Rebecca Foster lays out the options for retrofit scenarios, highlighting the main factors to consider when choosing the best underfloor heating system for your property

Often considered the de facto choice for new builds, underfloor heating (UFH) works by transforming your home’s floor surface into an ambient heat emitter. As well as delivering a cosy warmth underfoot, UFH allows for clutter-free walls with no radiators. In some scenarios, it’s also more costeffective to run than a traditional heating setup.

While a renovation project doesn’t offer the same clean slate as a self build, it doesn’t mean UFH is beyond the realms of possibility. There’s a selection of water-based and electric systems to suit various applications –a lot depends on the heat source that will power the setup, the type of subfloor you have and the overall thermal efficiency of the house. “Usually heat loss (insulation/airtightness) is one of the biggest factors that would limit the use of UFH,” says Chris Holt, managing director at CDI Innovative Construction Materials. “The next factor to consider is the amount of disruption it will bring to the building, as it is potentially a major process that may require the building to be stripped right back to allow the work to happen.”

It’s also worth bearing your lifestyle goals in mind before charging ahead and installing UFH –a key aspect to consider is the amount of time it takes for the system to warm up once it’s been switched on. Radiators have quicker response times, so in areas of the house where you’re looking for a quick burst of heat (eg bedrooms), a conventional setup might be the preferable option.