Why UFH and Heat Pumps Are a Perfect Match
Underfloor heating (UFH) operates at flow temperatures of 30–40°C — significantly lower than radiators. Since a heat pump’s efficiency increases as flow temperature decreases, UFH allows your heat pump to run at peak performance.
The result? A COP of 4.0–4.5 or higher is achievable with UFH, compared to 3.2–3.8 with radiators. Over a heating season, this can mean 15–20% lower running costs.
Beyond efficiency, UFH delivers a different kind of comfort. Heat rises evenly from the floor, eliminating cold spots and the "hot head, cold feet" effect of radiators. The thermal mass of the floor also acts as a heat store, maintaining stable temperatures.
Wet vs Electric UFH
Wet UFH (hydronic): Uses warm water circulating through pipes embedded in or laid on top of the floor. This is the type that pairs with a heat pump and is by far the most efficient option. It can be used as the primary heating system for entire rooms or zones.
Electric UFH: Uses electric heating cables or mats under the floor. It does not connect to a heat pump and is much more expensive to run. Electric UFH is only suitable for small areas like bathrooms where a quick burst of warmth is wanted. We would not recommend it as a primary heating system.
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Retrofit Options
Installing UFH in an existing home is easier than many people think:
- Low-profile overlay systems — These sit on top of your existing floor and add only 15–25 mm of height. Suitable for most rooms without significant modification.
- Joisted floors — Pipes can be routed between floor joists in upstairs rooms with minimal disruption.
- Screed systems — The traditional approach, best suited to ground floors being renovated or new extensions.
A common approach is to install UFH on the ground floor (where it is easiest) and use appropriately sized radiators upstairs. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds.
Cost of UFH with a Heat Pump
Retrofitting wet UFH typically costs £60–£100 per square metre for overlay systems, or £80–£120 per square metre for screed systems. A typical ground floor of 50 m² would therefore cost £3,000–£6,000.
However, this investment pays back through lower running costs (higher COP) and the fact that you may need fewer or no radiator upgrades on that floor. We include UFH options in our quotes where appropriate so you can compare.
Frequently asked questions
For efficiency, yes — underfloor heating runs at 30–40°C and can lift COP to 4.0–4.5, cutting running costs by 15–20% over a season versus radiators. It also gives more even comfort.
Often yes. Low-profile overlay systems add only 15–25mm of height, pipes can run between joists upstairs, and screed systems suit renovations. A common approach is underfloor downstairs, radiators upstairs.
Retrofit wet underfloor heating is roughly £60–£100/m² for overlay systems and £80–£120/m² for screed — so a 50m² ground floor is around £3,000–£6,000. It can offset radiator upgrade costs on that floor.
Only wet (hydronic) underfloor heating connects to a heat pump and is efficient to run. Electric underfloor heating is expensive to run and only suits small areas like bathrooms.
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