1. Introduction: What This Underfloor Heating Guide Covers
If you’ve ever stepped onto a warm floor in the middle of winter, you already know how nice underfloor heating can feel. But for most homeowners, it’s still a bit of a mystery. How does it work? Is it expensive? Can you install it in an older home?
We’re Dublin Plumber 24 Hrs, a team of certified RGI gas installers with over 20 years of experience fitting plumbing and heating systems in homes across Dublin. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand underfloor heating from start to finish—so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your home.
We’ll keep things simple and practical. No jargon. Just straight answers based on the questions we hear from real people every week.
2. What Is Underfloor Heating and How Does It Work?
Underfloor heating is exactly what it sounds like—a heating system installed beneath your floors. Instead of using radiators to heat your rooms, it gently warms the entire floor surface. That heat rises evenly, making the whole space feel comfortable from the ground up.
There are two main types:
Electric underfloor heating: uses cables or mats to generate heat.
Water-based underfloor heating (also called hydronic): uses warm water flowing through pipes under the floor.
The idea is simple: spread heat out across the floor so you don’t need to crank up the thermostat. It’s more efficient, takes up no wall space, and keeps your feet warm on cold mornings.
At Dublin Plumber 24 Hrs, we install both systems and can help you figure out which is better for your home.
3. Types of Underfloor Heating
Not all underfloor heating systems are the same. Here’s a quick breakdown of the two types we work with most:
Electric Underfloor Heating
Best for smaller areas like bathrooms or single rooms.
Easier to install in existing homes.
Heats up quickly.
Slightly higher running costs compared to water systems.
Water-Based Underfloor Heating
Ideal for larger areas or whole-home setups.
Often used in new builds or major renovations.
Lower running costs in the long run.
Can be connected to your existing boiler or heat pump.
We usually recommend electric systems for retrofitting a small space and water-based systems for bigger projects. If you’re not sure what’s right for you, we’re happy to take a look and give you straightforward advice.
You can learn more about our underfloor heating installation services here.
4. Is Underfloor Heating Right for Your Home?
We get asked this all the time. The good news? Underfloor heating works in most homes—but there are a few things to check first.
If you’re building a new home or doing a big renovation, it’s a perfect time to install it. You can lay the system during the build without much disruption. But even in older homes, it can still be a great option. We’ve installed it in apartments, terraced houses, and everything in between.
Here’s what we look at during a home visit:
Flooring type – Some floors (like tile or engineered wood) are ideal.
Insulation – Well-insulated homes hold the heat better and save you money.
Ceiling height – The system adds a small amount of height to your floor, which matters in some older properties.
Heating needs – Do you want to heat one room, the whole ground floor, or the entire house?
If you’re not sure if your home is suitable, we offer a free consultation to assess your space and give honest feedback.
5. How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?
Let’s talk numbers—because we know cost is a big factor.
The price of underfloor heating depends on the size of your space, the type of system, and how much prep work is needed. Here’s a general guide:
Electric systems:
Great for small rooms like bathrooms or kitchens.
Average cost: €550 to €1,450 (installed).
Slightly higher energy bills but lower upfront cost.
Water-based systems:
Ideal for full floors or larger spaces.
Average cost: €2,450 to €6,950 depending on size and layout.
Lower running costs, especially if paired with a modern gas boiler or heat pump.
We’ll always give you a fixed quote before we start. No hidden fees, no surprises. And since we’re also RGI-certified, we can handle any boiler upgrades at the same time if needed. You can also check our gas boiler services if you think your heating system needs attention.
6. The Installation Process – Step by Step
Wondering how long it takes or what the mess will be like? Here’s how we usually install underfloor heating, whether it’s a single room or the whole ground floor.
Step 1: Home Survey
We check your floors, insulation, and heating system. We’ll talk through the options and give you a full quote.
Step 2: Preparation
We remove the old flooring (if needed), lay insulation, and prep the area for the system. This is when the floor height might be adjusted slightly.
Step 3: Installing the System
Electric mats or water pipes are laid across the floor. For water systems, we connect the pipes to your boiler or heat pump.
Step 4: New Flooring
Once the system is tested, your flooring is installed on top. We’ll work with your flooring contractor or handle it ourselves—whichever you prefer.
Step 5: Final Checks & Thermostat Setup
We test everything, show you how to use your new thermostat (including smart options), and make sure the system runs as it should.
Depending on the size of the job, installation usually takes 1–5 days. We always try to keep disruption to a minimum.
7. Best Flooring Types for Underfloor Heating
Not all floors work equally well with underfloor heating. Choosing the right flooring makes a big difference in how efficiently your system heats your home.
Tiles and stone are the best options—they conduct heat quickly and hold it well. That means your floor heats up faster, and your energy bills stay lower.
Engineered wood can also work well, as long as it’s not too thick. Solid wood is a bit trickier because it can expand and contract with heat, so it needs to be carefully installed.
Avoid thick carpets or underlays that trap heat—they slow down how fast your floor warms and reduce efficiency.
If you’re planning new flooring, talk to us early in the process. We can recommend materials that work perfectly with your underfloor heating system.
8. Controlling Your System
One of the great benefits of underfloor heating is how easy it is to control. Most systems come with a thermostat, which lets you set the perfect temperature for each room.
We often install smart thermostats that connect to your phone or smart home devices. This means you can adjust your heating remotely or set schedules that match your daily routine—saving you money by only heating rooms when needed.
You can also set up zone heating, where different parts of your home heat independently. For example, you might keep the kitchen warm during the day but the bedrooms cooler until bedtime.
When we install your system, we’ll show you how to use all these features to get the most comfort and efficiency.
9. Maintenance and What Can Go Wrong
Good news—underfloor heating is low maintenance. Once installed, it usually runs quietly and reliably for years.
That said, it’s smart to keep an eye out for issues like uneven heating or unexpected cold spots. These can sometimes be signs of a problem with wiring (electric systems) or leaks (water systems).
We recommend a professional service check every few years, especially if your system is connected to your boiler. Our team at Dublin Plumber 24 Hrs offers full maintenance and repair services to keep your heating working at its best.
If you ever notice any problems or just want peace of mind, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re available 24/7 for emergencies and regular service alike.
10. FAQs and Myths About Underfloor Heating
Does underfloor heating take a long time to heat up?
It can take a bit longer than radiators to warm the room initially, but once it’s up to temperature, it keeps the heat steady and comfortable.
Can underfloor heating warm the whole house?
Yes, especially with water-based systems. For bigger homes, it’s common to install it on the ground floor or main living areas, and combine it with other heating on upper floors if needed.
What happens if the system leaks?
Leaks are rare with professional installation. If you have a water-based system and notice any issues, call us immediately. We’ll fix it quickly and safely.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. Underfloor heating systems are fully tested and installed to the highest safety standards by our certified RGI installers.
11. Ready to Get Started?
If you’re interested in upgrading your home with underfloor heating, we’re here to help every step of the way.
At Dublin Plumber 24 Hrs, we offer free, no-obligation consultations. We’ll visit your home, assess your needs, and provide a clear, written quote.
We’re available 24/7 for emergency support and flexible scheduling to work around you.
Get in touch today through our contact page or call us directly. Let’s make your home warmer and more comfortable this winter.