Edinburgh is a city that blends the past with modernity. With charming Georgian townhouses in Stockbridge through to modern apartments in Leith, renovations are a favourite way for homeowners to update their homes to suit contemporary living. If you believe that there is no place like home, particularly in Edinburgh, then one home improvement to consider is underfloor heating. It adds more than just comfort and convenience; it also contributes to the long-term value of your home.
Edinburgh winters are cold. January temperatures average about 2 degrees Celsius, and the damp, cold air can easily chill older homes. Old-fashioned radiators can create inconsistent heating throughout your home. Underfloor heating, however, prevents this by ensuring the floor is constantly warm from head to toe. It warms up an entire room evenly, eliminating cold spots and increasing the temperature in a more consistent manner.
Radiators can consume valuable wall space and limit the range of interior design options. Underfloor systems are concealed beneath the flooring so that you can put furniture wherever you want to and keep everything spick and span. We all know how important it is to step into a warm bathroom in the morning. In addition to its contribution to cosiness, underfloor heating can be a great way to achieve extra space, as there’s no need for radiators. For people living in historic homes, where wall space is at a premium and listed building rules can make alterations complex, underfloor heating offers an unobtrusive solution that won’t detract from the property’s charm.
Underfloor heating operates at lower temperatures than radiators, so it is more efficient. This equates to lower heating bills in the long term, particularly when combined with a modern condensing boiler or renewable heat sources like heat pumps. This is good news for Edinburgh homeowners who are concerned about fuel bills and carbon emissions.
Underfloor heating may be considered a luxury upgrade that enhances a property’s desirability to potential buyers. For homeowners who renovate to sell or to let, it offers a strong selling point. Potential buyers in Edinburgh, especially in a tough housing market like the one we have now, will see underfloor heating as an attractive quality that sets your home apart from many others.
Suppose you are considering adding underfloor heating to your renovation project. In that case, it is essential to understand the different types of underfloor heating and determine which one is most suitable for your home.
Wet systems move warm water through pipes in the floor. These systems tend to be more effective as whole-house heating systems and are best installed in the context of major renovations or new builds.
With electric, heating mats or cables are installed under the floor. These are typically easy to install and perfect for small projects, such as bathroom renovations or single rooms.
If installing underfloor heating during a renovation, careful budgeting and planning are necessary. Here are a few factors which will assist homeowners in Edinburgh to make the right choice:
Underfloor heating is most readily installed during the last refurbishment and removal of existing floors. If you’re planning to rehab just one room, an electric system can be more practical. When undertaking a whole-house retrofit, a wet system is often more cost-effective in the long run.
Although underfloor heating provides low running costs, it does come with a higher upfront cost of installation. Consider:
Wet underfloor heating across a whole house typically costs between £6,000 and £12,000, but electric systems for individual or smaller groups of rooms start at around £500 to £1,500. The cost ranges based on the size of the property, floor type, and the complexity of the installation.
If you’re in an older property in Edinburgh, your home may have characteristics that make heating a little more challenging. Working with a local installer who is familiar with building regulations and knows how to make efficient use of the space in an Edinburgh renovation is critical. Request references and check that the installer is fully accredited.
Certain types of flooring are best suited for use with underfloor heating. Tile, stone and even engineered wood are excellent choices as they conduct heat effectively. Carpet is also an option, but it should be thin and have a low tog rating to avoid reducing the heating system’s efficiency. While planning your renovation, ensure that your selected flooring material is compatible with the new underfloor heating system.
Sound insulation is key to ensuring underfloor heating is both functional and efficient. If you’re changing the floors as part of your renovation, it’s an ideal time to install high-quality insulation below the heating system, allowing it to perform at its best and lower running costs.
Increasingly, people in Edinburgh are incorporating underfloor heating into their homes during renovations. This trend is fueled by increasing energy prices, a desire for greater comfort, and an interest in sustainable home solutions. Renovations are often the best opportunity to install underfloor heating as access to your subfloor is easier and less messy.
With properties ranging from traditional tenements in Marchmont to modern flats in New Town to family homes in Morningside, underfloor heating can revolutionise the way you live. It provides warmth but also a contemporary update that can add value and appeal to your home.
With early planning, selecting the right system and experienced installers in Edinburgh, homeowners can turn a renovation headache into a long-term investment in comfort, efficiency and style.
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