrical underfloor heating (either by using screed or plywood) to prevent lines showing on carpets was omitted from some quotes.

The prices quoted are below:

Electrical

Underfloor Heating UK £10,951 (incl. VAT)
DEVI Electroheat Ltd £9,400 (incl. VAT)
Tog Systems £10,815 (incl. VAT)

Wet Systems

Continental UFH £9,341 (incl. VAT)
Anderson Floor Warming £12,690 (incl. VAT)

Remember prices are from 2006, but the moral of the story is to make sure your quote includes a detailed list of materials and a guarantee. Make sure you know what they will supply and won´t and what the installation costs and delivery charges are. And when you are comparing quotes make sure they are on a like for like basis.