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Underfloor heating for new-build construction costs on average around €18 to €26 per m², but this price can increase if the installation is part of a retrofit. Other factors that can influence the price of underfloor heating are the type of system you choose, the type of flooring you have, the number of rooms you want to heat and the type of control system you want to install. Underfloor heating is a system that warms a room by running heating elements beneath the floor.
On average, installing underfloor heating for new-build construction costs around €18 to €26 per square metre. The difference in the range depends mainly on adding screed or not to a water-based system.
Below you'll find a table breaking down the estimated cost of underfloor heating for different types of homes:
| Property Type | Estimated Floor Area (sq meters) | Cost per sq meter (€) | Estimated Underfloor Heating Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-bed apartment | 50m2 | €20 | €1,000 |
| Three-bed house | 110m2 | €20 | €2,200 |
| Five-bed house | 200m2 | €20 | €4,000 |
There are several factors that can influence the overall cost of underfloor heating installation:
Below we have summerised how each factor can impact on the cost of both installing and running your underfloor heating system:
| Factor | Impact on Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| System Type | Electric: Lower initial cost, higher running costs. Wet: Higher initial cost, lower running costs. | Electric good for small areas, wet more efficient for larger spaces and compatible with heat pumps. |
| Area/Number of Rooms | Larger area/more rooms = higher cost. | More materials, labor, and potentially zoning complexity. |
| Flooring Type | Varies depending on thermal properties and installation needs. | Some floor types are better suited for underfloor heating than others. Specific installation methods can affect cost. |
| New Build vs. Retrofit | New build: Lower cost. Retrofit: Higher cost. | New builds integrate the system easier. Retrofits involve more work (e.g., floor removal). |
| Control System | Basic: Lower cost. Advanced (zoning, smart features): Higher cost. | More sophisticated controls offer greater flexibility and potentially energy savings but add to the initial expense. |
| Labor | Varies by location and installer experience. | Get quotes from multiple installers. |
| Average Cost (Estimate) | €18 - €26 per square meter (but this is highly variable). | This is a rough guideline. Actual costs will differ based on the other factors listed. |
| Running Costs | Electric: Higher. Wet: Lower. | Crucial to consider long-term expenses. Wet systems are generally more energy-efficient. |
| Professional Install | Essential. | Ensures proper functioning, safety, and avoids future problems (which can be costly to fix). |
Given the variables involved with this type of home heating system, most companies offering installation services offer a project by project service, and we therefore recommend contacting a heating and plumbing service in your area to organise a consultation.
Below you will find the contact phone number for some of Ireland's leading companies for underfloor heating:
| Company | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Energywise Ireland | 021 430 8185 |
| Grant IRL | (0)57 91 20089 |
| Pipelife | Contact Form |
| Buildpro | (01) 831 8256 |
Underfloor heating is when a home heating system is based underneath the flooring of a house.
It is different from traditional central heating systems or electric storage heaters in that no radiators are necessary, as the entire floor acts as a radiator.
It is extremely effective and efficient when working in conjunction with renewable energy products like a heat pump system.
The floor is heated via a series of pipes or wires, as heat naturally rises, the heat from the floor gently warms the entire room. Not only does this increase comfort levels, but is also less demanding on your boiler.
A series of winding pipes or electrical wires are placed underneath your floor finishing. These pipes are heated and, in turn, heat your floor. The warmth is then gradually released into the room.
The result is a more even distribution of the heat in the entire room. As such, it eliminates cold spots and, depending on your floor’s material, does not require as much energy as a traditional heating system.
There are two common types of underfloor heating systems:
Underfloor Heating and Hot Water
Underfloor heating is designed to better heat the space in your home, but you will still need to heat hot water for washing, cooking etc using a boiler or immersion heater.
Dry underfloor heating systems tend to include electric wiring heating systems that wind under the flooring.
Electrical underfloor heating systems come with the following advantages:
Despite all of these positives, a dry system will consume about three times more electricity than other types of underfloor heating systems.
Dry underfloor heating systems are therefore ideal in the following situations:
Be sure to compare the best electricity offers on the market regardless of whether you plan to opt for a dry underfloor heating system or not.
Wet underfloor heating systems are so-called because they consist of laying down pipework for warm water to flow through. It does need to work in conjunction with a heat pump or gas and electric boiler.
Its main pros are as follows:
Wet underfloor heating systems tend to have a high initial installation cost and take longer to heat up, overall they are much more efficient than dry systems.
The use of a heat pump or boiler to circulate the warm water through the floor pipes consumes much less than a dry system, making it ideal in the long run.
Many people wonder if underfloor heating is only available in new homes, or whether it can be installed in existing homes as well?
In short, yes, underfloor heating can be installed in an existing dwelling, this is referred to as retrofit underfloor heating.
However, there are other factors to consider when installing such a system in an existing home versus a new-build construction. These are:
As we touched on before, this will depend on your project. Common questions to answer and determine the best type of underfloor heating system in Ireland are:
As a rule of thumb, a dry system can be favoured for projects which are for a few or small rooms, an existing home unless the retrofit cost can be reasonable, or any temporary dwelling.
A wet underfloor heating system is favourable in new-build construction or new-build extensions, homes you plan to retire in (spend a lot of time inside), to replace an out-of-date central heating system.
While most floors are suitable for underfloor heating in Ireland, the best floors to pair it with tend to be the ones that are the most thermally conductive.
The more conductive the material, the better it will store the heat and radiate it upwards into the room, instead of heat-reflecting underneath the flooring.
Some of the best flooring choices for underfloor heating in Ireland are as follows:
Some of the materials to be more careful with would be as follows:
As with any home heating system. underfloor heating comes with its pros and cons. While an effiecnt and low maintainence means of heating your home, they can have high installation costs especially when part of a retrofit project.
Below you will find the main pros and cons of this type of heating system:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Even Heat Distribution: Eliminates cold spots and warms the room from the bottom up, which can enhance overall comfort. | High Initial Installation Cost: The cost of installation can be significant, especially if it involves retrofitting in an existing home. |
| Energy Efficiency: Since the heat emitted is more evenly distributed, it often requires lower temperatures to achieve the same level of warmth. | Installation Complexity and Time: Installation can be disruptive and time-consuming, particularly if it requires significant changes to the existing floor structures. |
| Space Saving: This system is hidden away under the floor, allowing for more wall and living space without visible radiators or heating vents. | Limited Flooring Options: Not all flooring types are suitable for underfloor heating. Materials like thick carpet or certain types of wood may insulate heat too effectively. |
| Low Maintenance: They generally require very little maintenance and can have a long lifespan. | Slow Heating Time: Underfloor heating systems often take longer to heat up than traditional radiators. |
| Improved Air Quality: They don't disturb air particles as much as radiators which can lead to better indoor air quality. | Repair Difficulties: If repairs are needed, accessing the heating system can be difficult and costly. |
Underfloor heating can be controlled with any thermostat and is also compatible with smart thermostats. Wet underfloor systems tend to take longer to heat up than dry systems, so plan your heating schedule accordingly.
Set your heating underfloor heating system at 24 degrees for a comfortable, in-house temperature. A radiator system will have to operate at 43 degrees Celsius to have the same result.
Installing an electric underfloor heating system typically takes 1–2 days. Water-based systems may take longer, especially if retrofitting in an existing property, as they involve more complex installation processes.
Installing an electric underfloor heating system typically takes 1–2 days. Water-based systems may take longer, especially if retrofitting in an existing property, as they involve more complex installation processes.
Find Out More About Home Heating
The services and products mentioned on this website may only represent a small selection of the options available to you. Selectra encourages you to carry out your own research and seek advice if necessary before making any decisions. We may receive commission from selected partner providers on sales of some products and/or services mentioned within this website. Our website is free to use, and the commission we receive does not affect our opinion or the information we provide.
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