Electric underfloor heating (UFH) turns a cold tiled floor into a cosy one. But is it worth the cost? Here’s where it works — and where it doesn’t.
How it works
A thin heating mat or cable is laid under the floor finish and controlled by a thermostat. It warms the floor and radiates gentle, even heat upward — no radiators taking up wall space.
Where it works best
- Bathrooms and en-suites — the classic use; warm tiles underfoot.
- Kitchens and extensions — even warmth across hard floors.
- Small to medium rooms — where it’s a comfort upgrade rather than the main heat source.
Running costs
Electric UFH is cheap to install but electricity costs more per unit than gas, so it’s best as a comfort heat source in smaller rooms rather than to heat a whole house. A good thermostat with scheduling keeps costs sensible.
The electrical work
UFH needs a dedicated, RCD-protected supply and a properly wired thermostat. In a bathroom, it’s notifiable work that must be certified. We install the electrical side and can upgrade your consumer unit if it needs a spare way.
The verdict
For a bathroom or a cold kitchen floor, it’s a genuine luxury that many people love. For heating a whole house on electricity alone, look at the running costs carefully first.
Common questions
Electricity costs more per unit than gas, so electric UFH is best as a comfort heat source in smaller rooms rather than to heat a whole house. A scheduling thermostat keeps costs reasonable.
Bathrooms, en-suites, kitchens and extensions are ideal — smaller rooms where warm floors are a comfort upgrade. It’s less suited to heating a whole home on its own.
Yes — it needs a dedicated, RCD-protected supply and a correctly wired thermostat. In bathrooms it’s notifiable work that must be certified, which we handle.
Fancy warm floors?
We wire in electric underfloor heating and thermostats, safely and certified.
Call 020 7473 7807