As homeowners continue to seek lower-carbon, energy-efficient heating solutions, retrofit underfloor heating is becoming an increasingly attractive option for existing and period properties.
Specifically, 80% of underfloor heating sales are made for older, existing properties and only 20% for new builds (data according to Wunda Group). For installers, understanding how modern underfloor heating systems overcome traditional retrofit challenges opens the door to a growing market.
With careful design, appropriate system selection and attention to detail during installation, underfloor heating can provide an effective, efficient and future-ready heating solution for even some of the UK’s oldest homes. The key is understanding the challenges older properties present and selecting the right system for the job.
Sam Jump, Head of Business Development at Wunda Group, busts common misconceptions when it comes to installing underfloor heating and shares his considerations when looking to retrofit underfloor heating in older properties.
Why consider underfloor heating in older homes?
Period properties often present unique heating challenges. Large rooms, high ceilings, solid walls and ageing heating systems can make it difficult to achieve comfortable and consistent temperatures throughout the home. Unlike traditional radiators, underfloor heating distributes warmth evenly across the entire floor area, creating a more consistent room temperature. Because it operates at lower floor temperatures than radiators, it improves overall system efficiency and maximises effectiveness and efficiency of modern sources such as heat pumps.
There are practical benefits for homeowners, too. Removing radiators can free up valuable wall space and allow greater design flexibility when furnishing older interiors, improving the character of even the oldest homes that wouldn’t have originally had radiators.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions?
Many installers assume underfloor heating requires major structural work, making it unsuitable for retrofit projects. While this may have been true of traditional systems, modern overlay and low-profile systems have transformed the retrofit market. Today’s systems can often be installed directly over existing under floors, significantly reducing disruption and installation time. For installers, this means UFH can now be considered for renovation projects that would previously have been ruled out due to floor height constraints or concerns about extensive building work.
Another misconception is that underfloor heating simply does not function the way it claims to. This stems from screed-based underfloor heating systems taking hours to heat up and not warming a space as intended, however more modern systems, such as Wunda’s Rapid Response system, is a major improvement on this – this system has much faster heating up times resulting in quicker heating and warmth in a room.
Lastly, underfloor heating is perceived to be expensive to run once installed. Electric underfloor heating can be known to utilise more power resulting in a higher cost, but water-based underfloor heating systems are much cheaper to run in comparison and has a longer working lifespan.
How to insulate in an efficient system?
If a room is being adequately heated by a radiator, underfloor heating will do the job and better. But if a room is still struggling to heat, there may be heat losses to consider before thinking about the heating system. While underfloor heating can significantly improve comfort and efficiency, installers should remember that no heating system can compensate for a poorly insulated building.
Many older properties suffer from heat loss through floors, walls and roofs. Although upgrading insulation may not always be possible due to heritage restrictions or budget constraints, identifying opportunities for improvement should form part of every retrofit assessment. Even where insulation upgrades are limited, underfloor heating can still offer advantages over traditional radiators due to its ability to deliver heat more evenly across the space.
What installation challenges should you look out for?
One common issue is failing to factor in the floor finish. Different floorings have different thermal properties, which can affect heat transfer and overall system performance.
Installers should also pay close attention to pipe spacing and system design. Consistent pipe centres help ensure an even spread of heat across the floor and can improve long-term efficiency.
Structural considerations are equally important. Existing floor constructions can vary significantly in older properties, so installers should ensure that the subfloor is flat, firm and stable, or can be made this way. There should be no movement in the floor substrate in order for the floor finish to be supported.
How can smart controls and zoning improve heating in older properties?
Smart heating controls have become an important part of any successful heating installation. When retrofitting underfloor heating, installers should consider zoning methods that allow homeowners to control heating room by room. Smart controls can help improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption and provide greater flexibility for occupants. This becomes particularly valuable in larger period properties where heating requirements can vary significantly between rooms.
What is the best method for installers?
A successful retrofit of underfloor heating begins with a detailed assessment of the property. Installers should evaluate:
- Available floor build-up
- Existing floor construction
- Insulation levels
- Desired floor finishes
- Heat loss requirements
- Future heating plans, including potential heat pump integration
By addressing these considerations early, installers can avoid common pitfalls and deliver a system that performs efficiently for years to come.
