Question by primal: regarding the running cost of underfloor heating by electric cables?
We are planning to buy a 5 bed detached house (about 300 sq m) in UK with electric underfloor heating with no radiators/ gas . As this is not a common form of heating for an entire big house, what do you think of the running costs with this compared to usual gas. Is it going to be economical maintaining this house,
Best answer:
Answer by Kevin
I would do a little more research, some of the underfloor, heating systems have had problems,
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4 Comments
I would not only research the expected life and problems of a system like that, but also get the past 12 months heating/cooling bills from current owners and see how the costs compare with a comparable home in cost.
I would have normal radiators put in. With any UFH system when it goes wrong / gets old you have major problems because it is in the floor, and cant be fixed
The only real benefit is the visual lack of radiators.
I have supplied and fitted the power to such systems, and asked the engineers laying in the floor heating as to what happens if an element fails, and how adjustable is it.
The answers were that you rip the floor up and start again, and thermostatic controls are extremely slow in raising or lowering the floor temperature.
Plus, I have heard of some minor medical problems with feet.
We are designed to absorb heat all over, not just mainly through the feet.
It would look & work OK, but given the choice, I wouild avoid it.
I have it in my bathroom & love it,but whole house must be expensive compared to a gas underfloor heated system,Do you know if its got a special low tariff meter to control,if so would bring down running costs.
If you really love the house & only this is putting you off then why not give it a chance,say 12 months,If its too expensive or just not to your liking then get a gas combi system fitted,its your choice.