Why More UK Homes Are Choosing Underfloor Heating in 2025
If you'd told me ten years ago that I'd be raving about underfloor heating like it's the best thing since sliced bread, I'd have laughed. But here we are in 2025, and honestly? I'm not alone. Across the UK, more and more homeowners are making the switch. And once you've experienced the silent, even warmth of underfloor heating, it's easy to see why.
Whether you're fitting out a new build or upgrading a chilly Victorian terrace, underfloor heating (UFH) is no longer the rare luxury it once was. It's fast becoming standard. Let's have a proper look at what's driving this shift. And why UK homes are going underfloor, one heated tile at a time.
Central Heating, But Smarter
Traditional radiators have served us well. They're relics of their time, but they've got their downsides. Hot near the source, cold at your feet, and they eat up precious wall space. UFH turns all that on its head. Instead of isolated heat points, you get a consistent, gentle warmth across the entire floor.
When I had UFH installed during my kitchen refurb last November, the difference was like night and day. No more cold tiles jolting me awake during the morning tea run. My toes were wrapped in warmth. It might sound trivial, but honestly, it changed how we use the space. We linger longer, chat more, and. I can't believe I'm saying this. Actually enjoy doing the dishes.
The Energy Efficiency Payoff
In 2025, energy efficiency isn't just a buzzword. It's survival. With energy prices still unpredictable and environmental awareness rising faster than ever, homeowners are looking for heating systems that do more with less.
Research from the Energy Saving Trust (published January 2025) shows that water-based UFH systems can be up to 25% more efficient than radiators when run with modern condensing boilers, and even more when combined with heat pumps. That's not pocket change. That's hundreds of pounds saved each year, depending on the size of your home.
I spoke recently with Nadia Thompson, a building engineer who specialises in low-energy retrofit. She told me, "Underfloor heating is a great match for modern insulation standards. It works at lower temperatures, which is perfect for homes trying to cut down their carbon footprint."
She's right. It's a heating system that doesn't fight your green goals. It supports them.
Design Freedom (And Goodbye to Dusty Radiators)
Let's talk aesthetics for a second. Radiators, bless them, are rarely focal points. You paint around them, try to hide them, sometimes even curse them when the sofa doesn't fit. With UFH, your walls are free. Furniture placement? Wide open. Interior design suddenly gets a little less frustrating.
Here's something else that surprised me. Fewer draughts and less dust drifting up from convection currents. I have a mild dust allergy, and I noticed fewer sneezes within days of switching over. There's research to back this up too. According to a 2023 study from the University of Portsmouth, UFH systems circulate less airborne dust compared to traditional radiators, making them a better option for people with allergies or asthma.
Better Pairing With Low-Carbon Tech
Heat pumps, solar thermal systems, smart thermostats — 2025 is all about integrated home tech. And UFH doesn't just play well with these systems; it thrives alongside them.
Because UFH operates efficiently at lower water temperatures (around 35-45°C compared to 60-75°C for radiators), it's an ideal match for heat pumps, which also work best at lower temps. That synergy can lead to serious improvements in overall system performance.
I recently worked with a couple retrofitting their 1930s semi in Nottingham. They paired a ground-source heat pump with water-based UFH throughout the ground floor. Not only did they cut their energy bills significantly, but through the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme (still running in 2025), they received a £7,500 grant to offset installation costs. Not bad.
Installation's Easier Than You Think
There's still a misconception floating about that UFH is only for new builds. That was true once. But not anymore.
Yes, retrofitting involves planning, and you'll need to raise floors slightly or opt for low-profile systems, but technology has moved on. Electric matting is now thinner, quicker to install, and costs have come down. In my small ensuite bathroom refit, the installer had UFH in and working within two days. Simple, neat, and zero disruption to the rest of the house.
There are now tailored solutions for timber floors, suspended floors, screed bases. Every scenario you can think of has a system to suit.
It's a Comfort Thing
Efficiency, aesthetics, tech integration. They're all big wins. But for a lot of people, the tipping point is the comfort.
You feel it as soon as you step in from the cold. That enveloping, diffuse warmth that doesn't blast but wraps you gently. No humming radiators, no clunking pipes. Just seamless heat underfoot.
And there's a kind of quiet satisfaction knowing that this comfort isn't coming at the expense of the planet. Or your bank balance.
"I thought it was going to be a bit of a faff," admits Jake, a homeowner in Leeds who fitted UFH in his 2025 loft extension. "But now every time I go up there, I just... relax. It's like having a spa at home."
Not everyone needs a home spa, but comfort should never feel like a compromise.
So, Why Are More People Going For It?
Let's be frank. Underfloor heating isn't just for the elite anymore. It's practical, cost-competitive, and future-ready. With government incentives, improving tech, and shifting energy standards, it's quickly moving from niche to norm.
Whether you're refurbishing a flat in Glasgow or building your dream eco-home in Cornwall, UFH could be your heating solution. And once it's in? You'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is underfloor heating expensive to run?
Not necessarily. Water-based systems are more efficient than traditional radiators, especially when paired with low-temperature sources like heat pumps. Electric systems can be costlier to run if used as a primary heating method, but they're ideal for small zones like bathrooms.
Can I install underfloor heating in an old house?
Yes, retrofitting is entirely possible. Low-profile systems are designed specifically for existing floor types, including timber and suspended floors. Bear in mind that proper insulation and planning are key to getting the best performance.
How long does underfloor heating take to install?
For a single room, electric systems can be installed in as little as a day or two. Water-based systems require more time. Around a few days for installation and screed drying, depending on the size and complexity of the layout.
Does underfloor heating work with carpet?
Yes, but not all carpets are created equal. You'll need one with low thermal resistance (look for a tog rating under 2.5). Most modern carpets and underlays are compatible and designed with UFH in mind.
Is underfloor heating eligible for government grants?
In 2025, yes. The UK's Boiler Upgrade Scheme and various regional retrofit programs still offer financial support for installing low-carbon heating systems, particularly when UFH is combined with heat pumps or renewable energy sources.
Underfloor heating is no longer a "maybe someday" upgrade. It's a smart, future-forward choice. If comfort, efficiency, and modern design matter in your home, it might be time to step into the warmth.
Ready to warm your toes and cool your bills? Explore your underfloor options today.