Wet vs Electric Underfloor Heating: Which Is Right For Your Home

Underfloor heating is becoming an increasingly popular choice in UK homes, offering a more even and comfortable way to heat living spaces. For many homeowners, it is also part of a wider move towards low-temperature and low-carbon heating.

One of the most common questions we are asked is whether a wet or electric underfloor heating system is the better option. While both systems deliver warmth from the floor upwards, they differ in terms of cost, comfort, and how heat is distributed throughout the home. 

Understanding the Two Approaches 

At a basic level, both systems aim to do the same thing: gently warm the floor surface so heat rises evenly into the room.  

A wet system does this by circulating warm water through pipes installed beneath the floor. These pipes are connected to a central heat source such as a heat pump or boiler and are usually designed as part of the main heating system. 

An electric system relies on heating cables or mats powered directly by electricity. These are installed just below the floor finish and are often chosen for specific rooms rather than entire homes. 

While the result can feel similar underfoot, the way each system is installed and operated leads to different outcomes over time.  

Cost Considerations 

Cost is often a key factor, but it is important to look beyond the initial installation and consider how the system will perform over its lifetime.  

From an installation perspective, electrical systems are typically quicker and simpler to fit. The components are thin, the floor build-up is minimal, and disruption can be kept to a minimum. This makes them a common choice for smaller renovation projects or individual rooms. 

Wet systems require more preparation. Pipework, insulation layers, and a manifold need to be installed, often within screed or integrated into the floor structure. This additional work increases upfront costs, particularly where floors are not already being replaced. 

However, running costs tell a different story.

Taking a typical 12m² conservatory in the South West of England as an example, the space may require around 1.2kW of heat to remain comfortable.

• With electric underfloor heating, heat is produced directly from electricity. At a unit rate of 28p per kWh, this equates to around 34p per hour.

  Over a six-month heating season, with the space heated for eight hours a day, running costs could reach approximately £480.

  
  

• A wet underfloor system connected to a modern air source heat pump, operating at a seasonal efficiency of around 3.2, delivers the same heat using far less electricity. Running costs fall to roughly 11p per hour, equating to a seasonal cost of around £150.

This is why electric underfloor heating is often best suited to small, intermittently used rooms, while wet underfloor heating becomes the more cost-effective solution for spaces that are heated regularly.

Comfort Under Your Feet 

One of the biggest attractions of underfloor heating is the level of comfort it provides.  

In spaces where warmth is only needed for short periods, such as bathrooms, electric systems are often appreciated for how quickly they respond. Floors begin to warm soon after switching on, delivering that immediate sense of comfort.  

For rooms used throughout the day, the experience is slightly different. Wet systems warm up more gradually, but once they reach the temperature, they provide a steady and consistent background warmth. Because the entire floor surface is heated evenly, rooms tend to feel comfortable without the sharp temperature swings often associated with radiators. 

Both approaches offer a noticeable improvement in comfort, particularly at floor level, but the difference lies in how that comfort is delivered and maintained. 

How Heat Is Distributed Around the Room 

Traditional radiators heat the air around them and rely on convection to circulate warmth. This often leads to warmer air collecting near the ceiling, while floors remain cooler.  

Underfloor heating works in a different way. Heat is delivered as radiant warmth from the floor surface, rising evenly through the room. This creates a more consistent temperature, reduces cold spots and limits air movement. 

Because wet systems are typically designed to operate continuously at low temperatures, they are particularly effective at maintaining even warmth across larger spaces and open plan areas. Electric systems provide the same radiant effect, but are more commonly used in smaller zones where heat is required intermittently.

Reliability and Long-Term Performance 

Like any heating system, underfloor heating needs to be designed and installed correctly to perform well over the long term. The type of system used influences how issues are managed if they arise. 

With electric systems, the heating cable or mat must remain intact for the system to operate. Damage during installation or from later works, such as drilling into floors, can interrupt performance. Identifying and repairing a fault usually requires a qualified electrician and may involve lifting sections of the finished floor, making careful installation and accurate layout particularly important. 

Wet systems rely on continuous pipe loops connected to a central manifold. Pipework is pressure tested before floors are finished and is designed for a long service life. If an issue does occur, it is more likely to be associated with accessible components such as controls or the manifold. Individual circuits can often be isolated, allowing the rest of the system to continue operating. 

Choosing the Right System for Your Home 

There is no single solution that suits every property.  

Where comfort underfoot is the primary goal, particularly in smaller rooms such as bathrooms, we recommend electric underfloor heating as the most practical and cost-effective choice. Its fast response and minimal floor build-up make it well-suited to targeted upgrades and renovation projects.  

Where the aim is to heat larger spaces or entire rooms efficiently, especially those used for long periods, we recommend wet underfloor heating as the approach. Its ability to operate continuously at low temperatures makes it ideal for whole-home heating strategies and integration with heat pumps. 

Whichever route is chosen, proper design is essential. Heat loss calculations, insulation levels, floor construction and how each space is used all play a role in how well the system performs. 

Final Thoughts  

Both wet and electric underfloor heating can deliver excellent comfort when specified correctly. The key is matching the system to the room: electric underfloor for smaller spaces where comfort underfoot is the priority, and wet underfloor heating for larger areas where consistent, efficient room heating is required.   

At Green Flare, we focus on designing heating systems that are practical, efficient and built around how homeowners actually live in their property. Whether underfloor heating is part of a wider retrofit, a heat pump installation or a targeted room upgrade, good design and quality installation are key to achieving the best results. If you're ready to explore which underfloor heating system is best suited to you, we'd love to chat. Get in touch today.