As you’re enjoying your summer holidays, the last thing you want to be thinking about is the cold winter that is just 3 months way. For this reason, though, now is the time to invest in sustainable heating for your home and underfloor heating is one option to seriously consider.
Winter 2024–25 UK electricity bill: tailored scenarios (Dec 2024–Feb 2025)
Baseline (typical household, single-rate, Direct Debit):
Ofgem’s “typical use” is 2,700 kWh/year (~225 kWh/month). The capped average electricity rates were 24.50p/kWh + 60.99p/day (Oct–Dec 2024) and 24.86p/kWh + 60.97p/day (Jan–Mar 2025). Using those:
- Dec 2024: ~£74.03
- Jan 2025: ~£74.84
- Feb 2025: ~£73.01
- Total (Dec–Feb): ~£221.9 for electricity only
How it shifts by payment type
If you pay on receipt of bill rather than by Direct Debit, standing charges are typically higher (example: ~59p/day vs ~51p/day in Jul–Sep 2025), adding ~£2–£8/month depending on the quarter. Winter figures follow the same pattern.
How this shifts by region
Regional unit rates and standing charges vary a bit. As a rule of thumb, a ~1.5–2.0p/kWh swing (seen in Ofgem/MSE regional tables for other quarters) changes a “typical” month by roughly £3–£5. Expect winter-month electricity bills to differ by a few pounds either way depending on where you live.
Why efficient central heating matters (and where UFH fits)
· Heating + hot water = over half of the average UK home’s energy bill. That makes emitter choice (radiators vs underfloor) and flow temperature critical.
· Condensing boilers are most efficient when return water stays below ~55 °C. Lowering the boiler flow temperature (with properly sized radiators and a balanced system) helps the boiler actually condense, saving gas; trials and field work show meaningful single-digit % savings (e.g., ~9% cited by Nesta/The Heating Hub).
· Underfloor heating (UFH) spreads heat over a large area and runs at low flow temps (~30–45 °C), which is ideal for heat pumps and also supportive of better boiler efficiency. The Energy Saving Trust: UFH’s lower operating temperature means the heat pump runs more efficiently; UFH “usually works well” with heat pumps, while conventional rads may need upsizing for low-temp systems.
· Controls matter: weather compensation (heating curve), zoning, and proper balancing turn low-temp theory into comfort + savings.
Boiler + radiators (most UK homes):
· Lower the flow temperature (often to the 60–65 °C region or lower if emitters allow), balance rads, and add weather compensation where possible. Expect modest but real savings with no major disruption.
Renovating / extensions / new floors?
· Wet UFH is a strong shout: superb comfort at low temps, and it future-proofs for a heat pump.
Property-type cheat notes
· Victorian/Edwardian solid-wall terrace: insulation upgrades first; then bigger rads or UFH at ground floor lets you run cooler water → better boiler efficiency now, smoother heat-pump path later.
· 1930s–1970s semi: cavity insulation + loft top-up often pays back quickly; then drop boiler flow temp and consider UFH in refurb zones.
· 2000s detached: generally decent fabric — easy win is flow-temp optimisation plus smart controls; UFH where you’re re-tiling/open-plan.
· New-build flat (electric heating): if you’re stuck on single-rate, winter bills spike with usage; E7 or other time-of-use can help if you can shift load
How does underfloor heating work?
Underfloor heating heats the floor. As the heat radiates from the floor, the heat enters the room evenly and provides a consistent temperature. How an underfloor heating system heats the floor depends on the type of system you have.
What are the different types of underfloor heating?
There are two main types of underfloor heating. Regardless of the type you choose, the underfloor pipes or cables can be laid in different patterns depending on your needs.
Is underfloor heating worth it?
The main benefits include:
· Having a consistent temperature in your rooms.
· A nice, cosy feeling underfoot.
· No need for radiators which take up wall space.
· Helps avoid furniture or curtains blocking heat distribution.
With wet systems, there are additional benefits:
· Easy to combine with low carbon heating systems like heat pumps.
· Lower energy bills as you can run the flow temperature much lower than with radiators, getting improved efficiency from a boiler or heat pump.
Is It expensive?
It is inexpensive and you can buy cheap underfloor heating with free UK delivery from Radiator Outlet.
So, plan ahead, order your kit today and be safe in the knowledge that you’ll have warm feet and a warm house throughout the winter months ahead.
