Choosing the Best Underfloor Heating Systems for Your Home

When it comes to choosing the best underfloor heating system, it usually boils down to two main players: electric systems, which are brilliant for smaller jobs and renovations, and water-based (hydronic) systems, which deliver fantastic long-term efficiency for bigger projects. The right choice for you will really depend on your property, your budget, and what you’re hoping to spend on running costs down the line.

Your Guide to Modern Home Heating

Underfloor heating (UFH) isn’t just a luxury feature anymore; it’s a fundamental shift in how we can heat our homes comfortably and efficiently. It’s about more than just the simple pleasure of warm floors. UFH is a sophisticated solution that offers some serious advantages over traditional radiators, especially for the diverse mix of homes we see in Eastbourne, from classic Victorian terraces in Meads to sleek new-builds near the marina.

The popularity of these systems is soaring across the UK. In fact, the market is expected to hit US$ 810.1 million by 2032, which shows just how many homeowners are looking for smarter, space-saving ways to keep their homes warm.

Here at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, we’re seeing this trend firsthand in and around Eastbourne. More and more people are opting for UFH because it frees up wall space, creates a much more even and pleasant ambient temperature, and genuinely adds value to their property.

Electric vs Water Systems: The Core Choice

Deciding between the two main types of underfloor heating is your first big step. Each system has its own set of benefits, making them better suited for different situations.

Attribute	Electric UFH Systems	Water (Hydronic) UFH Systems
Best For	Single rooms, renovations, bathrooms	Whole-house heating, new builds, extensions
Installation Cost	Lower	Higher
Running Costs	Higher (uses electricity)	Lower (uses boiler or heat pump)
Heat-Up Time	Fast (30-60 minutes)	Slower (several hours)
Floor Height Impact	Minimal (as little as 3-4mm)	More significant (15mm+)
Maintenance	Virtually none	Periodic system checks recommended

We recently recommended an electric system for a client’s bathroom renovation in a Meads village property in Eastbourne. The Harrlie Plumbing and Heating team found that the quick installation and minimal floor height increase were perfect for the scope of the project, giving them that touch of luxury without needing any major structural work.

Getting your head around these key differences is the best place to start. If you want to dig a bit deeper into the basics, you might find our guide on what underfloor heating is and its benefits really helpful. It breaks down the comparison between electric and hydronic systems in more detail, setting you up perfectly for the next steps.

Comparing Electric and Water Underfloor Heating Systems

Choosing the right underfloor heating comes down to a big decision: do you go for an electric system or a water-based (often called hydronic) one? There's no single "best" answer here. Instead, each system is brilliant in different situations. The right choice for your home really depends on the scale of your project, your property type, and what you're looking to spend over the long term.

Here at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, we help homeowners across Eastbourne figure this out every day. We’ve found that the clearest way to compare them is by looking at real-world scenarios. It’s much more helpful than a generic list of pros and cons, as it’s all about matching the system to your specific needs.

This infographic breaks down why modern heating solutions like UFH are becoming so popular.

As you can see, the appeal lies in their efficiency, the way they free up precious living space, and the genuine value they add to your home.

Installation Complexity and Cost

The initial outlay is usually the first thing people compare. Electric UFH systems are almost always cheaper and much simpler to get in the ground. They're made of thin mats or wires that you can just roll out over the subfloor, which makes them a fantastic option for fitting into existing homes.

Just recently, our Harrlie Plumbing and Heating team worked on a Victorian terrace in the Old Town area of Eastbourne. The owner wanted to add that little bit of luxury to a small ensuite bathroom but didn't want to get into major building work. An electric mat system was the perfect fit. It added only 4mm to the floor height and we had it installed and tiled over in just a couple of days.

Water systems, on the other hand, have a higher price tag upfront and the installation is a bigger job. You've got a whole network of pipes to lay, which then get connected to a manifold and linked up to your boiler or heat pump. This makes them the go-to choice for new builds or big extensions where the floor is being built from scratch anyway.

Running Costs and Long-Term Efficiency

This is where water-based systems really shine. While electricity costs more per unit than gas, water UFH runs at much lower temperatures (around 35-50°C) than traditional radiators, which need to be at a scorching 60-80°C. That natural efficiency, especially when you pair it with a modern condensing boiler or an air source heat pump, leads to much lower running costs over the life of the system.

Electric systems are technically 100% efficient right where you use them—every bit of electricity turns into heat. However, because electricity is more expensive, they make the most sense for smaller, well-insulated rooms that you don't heat all day long. Think of a bathroom or a kitchen, where you value that quick burst of warmth more than the slight increase in running costs.

The Harrlie Plumbing and Heating team recently installed a water-based system in a large, open-plan kitchen extension on a detached home near Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne. The family wanted that consistent, gentle warmth throughout their main living space. For them, the long-term energy savings made the higher initial investment a smart financial move.

Heat-Up Times and Performance

The way they perform is also quite different. Electric systems are known for their incredibly fast heat-up times. You can often feel the warmth through a tiled floor in as little as 30-60 minutes, making them perfect for rooms you use on and off. You get heat on demand, right when you need it.

Water systems are more of a slow burn. Because they have to heat up a large volume of water and the screed around the pipes, it can take several hours for the floor to get up to temperature from cold. But once they're warm, they're brilliant at holding that heat, providing a steady, gentle warmth that radiates throughout the day. Many people find this radiant heat far more comfortable than the convective heat you get from radiators. If you want to dig deeper into that, have a look at our guide comparing underfloor heating vs radiators for Eastbourne homeowners.

Electric vs Water UFH A Practical Comparison

To help you see the differences at a glance, we've put together a simple comparison table. This breaks down the key attributes of each system to help you decide which is the best fit for your home.

Attribute	Electric UFH Systems	Water (Hydronic) UFH Systems
Best For	Single rooms, renovations, bathrooms, kitchens	New builds, large extensions, whole-house heating
Installation Cost	Lower (typically £80-£120 per m²)	Higher (typically £120-£180+ per m²)
Running Costs	Higher due to electricity prices	Lower, especially with efficient heat sources
Installation Speed	Fast, often completed in 1-2 days	Slower, requires more extensive plumbing work
Floor Height Impact	Minimal (as little as 3-4mm)	More significant (can add 15-20mm or more)
Heat-Up Time	Very fast (30-60 minutes)	Slow (several hours from cold)
Heat Retention	Lower; cools down faster	Excellent; retains heat for hours

Ultimately, the table highlights that there's a perfect system for every project, but the "perfect" choice depends entirely on your situation.

Which System Is Right for Your Eastbourne Home?

To put it simply, it all comes down to the job at hand. If you're renovating a single room—especially a bathroom or kitchen in one of Eastbourne's lovely older properties—an electric system usually strikes the perfect balance of cost, convenience, and comfort.

But for new builds, large-scale renovations, or a heating solution for your entire home, a water-based system is almost always the better long-term investment. At Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, our engineers can carry out a detailed heat-loss calculation for your home. This ensures any system we recommend is perfectly matched to your property, guaranteeing you get the best possible performance and efficiency.

Understanding Your Total UFH Investment

When you're looking into the best underfloor heating systems, it’s easy to focus on the initial price tag. But to get the full financial picture, you need to look at the total investment. This includes everything from the pipes and parts, the labour to fit it, and what it will actually cost to run on your energy bills year after year.

We believe in being completely transparent with our customers. No vague estimates here. We want to give you a realistic idea of what to expect for your property in the Eastbourne area. At Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, we provide fully itemised quotes so you understand every part of your investment, with no hidden surprises down the line.

Breaking Down the Installation Costs

The initial cost to install your underfloor heating is the biggest upfront expense, and it can vary quite a bit depending on a few key factors. The system type you choose is the main driver. Electric UFH generally has a lower material cost and is quicker to install, which often makes it a more budget-friendly choice at the start.

Water-based systems, on the other hand, require a higher initial investment. This is down to the cost of the pipes, manifolds, and the more complex labour involved. But that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Other things that will influence the final price include:

• Project Scale: A small bathroom renovation in an Eastbourne terraced house will naturally cost less than fitting a whole-house system for a new build over in the Langney area.

• Floor Preparation: Is the subfloor level and ready to go? Older properties might need a levelling compound or extra insulation boards. This adds to the cost but is absolutely vital for making the system run efficiently.

• Labour Costs: Professional installation is essential for your warranty and for safety. At Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, our certified engineers make sure the job is done right the first time, preventing expensive problems later on.

We recently quoted for a property in Roselands, Eastbourne, where the subfloor was quite uneven. By including the cost of self-levelling screed in our initial itemised quote from Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, the homeowner had a clear and accurate budget from day one. It meant no unexpected costs cropped up during the project.

For a clearer picture of how to manage your total UFH investment, it can be useful to explore available financing options for home heating systems.

Analysing Long-Term Running Costs

This is where you really start to see the true value of your investment. While electric systems are cheaper to install, they cost more to run day-to-day simply because electricity costs more per unit than gas. They make the most sense in smaller, well-insulated spaces that you only heat now and then, like a bathroom.

Water-based systems, however, deliver substantial long-term savings. They work brilliantly by running at much lower temperatures than radiators (typically 35-50°C compared to 60-80°C), which allows your boiler or heat pump to operate far more efficiently.

For a family home in Eastbourne, the difference in running costs over a decade can be huge. For example, pairing a water UFH system with a modern, high-efficiency boiler can trim your heating bills by up to 25% compared to a standard radiator setup. If you connect it to an air source heat pump, those savings can climb even higher.

Here’s a simplified look at the typical ongoing expenses:

Cost Factor	Electric UFH Systems	Water (Hydronic) UFH Systems
Energy Source	Electricity (higher cost per kWh)	Gas, Oil, or Heat Pump (lower cost per kWh)
Typical Use Case	Best for small, zoned areas (e.g., bathrooms)	Ideal for larger areas or whole-house heating
Maintenance	Virtually maintenance-free	Periodic checks on manifold and pressure
Long-Term Savings	Modest	Significant, especially with efficient heat sources

This table shows why water systems, despite the higher installation cost, are often the more economical choice for homeowners who are looking at the bigger picture. Our team at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating can give you a detailed running cost projection based on your home’s specific heat loss and the latest East Sussex energy tariffs.

Finding the Perfect UFH for Your Property Type

Eastbourne’s architecture is wonderfully diverse, from elegant Victorian and Edwardian terraces in the town centre to modern detached homes further out. This variety means a one-size-fits-all approach to underfloor heating just doesn’t work. The best system for a brand-new extension will be completely different from what you’d need for a bathroom renovation in a period property.

The real key is matching the UFH system to your home's unique character, considering its age, insulation levels, and the scale of your project. Here at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, we’ve worked on every type of property across Eastbourne, Bexhill, and Hastings, so we know exactly how to find the right fit for optimal performance and comfort.

Ideal UFH for Renovations and Older Properties

When you’re working with an existing building, especially an older home, floor height is often the biggest hurdle. Raising the floor level even slightly can cause a headache with doors, skirting boards, and ceiling heights. This is where modern, low-profile systems really shine.

For a classic Eastbourne Victorian terrace, an electric UFH system is often the perfect choice for single-room projects like a kitchen or bathroom. These systems are incredibly thin—some mats add as little as 3-4mm to the floor height. This makes them a dream for retrofitting without major disruption.

A client in the Meads area of Eastbourne wanted to update their bathroom in a period property but was worried about altering the room's original features. Our Harrlie Plumbing and Heating team installed a low-profile electric mat system that provided that touch of luxury underfoot without impacting the existing door thresholds or fixtures.

These systems are brilliant for more than just bathrooms. They are just as effective in other renovation spots:

• Kitchens: Electric UFH delivers quick, responsive heat under tiles or LVT flooring, making the heart of the home feel wonderfully cosy.

• Conservatories: Often a challenge to heat with radiators, a well-insulated floor with electric UFH can transform a conservatory into a space you can enjoy all year round.

The main takeaway for renovations is simple: you don't need to undertake massive structural work to enjoy the comfort of underfloor heating.

Best Systems for New Builds and Extensions

If you're building a new home or adding a large extension, you have a golden opportunity to install the most efficient heating system from the ground up. In these situations, a water-based (hydronic) underfloor heating system is almost always the superior choice for long-term value.

While the initial installation cost is higher, the running costs are significantly lower. These systems run at much lower temperatures than radiators, making them incredibly efficient when paired with a modern condensing boiler.

Even better, they are the perfect partner for renewable technologies like air source heat pumps. A heat pump produces hot water at the exact low temperatures UFH is designed for, creating a highly efficient and eco-friendly heating solution. This synergy makes it the go-to choice for modern, well-insulated properties where energy performance is a top priority.

We recently completed an installation in a new-build detached home near Sovereign Harbour, combining a full water-based UFH system with an air source heat pump. The result is a home with exceptionally low running costs and a consistent, comfortable ambient temperature in every room—all without a single radiator in sight.

Ultimately, the right system depends entirely on your project. The Harrlie Plumbing and Heating team can assess your property and provide practical, honest advice to ensure you get the perfect setup for your unique space.

Pairing UFH with Heat Pumps for Ultimate Efficiency

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_txFbJ3iPI

If you're looking for the gold standard in modern home heating, there's one combination that truly stands out: a water-based underfloor heating system paired with an air source heat pump. This powerful duo isn't just a trend; it's quickly becoming the most sensible choice for UK homes, delivering incredible comfort while making a serious dent in your running costs and carbon footprint.

The magic is in how perfectly the two technologies work together. Air source heat pumps are at their most efficient when they're producing water at lower temperatures, typically between 35-50°C. This just so happens to be the sweet spot for water UFH systems. It’s a perfect match that older radiator systems simply can’t compete with, as they often need scalding hot water at 60-80°C to warm a room, forcing a heat pump to work much harder and less efficiently.

When you pair these two, you unlock the full potential of both. The result is a consistent, gentle warmth that radiates through your home at the lowest possible running cost.

Tapping into Government Incentives in Eastbourne

The UK government is fully behind this shift to greener heating. Water underfloor heating is gaining huge popularity, thanks to how well it works with low-temperature heat sources and the financial support available. For homeowners right here in Eastbourne, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a game-changer, offering a grant of £7,500 towards the installation of an eligible heat pump. This makes an incredibly efficient system far more affordable.

This incentive takes a huge chunk out of the initial investment. Better yet, the long-term savings on your energy bills deliver a continuous return, making it a sound financial move for any Eastbourne household wanting to future-proof their home.

Why Expert System Design is Everything

But here’s the crucial part: achieving this amazing efficiency isn’t as simple as just connecting the two systems. The success of a heat pump and UFH combination lives or dies by the quality of the system design and the professionalism of the installation. This is exactly where a specialist team like Harrlie Plumbing and Heating makes all the difference.

A poorly designed system can lead to frustratingly high running costs, disappointing performance, and a home that just never feels properly warm. We prevent that by carrying out detailed heat-loss calculations for your property, ensuring the pipe layout, flow rates, and heat pump size are all perfectly matched.

"A well-designed UFH and heat pump system is more than just a heating solution; it's a long-term investment in comfort and efficiency. Getting the design right from the start is non-negotiable for achieving the huge potential savings."

A modern, well-insulated new-build down by Sovereign Harbour has completely different heating needs to a period property in Meads getting a retrofitted system. Our certified engineers understand these local nuances inside and out, allowing us to design a system that guarantees peak performance. For a wider look at your options, take a look at our guide on the different central heating system types for Eastbourne homes.

Ultimately, when you choose Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, you’re not just getting pipes and a pump. You're getting a complete, optimised heating solution designed to give you exceptional comfort and the lowest possible running costs for many years to come.

Why Trust Harrlie for Your UFH Installation?

Choosing the right underfloor heating system is only the first step. The real test of its performance, efficiency, and lifespan comes down to the quality of the installation. A professional installation means your system will deliver consistent warmth for decades, but a poor job can lead to endless headaches, costly repairs, and a system that never quite lives up to its promise. This is why picking a trusted, local specialist is the most important decision you’ll make.

At Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, we’re not just installers; we're your dedicated partners from start to finish. We’ve built our reputation across Eastbourne and Sussex by understanding the unique demands of local properties, from period homes in the Old Town to modern new-builds near Sovereign Harbour. Our deep roots in the community mean we’re not some faceless company—we’re your neighbours.

Your Local Certified Experts

Our team is made up of fully certified Gas Safe and heating engineers who will manage your project from the initial consultation to the final handover. We take care of everything, from precise heat-loss calculations and system design to the final commissioning. This ensures a seamless process with a single point of accountability, giving you complete peace of mind.

We believe in clear, honest communication and transparent pricing. That’s why we offer a Best Price Guarantee on all our work. You’ll receive a detailed, itemised quote with no hidden surprises, so you know exactly what you’re investing in.

“The true value of a professional installation lies in the details—the precise pipe layout, the correct manifold setup, and the meticulous testing. These are the elements that guarantee a system will run efficiently for its entire lifespan.”

The trust our community places in us is reflected in our five-star Google reviews from homeowners all over Eastbourne. It’s a testament to our professionalism and dedication. We’re also available seven days a week to answer your questions and provide support, ensuring we’re there when you need us most.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Ready to explore how underfloor heating can transform your home? The next step is simple and comes with no strings attached. Contact the Harrlie Plumbing and Heating team today to schedule your free, no-obligation quote. We’ll visit your Eastbourne property, listen to your needs, and provide a tailored recommendation that fits both your home and your budget.

When you work with a dedicated local expert, you’re not just buying a heating system; you’re investing in long-term comfort and reliability. Let us show you the Harrlie difference.

Still Have Questions About Underfloor Heating?

Even after digging into the details, it's completely normal to have a few lingering questions. We get asked a lot about the practicalities of underfloor heating, so we've put together some straight answers to the most common queries we hear from homeowners here in Eastbourne. Hopefully, this gives you that last bit of clarity you need.

Can I Install Underfloor Heating with Any Flooring?

Pretty much, yes! Almost all modern flooring types work beautifully with underfloor heating. Hard surfaces like ceramic tiles, stone, and polished concrete are fantastic partners because they conduct and radiate heat so well. But engineered wood, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and even specific carpets with a low tog rating (that’s just a measure of thermal resistance) are also excellent choices.

When we visit your Eastbourne home for a consultation, the Harrlie Plumbing and Heating team will talk you through the best pairings. We’ll make sure your dream flooring and your new UFH system are a perfect match for top performance.

How Much Will Underfloor Heating Raise My Floor Level?

This really depends on the system you choose. Modern electric mats are incredibly slim, sometimes adding as little as 3-4mm to the floor height. This makes them ideal for renovations and retrofitting, especially in older Eastbourne properties where you don't want to mess with door heights—a common scenario for bathroom updates in Old Town or Meads.

And while traditional water systems used to require a thick concrete screed, that’s no longer the case. Today’s low-profile 'overlay' boards can be installed with just a 15-18mm height increase. We’ll assess your property and recommend a solution that keeps any impact on skirting boards and doors to an absolute minimum.

How Much Maintenance Does Underfloor Heating Require?

This is one of the best parts—next to none. UFH systems are famous for being incredibly reliable and low maintenance. Once an electric system is professionally installed, it’s virtually maintenance-free for its entire life.

Water-based systems are just as durable. All we recommend is a periodic check of the manifold and system pressure to make sure everything is ticking along nicely. Our Gas Safe engineers at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating can easily roll this into your annual boiler service, ensuring you get decades of hassle-free, efficient heating.

For many homeowners in Eastbourne, the 'fit and forget' nature of underfloor heating is one of its biggest attractions. A quality installation from Harrlie Plumbing and Heating means years of reliable comfort with minimal upkeep.

Can Underfloor Heating Be My Only Heat Source?

Absolutely. In most well-insulated modern homes, a properly designed UFH system can comfortably be the sole source of heat. This is great news if you’re looking to free up wall space by getting rid of radiators, creating a cleaner, more minimalist look.

For some of Eastbourne's older properties that might not have the same level of insulation, UFH often works as the primary comfort-bringer, maybe with a little backup on the absolute coldest days of the year. We’ll run a full heat-loss calculation during our free site survey and give you honest advice on the best approach for your home.

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Ready to experience a new level of home comfort? For expert advice and a professional installation of the best underfloor heating systems in Eastbourne, you can trust the local specialists.

Contact Harrlie Plumbing and Heating today for your free, no-obligation quote and find out how we can transform your home. https://www.harrlieplumbing.co.uk