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The Science Behind Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is one of the most efficient and comfortable ways to heat your home. Instead of relying on bulky radiators to push warm air into a space, underfloor systems gently heat the entire floor surface – creating a steady, even warmth that rises from the ground up.
Whether it’s part of a new build, a renovation or a retrofit, underfloor heating gives you greater control over your indoor climate, helping reduce energy usage while increasing comfort. It also works exceptionally well with low-carbon technologies like heat pumps, making it a smart choice for homes aiming to be more efficient and sustainable.
What Is Underfloor Heating?
Underfloor heating (UFH) is a low-temperature heating system that replaces or supplements traditional radiators. It works by running warm water pipes or electric heating cables beneath the floor surface – gently warming the entire floor, which in turn radiates heat evenly into the room.
The whole floor becomes a heat source, you get a more balanced indoor climate; no cold spots, no overheated corners and no need to crank the thermostat. The result is a home that’s consistently warm, incredibly efficient, and far easier to furnish, thanks to the lack of visible radiators.
UFH systems typically run at lower temperatures than standard radiators – making them an ideal match for modern heating technologies like air source and ground source heat pumps. That means lower running costs, less energy waste and a more comfortable home, year-round.
Wet vs Electric Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating comes in two main forms: wet systems (also called water-based or hydronic) and electric systems. Both warm your home from the ground up, but the way they operate – and the type of projects they suit – can differ.
Wet (Water-Based) Systems
Wet underfloor heating circulates warm water through a network of pipes laid beneath the floor surface. That warmth then radiates evenly throughout the space, delivering consistent, gentle heat.
At Green Flare, our engineers specialise exclusively in wet underfloor heating systems. We choose them for their long-term performance, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with renewable heating systems like heat pumps. A well-designed wet system doesn’t just replace radiators – it offers a more comfortable, more efficient alternative that complements both traditional and modern homes.
Wet systems are particularly well-suited to new builds, large-scale renovations, and whole-home heating – where floors can be properly prepared and the system can be designed to last.
Electric Systems
Electric systems use heating cables or mats installed beneath the floor. When powered, these elements warm the surface above. They're often used in smaller spaces like bathrooms or single-room retrofits, where minimal disruption is key.
While quick to install, electric systems generally have higher running costs and are less suited to full-property installations – making them a good fit for targeted applications, not whole-home solutions.
If you’re unsure which system best fits your project, we’re here to help you weigh up the options and make an informed decision.
Radiant Heating Explained
Unlike traditional radiators that heat the air, underfloor heating works through radiant heat, gently warming the surfaces and objects in a room from the floor upwards. This creates a more balanced, even temperature and eliminates cold spots or draughts often caused by convective heating systems.
As the warmth rises naturally, you feel comfortable at lower air temperatures than you would with radiators. That means your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the space feeling just right, helping to reduce your energy consumption without compromising comfort.
Wet underfloor heating typically runs at 35–50°C, compared to 65–80°C for standard radiators. This lower flow temperature makes it far more efficient, especially when paired with a heat pump or other low-carbon heat source.
The result is a home that’s not only more comfortable, but also more cost-effective to run and better for the environment.
Approved Installations
