How Much Does Water Underfloor Heating Cost to Install? 

If you’re thinking about upgrading your home’s heating, then Warmup’s range of water underfloor heating systems are a great idea and are often simpler and cheaper to install than you might think. In this guide, we’ll explore the costs of installing these systems. You’ll learn more about: 

• The different installation requirements of water UFH systems 
• How Warmup’s quoting tool helps you find the best system for your project 
• How much you can expect to pay for a complete floor heating installation 
• Whether you can install a water system by yourself 
• The easiest way to find an underfloor heating installer 

Is a Water Floor Heating System suitable for installing in my project?

Water floor heating systems are a much more sustainable way to heat a home compared to traditional heating methods and we offer systems suitable for use in almost all kinds of projects and with almost all floor coverings and room types.  

Water UFH systems require a more intensive installation process than electric systems so you should research each system’s installation requirements to ensure it will be suitable for your project. Typically, you can divide water systems into those that are installed ‘dry’ (with no need for screeding) versus those that are installed ‘wet’ (where screeding is required).  

Water systems that are installed within a layer of concrete screed gently conduct the warmth from the system’s heating pipes upwards into the room above and are mostly recommended for new-build projects, whereby the weight and depth of this screed can be taken into account within your architectural blueprints. Warmup have a selection of systems suitable for use within screeds, one of our most popular being the Clypso System which features a layer of insulation onto which the heating pipes are connected before the screed is poured over.  

Warmup also offer water systems that can be installed without this need for screeding, meaning you won’t have to worry about the depth of the system and its load-bearing weight. These systems use innovative panels featuring channels into which the heating pipe will be fitted and are ideal for use within renovation projects and over joisted floors. The VLo Econna-12 Joisted Floor System has been specifically designed for installation with joisted floors in home refurbishments and will have little-to-no impact on rooms with fixed ceiling heights. Discover some of our top tips for installing water systems in our informative article.  

How do I purchase a Warmup system? 

Our easy-to-use online quoting tool will show you exactly how much the perfect water system will cost to purchase for your home. Simply enter the size of the room’s dimensions, its floor construction and then select your preferred thermostat and system. You can also amend such details as heat source, heat transfer and thermal conduction values for a more accurate result.  

Looking for more information about the cost of buying a water system? Read our informative blog post to find out more. 

How much will it cost to install my system? 

While water UFH systems will be more expensive to install than an electric floor heater, you may be able to recoup this initial cost through the system’s low long-term running costs. The radiant heat technology of a Warmup water UFH system facilitates a more energy-efficient heating method than traditional options, helping to save you significant amounts of money on your energy bills. 

The typical labour costs of installing a water system will vary based on the scope of your project: your chosen system and its installation requirements, the size of the rooms in which the system is to be installed, your location and the heat source used too. Approximate labour costs for a qualified UFH installer may range from £100 – 300 a day and many of our systems can be installed within a 40 Sq/M room within 2 – 3 days. For example, the VLo Ultra-12 Low Build  System installed over a dry, primed subfloor with an area of 40 Sq/M would take approximately 1 day to install the panels by a single installer, 1 day to install the manifold and to test the pressure and sometimes a final day may be needed to connect the controls and complete the final checks –  leading to an estimated installation cost of around £500 (not including heat source installation). Installing a screeded system over the same size area would also take approximately 1-3 days but this does not include the screeding process, which will take several days to cure, and its worth nothing that installing these systems is typically a two-person job. 

Do I need to install a new heat source for my system? 

Water floor heating systems can be connected to a variety of heat sources. You can connect your new system with an existing gas-fed boiler or upgrade your heat source to more sustainable option such as a biomass boiler or heat-pump. Using a water system with ground or air-source heat pump can dramatically reduce your home’s carbon emissions and help you save even more money on your energy bills. Discover more about compatibility of UFH and heat pumps in our expert guide.  

Can I install water floor heating myself? 

We recommend that all floor heating systems are installed by a qualified installer who has worked with underfloor heating before. If you are an underfloor heating installer and looking to hone your skills, consider joining Warmup Pro – our professional platform that brings together a community of heating installers and provides training courses, exclusive warranties and access to new jobs. 

Can you recommend an underfloor heating installer for my project? 

If you’re thinking about purchasing a system and looking for an installer to work with you, get in touch with us and we may be able to recommend a local water UFH installer in your area. You can also get more advice on whether a water system is right for your property by speaking with our Global Projects Division, Warmup’s team of heating experts who design bespoke water underfloor heating systems for larger projects.