Why Underfloor Heating Is the Smart Choice for Your Home Renovation: Comfort, Efficiency & Value

espressodigital
Nov 11
3 min read

The Benefits of Underfloor Heating: Why You Should Choose It When Renovating

When planning a home renovation, one of the most impactful upgrades you can make is to your heating system. While traditional radiators have been the go-to choice for decades, more and more homeowners are turning to underfloor heating and for good reason. Not only does it offer comfort and efficiency, but it also adds long-term value to your property.

Here’s why underfloor heating is worth considering for your next renovation project.

Ultimate Comfort and Even Heat Distribution

Imagine stepping onto a warm floor on a chilly morning that’s the kind of comfort underfloor heating provides every day. Unlike radiators, which heat the air unevenly (hot near the radiator, cooler farther away), underfloor systems distribute warmth evenly across the entire room.

Because the heat radiates upwards from the floor, the temperature is more consistent and natural. Studies show that underfloor heating can maintain an optimal comfort level at around 2°C lower than radiator systems, meaning you’ll feel just as warm while using less energy overall.

More Energy Efficient and Cost-Effective

Underfloor heating operates at a lower temperature (typically between 27°C and 45°C) compared to radiators, which need to reach 65 - 75°C to heat a space effectively. Because it’s more efficient at transferring heat, it can significantly reduce your energy usage and your bills over time.

In fact, studies show that underfloor heating can be between 25 - 40% more energy-efficient than traditional radiators, depending on your home’s insulation and the type of system you choose.

When paired with modern heat sources like air-source or ground-source heat pumps, underfloor heating becomes even more efficient and environmentally friendly. It’s a smart investment that pays off in lower running costs and greater sustainability.

Aesthetically Pleasing - More Space, No Radiators

Renovating often means rethinking your home’s layout and style. With underfloor heating, you can say goodbye to bulky radiators and reclaim valuable wall space, looking more spacious and feeling more spacious. This gives you greater freedom in interior design, more room for furniture, decor, and a cleaner, more minimal look.

It’s a small change that can have a big visual impact.

Works with All Floor Types

Modern underfloor heating systems can be installed beneath a wide variety of flooring materials, including tile, stone, laminate, engineered wood, and even carpet (with the right underlay). This makes it an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and open-plan living spaces, or even throughout your entire home.

Healthier Indoor Air Quality

Radiators rely on convection, which stirs up dust and allergens as warm air circulates. Underfloor heating, on the other hand, radiates heat gently without moving air around. This creates a cleaner, healthier environment, especially beneficial for allergy sufferers or families with young children.

Long Lifespan and Low Maintenance

Once installed, underfloor heating systems are remarkably low maintenance. There are no radiators to bleed, no valves to replace, and the system itself can last for decades. Wet (hydronic) systems, in particular, are known for their longevity and reliability, making them a true “fit and forget” solution.

Adds Value to Your Home

Buyers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient, modern heating systems, and underfloor heating is a standout feature that can boost your home’s value. It’s not just a luxury anymore, underfloor heating not only adds value to your property but also helps to future - proof it against changing energy standards and buyer expectations.

When renovating, it’s the perfect time to install underfloor heating, as it can be integrated seamlessly while new flooring, insulation, or extensions are being added, making it far more cost-effective and less disruptive than a retrofit. Studies show that homes with energy - efficient heating systems such as underfloor heating can increase in value by 3-8%, while improving your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, a key factor for modern buyers, with 59% of listings mentioning EPC ratings. Altogether, it’s a smart, sustainable investment that enhances comfort, efficiency, and design appeal, a true value-adding upgrade for any renovation.

Is Underfloor Heating Right for Your Renovation?

If you’re renovating or extending your home, it’s the perfect time to install underfloor heating. It integrates seamlessly with new flooring and insulation, and once it’s in, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Whether you choose electric underfloor heating for smaller areas or wet systems for whole-house comfort, the benefits are clear: warmth, efficiency, style, and long-term value.