What is underfloor heating?

The easiest way to understand underfloor heating is to grasp the sensation of warmth on your body from the sun on an extremely cold day when the air temperature is clearly below freezing, with snow and ice on the ground. However, once you step out of the sun, the feeling of warmth diminishes, and the predominant sensation becomes the freezing air temperature. Underfloor heating warms a home or building through the emission of radiant heat from a warm element or water pipe in the floor. It primarily warms dense objects, such as people and objects, starting from the floor and moving upwards. The internal air temperature in a building heated with underfloor heating may be significantly lower than in a building heated with convected air, while still achieving the same level of body comfort.

Can I install underfloor heating without raising the floor?

Absolutely! Our electric underfloor heating systems would be the best choice. Our systems have been designed with a revolutionary, very thin heating element (only 1.8mm) to allow you to install the system without raising the floor height.

How efficient is underfloor (radiant) heating?

Underfloor heating systems are very efficient because they distribute the heat uniformly and gently, at a low temperature, from the whole floor surface, concentrating the heat in the lower half of the room. There is neither heat loss, nor wastage of energy and you can heat the rooms you want, exactly when you want.

I am considering different heating systems. Can underfloor heating be used as a whole-house heating system?

Using underfloor heating as a whole-house heating system has several benefits from decreased energy consumption to freeing up living space as radiators aren’t needed. In many cases, underfloor heating can be used as the primary source of heat as long as the rooms have the correct levels of insulation. A heat loss calculation needs to be carried out to establish how much heating is needed to heat each room and whether the insulation levels allow underfloor heating systems to be used as a whole-house system. Heat loss calculations are normally carried out by a builder, an architect, or a heating engineer. There are also heat loss calculators available online which can be used if the insulation levels are known to give guidance on the heat loss levels.

What is the difference between heating from radiators and underfloor heating?

Radiators mainly work on the principle of heat convection, not radiation. Air is heated to a high temperature in the range of 65-75ºC and needs to be moved from the radiator to the rest of the room. This is achieved using thermal currents of hot air moving to the ceiling, cooling, and falling to create an air cycle. Underfloor radiant heating (electric or hydronic) systems use considerably less energy than radiator systems, heating objects first rather than air.

How much does it cost to run Warmup electric underfloor heating?

Warmup underfloor heating is very cost-effective to run, it costs just 13p per day to heat an average-sized bathroom.

Is electric underfloor heating safe?

Unlike other types of heating systems, underfloor heating operates without moving parts, exposed heating elements. Underfloor heating delivers a family-friendly and safe environment. No low-level hot surfaces or hard metal edges come with a radiator system, which can create a potentially unsafe and dangerous environment for small children, the elderly, or those vulnerable and at risk.

Can any of the Warmup underfloor heating cables be shortened?

None of the Warmup heaters can be shortened, in under any circumstances. The correct size must be purchased for size of the area that is wished to be covered. Please contact us if you have purchased a heating cable that is too long.

Can I install a thermostat myself?

Ensuring the total load does not exceed the maximum rating of the thermostat, two heaters can be connected before requiring a junction box.

How many Warmup mats or panels can I connect to one thermostat?

Our programmable 7iE energy-monitor thermostat has an amperage limit of 16 amps. You can connect as many mats or panels needed as long as the amperage doesn’t exceed this limit.

The heaters total more than 16 amps, is it still possible to use one thermostat?

Thermostats can be used to control underfloor heating totalling more than 16 amps if a contactor and RC unit are used in the circuit. Please seek advice from a qualified and certified electrician or our technical team on this type of installation.

What is the purpose of the Dual Overlay System?

The Warmup Dual Overlay is a free-floating system designed for use over the Warmup underfloor heating foil heaters. Its purpose is to give a smooth and seamless subfloor, suitable for soft and resilient floor finishes, such as vinyl and carpet.

Do I need glue or adhesive to stick the base board and the top board together?

The baseboard and top board are both provided with a contact adhesive which bonds them together. No additional glue or adhesive should be used.

Why should I use insulation boards on a concrete base?

The way the insulation boards are fixed to the subfloor depends on the base type. On a concrete base, the insulation boards are put down with a suitable flexible tile adhesive. The boards should be laid with staggered joints and once the flexible tile adhesive hardens, the joints should be re-enforced with glass fibre tape. On a wooden subfloor, the insulation boards should be put down with a suitable flexible tile adhesive and as with concrete subfloors, the insulation boards should have staggered joints. When the adhesive has set, but not necessarily dried completely, the boards should be fixed using wood screws and washers. The insulation boards should be screwed down at 200mm centres, the screw washer fixing needs to be tightened into the board until the screw head is flush with the surface. After, the joints should be re-enforced with glass fibre tape.

Can I use an alternative underlay instead Warmup’s underlay?

Yes – but the underlay must be soft, 6mm thick and be suitable for use with underfloor heating systems. Rigid underlay boards are not suitable and may result friction damage to the heating element especially in high traffic areas. A soft underlay will provide a cushion and protect the heater from damage. If installing onto an un-insulated base an underlay without insulation properties will not create a barrier to stop downward heat loss. Warmup always recommends the use of insulation to increase the energy efficiency of the system.

Where can I use Insulation Boards?

The Warmup insulation boards can be used on Floors & Walls Warmup® Insulation Boards can be used as a structural tile backer board on the floor, withstanding a load of 30 tonnes/sqm and are ideal for use with underfloor heating. They offer the added benefit of high sound proofing properties. We recommend a minimum thickness of 6mm on a concrete subfloor and 10mm on a wooden subfloor for floor stability. As wall tile backer boards, tiles can be fixed directly onto the surface without prior preparation. When the joints are sealed it is totally waterproof, offering an ideal solution for use in bathrooms, shower rooms, wetrooms and kitchens.

Can the DCM-PRO system reduce the risk of my tiled floor developing cracks?

As a decoupling system, the DCM-PRO’s anti-fracture membrane has been designed to absorb the normal lateral movement which occurs when the subfloor and finished floor expand and contract at different rates; a common cause of cracked floor tiles. This has been backed up with a High Performance rating for crack isolation, as externally tested according to ANSI 118.12.5.4 (American National Standards Institute, www.ansi.org).

Can I use one thermostat to control multiple Foil Heaters ?

Yes, but all heaters being controlled by thermostat must be installed within the same room/zone. Each thermostat can control up to 16 amps of heating and maximum of two heaters can be wired directly into the back of the thermostat.

Can I connect one Warmup heater to another in series?

Warmup electric underfloor heating systems do not connect to each other in series, they are connected in parallel. If wiring more than two heaters into one thermostat then this needs to be done via a junction box. This is because you simply will not be able to fit more than two heaters directly into the thermostat. Please note, if your heaters exceed 16 amps then they need to be wired via a relay/contactor as our range or Warmup thermostats can only have up to 16 amps wired directly into them.

What are the electrical requirements for my Warmup system?

Please verify that the circuit can handle the amount of amperage your heating system requires. Your thermostat can only handle up to 15 amps so if you are connecting multiple heaters to one thermostat location, you may need to use a relay and a larger breaker. Your or your electrician can find out the amperage rating of your specific floor heating system in installation manual or printed on the box. Note: Just because the Warmup thermostats are dual voltage, this does not mean you can supply any voltage to your heating system. You must supply the voltage supplied to the voltage of your specific heater.

Is underfloor heating better than radiators?

Underfloor heating offers several advantages over traditional radiators. It provides a more uniform temperature distribution, eliminates cold spots, and operates silently. Furthermore, it frees up wall space, giving your home a cleaner, more modern look. For a comprehensive comparison of these heating options, visit our blog on Underfloor Heating vs. Radiators – The Key Differences.

Can I use a water system with a heat pump?

Yes, water underfloor heating can be installed in bathrooms. Floor heating helps keep the space warm and cosy all year round, enhancing the comfort and improving the hygiene of the space. Learn more about our bathroom underfloor heating systems.

Can I control a floor heater remotely?

Yes, you can control a floor heater remotely. All systems should be controlled by a zone-dedicated underfloor heating thermostat. Using one of our advanced Smart Thermostats allows remote access to your heating system via the MyHeating app. This innovative technology also provides automatic heat functionality, enhanced energy efficiency, and cost savings.

How much can I expect to save with underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating can lead to significant savings on your energy bills. With low running costs, your system could pay for itself in the long run. To maximise on the energy efficiency of your floor heating, be sure to install your system alongside one of our award-winning thermostats. Using a Warmup system with our 7iE Smart Matter WiFi Thermostat and its accompanying MyHeating app can offer further savings of up to 25% on your energy bills. Use our Running Costs Calculator to see how much you could expect to save.

Is Warmup underfloor heating low maintenance?

Yes, Warmup underfloor heating is low maintenance. Once installed, it requires little-to-no upkeep. In the rare event of a failure, our systems come with extensive warranties, and we provide unparalleled after-sales customer service with technical support available 24/7. For more details, visit our Help and Contact page and learn about our Best Warranties and Guarantees.

Is electric or water underfloor heating better?

The choice depends on your heating requirements: Electric Underfloor Heating: Best for smaller areas or individual rooms. It’s easier and cheaper to install than a water UFH system and will heat up quickly. These systems are perfect for retrofitting in existing buildings. Learn more about retrofitting underfloor heating. Water Underfloor Heating: More efficient for larger areas or entire homes and typically recommended for new build projects and major renovations. Though it requires a more intensive installation, water floor heating offers low long-term running cost. Discover more about underfloor heating for new builds. For a detailed comparison of water and electric floor heating systems, visit our blog on Electric vs. Water Underfloor Heating.

Should you turn off underfloor heating in the summer?

Generally, it’s a good idea to reduce your heating usage in the warmer months of the year. Turning it off can save energy and lower your utility bills.

What temperature should underfloor heating be set at?

The ideal temperature setting for underfloor heating can vary depending on the type of room, your flooring finish and personal comfort preferences. Generally, for wood, carpets and vinyl flooring, we recommend a maximum heat temperature of 27 degrees and for stone and tiled floors, a slightly higher temperature of 29 degrees can be used. Using a Smart thermostat can help you maintain these temperatures efficiently and save up to 25% on your annual energy bills.

How long does underfloor heating take to warm up?

The heat-up times for underfloor heating can vary based on the type of system, flooring, and insulation. For instance, an electric underfloor heating system like the Warmup StickyMat System installed over ¾” plywood takes about 30 minutes to heat from 60°F to 80°F. For water-based systems, the heat-up time can vary depending on the heating setup and room size. Proper insulation and the use of a thermostat can enhance efficiency and reduce heat-up times. The heating system will take longer to heat up to an optimal temperature when it is first turned on from totally cold.

Is underfloor heating worth it?

Yes, underfloor heating offers numerous benefits, including improved comfort levels, greater energy efficiency and design freedom. To explore the many advantages and some potential drawbacks of floor heating, check out our Pros and Cons of Underfloor Heating Blog.

Is underfloor heating expensive to run?

Underfloor heating is typically more energy-efficient than traditional heating systems, which can result in lower running costs. To get a better understanding of the potential expenses, you can use our Cost Calculator or visit our detailed Cost Page for more information.

The world’s best-selling floor heating brand™

Underfloor heating.
Engineered to perform.
Built to last.

Underfloor heating is a greener, more energy-efficient way to heat a home, requiring less energy to reach optimal comfort temperatures than traditional heating systems and in turn, providing lower long-term running costs. The ‘invisible’ nature of underfloor heating also facilitates complete freedom when designing your home, with no style interruptions caused by bulky radiators and exposed piping.

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Home › Underfloor Heating Systems

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Heats more evenly

Underfloor heating systems distribute heat more evenly than radiators, meaning there will be no hot spots or cold draughts in your home.

Energy Efficient

Floor heating systems use up to 35% less energy to reach optimal comfort temperatures than traditional heating – helping save money on your energy bills.

Invisible heating

No radiators, no pipework on show. Our thinnest electric or ultra-low profile water systems free up wall space. Achieve a clean, modern interior without compromise.

Cleaner air

Due to its radiant heat technology, a floor heating system will reduce the circulation of dust in a space, making the air cleaner, fresher and less allergenic.

Smarter Control

Manage every heating zone from the Warmup app, smart thermostat, or your smart home device. Smarter heating control from anywhere.

Stress free maintenance

Unlike old-fashioned heating systems, floor heating requires little-to-no ongoing maintenance. Backed by our 24/7/365 helpline and lifetime warranty.

How does underfloor heating work?

Unlike traditional central heating that warms the air, underfloor heating uses radiant technology to gently warm your space from the ground up. Warmup’s technologically advanced water and electric systems operate at lower temperatures, maximizing energy efficiency and eliminating cold spots. Paired with intuitive smart thermostats, industry-leading guarantees, and unparalleled 24/7/365 service, Warmup ensures effortless, cost-effective comfort you can trust.

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Before After

Electric UFH

Underfloor Heating
Mats

Floor heating mats use ultra-thin electric heating wires pre-attached to a ready-sized mat which can simply be rolled out and adhered to the subfloor.

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From £54.10/m² ex. VAT

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Electric UFH

Underfloor Heating
Cables

Floor heating cables take the form of a free-form electric wire which can be directly installed onto or within the subfloor.

Learn more

From £53.67/m² ex. VAT

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Water UFH

Screeded Underfloor Heating

Ideal for new builds and extensions, screeded UFH systems maximise efficiency and thermal mass by embedding water pipes over insulation within a thick layer of sand, cement, or flowing screed.

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Buy now

Water UFH

Low Profile/Overlay Underfloor Heating

Perfect for home renovations and retrofitting, low-profile UFH systems use specialised panels that add 15mm or less to the floor height to accommodate height restrictions.

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Buy now

Water UFH

Joisted/Suspended Floor Underfloor Heating

Water pipes are installed between wooden floor joists, often using heat emission plates to efficiently transfer heat upwards, suitable for first-floor timber floor installations.

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Buy now

Electric

Electric Underfloor Heating System

How does it work?

Electric heating wires or heating mats connected to mains electricity supply.

What kind of project?

Ideal for renovation projects and for use in single rooms.

Running costs?

More expensive than water systems due to tariff prices.

Installation costs?

Cheaper to install than water systems.

Installation time?

Rapid installation times. Some systems can be installed in 30 minutes.

Water

Water Underfloor Heating System

How does it work?

Heating pipes pump water in underfloor circuits heated by your heat source.

What kind of project?

Recommended for new-build projects or larger spaces.

Running costs?

Lower long-term running costs than electric systems.

Installation costs?

More expensive to install but offset by lower running costs.

Installation time?

Will take longer to install.

UNDERFLOOR HEATING CONTROL

Smarter control and smarter support

The combined efficiency of radiant heat technology, lower operating temperatures and Smart controls can reduce energy usage in your property by up to 35% whilst lowering its carbon emissions. 

WiFi Thermostat

7iE + Matter

The smartest thermostat you’ll ever own. The 7iE Smart Matter WiFi Thermostat ensures smooth integration with all major Smart home devices.

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24/7/365 support

Smartcare

Smartcare™ provides free remote  fixes with 24/7/365 support.  Only with Warmup underfloor heating systems.

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Reduce energy

SmartGeo

Warms your home as you return home, reducing energy output when you're away. Automatic comfort exactly when you need it.

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Early start

Weather Based Early Start

Early start reads your local forecast and preheats your home at exactly the right moment - whatever the conditions outside.

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MyHeating app

Smartphone control

Our smart thermostats work with Warmup's MyHeating app available on the Google Play Store and the App Store.

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Tile & Stone

Due to the excellent thermal properties, tile and stone are ideal for use with underfloor heating in high heat loss areas such as conservatories.

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Laminate

Laminate flooring is perfect for use with underfloor heating. The key is to ensure thermal conductivity, which is best when using more dense laminate.

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Wood

Wooden floors offer great flexibility in the home. Different types of wood flooring have different thermal properties.

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Carpet

Carpet is suitable for use with UFH provided that the material of the carpet or underlay does not act as an insulator blocking the heat.

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Vinyl & LVT

Vinyl flooring can be safely used with underfloor heating. Vinyl heats up and cools down quickly.

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Concrete & Screed

Due to their high thermal-mass, concrete floors are ideal for use with UFH.

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Cost of Underfloor Heating

Warmup’s technologically advanced underfloor heating systems are designed to maximise energy efficiency and reduce underfloor heating running costs by using radiant heat to warm people and objects directly at lower operating temperatures. Combined with intelligent, smart multi‑zone thermostats, Warmup systems deliver precise, efficient heating that can reduce energy use in a typical home by up to 35%. Customers also benefit from Warmup’s 24/7/365 SmartCare support, ensuring expert assistance and long‑term peace of mind alongside lower energy bills.

Electric UFH

From £14.58/m²

Ex. VAT · fast install

Water UFH

Lower long-term running costs

How much does electric UFH cost to run?

Running costs vary by room size and usage, but electric UFH typically costs between £0.10–£0.20 per hour per m² at current UK energy rates. Using a smart thermostat and scheduling can reduce this by up to 25%.

Is water UFH cheaper to run than electric?

Yes - water (hydronic) UFH typically has lower running costs than electric, especially in larger homes or whole-house installations. The higher upfront installation cost is usually offset over time through energy savings, particularly when paired with a heat pump.

Does UFH add value to my home?

Underfloor heating is increasingly seen as a desirable feature by homebuyers. As well as the comfort benefits, a well-installed UFH system can improve your home's energy efficiency rating, which can positively impact its value.

Can I get a free quote for my project?

Yes. Use our free online quoting tool to get an instant estimate based on your room size, floor type and system preference. Our design team can also advise you directly - at no cost.

Room & Floor Details

Select room type, floor construction, and enter floor area.

Select Your Timeline

If prompted, state when your project will be starting.

Specify Your Project Type

Select whether you are a homeowner or choose your profession.

Enter Your Details

Provide your postcode, name, or project reference along with your contact information.

Sustainability & carbon impact

Will Underfloor Heating reduce my carbon footprint?

For our work on sustainability so far, Warmup has been awarded a bronze medal accreditation from EcoVadis, putting us in the top 24% of the construction industry.

0 %

Reduction in energy use & CO₂e

0 %

CO₂ reduction with heat pump

0 k

Tonnes CO₂e target reduction by 2025

Target year for net zero

Our sustainability story

Why homeowners choose Warmup

Trusted by millions of homes

From a bathroom renovation to a whole-house installation, Warmup is the definitive choice for homeowners, architects and installers seeking warmth they can rely on for life.

2.5M ⁺

Systems installed globally

70 ⁺

Countries served

4.7 ^★

Average customer rating

30 ^YR

Industry experience

WORLD'S BEST PRODUCTS

DCM Pro - Fastest to install heated decoupling

Patented anti-fracture protection

Easy installation with choice of fleece-backed or Peel-and-Stick membrane

VLo Ultra-12 - Exclusive Water Underfloor Heating System

Complete panel set

Built-in decoupling

35% higher heat output

WORLD'S BEST SUPPORT

Smartcare exclusive support

Remote heating checkups

Energy-saving insights

UK engineer network

WORLD'S BEST SERVICE

24/7/365 in-house tech help

Same-day quote

In-house engineer site repair

WORLD'S BEST GUARANTEES

Lifetime Warranties

Free same day replacement for on-site damage

Certifications & Awards

EcoVadis Bronze Accreditation

ISO 9001 Certified

FIMKO Accreditation

Energy Saving Trust

BEAB Approved

RIBA Accredited CPD Provider

From the Warmup blog.

Read informative articles by our team of experts to learn more about the benefits of floor heating as well as energy and cost-saving tips for your home.

underfloor heating

02 Feb 2026