What Percentage of Homes Have Underfloor Heating Systems (2024 & 2025)?

What Percentage?

Underfloor heating systems, also known as radiant floor heating, have been steadily growing in popularity around the world. In 2024, approximately 10-12% of homes globally have underfloor heating installed, and this number is expected to rise to 13-15% by 2025. These systems are often praised for their energy efficiency, comfort, and modern appeal. But what’s driving this trend? Why are more homeowners making the switch to underfloor heating, and is it a good investment for your home?

Let’s dive into the numbers, the pros and cons, and whether underfloor heating might be the future of home heating!

A Closer Look at Underfloor Heating: The Growing Trend

In the early 2000s, underfloor heating was seen as a luxury feature, reserved for high-end homes or new constructions. Fast forward to 2024, and it’s become a far more mainstream option. Many homeowners are moving away from traditional radiators and central heating systems in favor of underfloor heating, which distributes warmth more evenly across the home.

Quick Stats:

• In Europe, around 30% of newly built homes are equipped with underfloor heating systems.

• In the UK, this number is slightly lower, with about 20% of new homes adopting underfloor heating.

• In the U.S., the adoption rate is still growing, with underfloor heating found in 5-8% of homes, particularly in colder states or luxury homes.

Why Are People Choosing Underfloor Heating?

There are several reasons why underfloor heating is on the rise:

1. Energy Efficiency
   Underfloor heating systems are more energy-efficient compared to traditional radiator systems. Radiators need to heat the air to a higher temperature (65-75°C) to effectively warm a room, whereas underfloor systems only need to reach around 29°C (84°F). This lower operating temperature leads to less energy consumption, which is reflected in heating bills.

2. Improved Comfort
   Radiators often create uneven heating, with some rooms feeling too hot while others are still chilly. Underfloor heating offers consistent warmth from the ground up, meaning no cold feet in the morning and a more balanced room temperature overall.

3. Space Saving & Aesthetics
   With no bulky radiators to work around, homeowners have more flexibility when it comes to interior design. Underfloor heating is invisible, which allows for clean, minimalist room layouts.

Types of Underfloor Heating Systems

There are two main types of underfloor heating systems: electric and water-based. Each has its pros and cons, and understanding the difference can help homeowners decide which system is right for them.

1. Electric Underfloor Heating
   This type of system uses electric heating cables beneath the floor. It’s easier to install, especially in retrofit situations (like adding it to an existing home), but it can be more expensive to run in larger areas. However, for smaller rooms like bathrooms or kitchens, electric systems are often a cost-effective choice.

   • Installation cost: Typically $10 to $20 per square foot.

   • Operating cost: Around $0.10 to $0.20 per hour, depending on local electricity rates and the size of the space.

2. Water-Based Underfloor Heating
   Also known as hydronic systems, these work by circulating warm water through pipes laid under the floor. Water-based systems are more efficient to run, particularly in larger spaces, but they are more complex and costly to install upfront.

   • Installation cost: Roughly $20 to $35 per square foot.

   • Operating cost: Generally 25-40% lower than traditional radiators, depending on energy prices and system setup.

How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost?

Let’s break down some of the typical costs associated with underfloor heating systems. The upfront cost varies depending on the type of system, the size of your home, and whether you're installing it in new construction or retrofitting it into an existing space.

Installation Costs

• Electric Systems: $1,500 to $7,000 for a typical home installation, depending on the area.

• Water-Based Systems: $5,000 to $14,000 or more, depending on the home’s size and complexity.

Running Costs

Electric systems are generally more expensive to run, but ideal for smaller areas like bathrooms, where they may only be used for short periods. Water-based systems, on the other hand, can provide whole-house heating at a lower operating cost, especially when paired with a high-efficiency boiler or renewable energy sources like solar panels.

Underfloor Heating: The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Energy Efficient: Can reduce heating costs by up to 30% in some cases.

• Comfort: No more cold spots in rooms or chilly feet on winter mornings!

• Aesthetic: You don’t have to design rooms around bulky radiators.

• Silent Operation: No more clunking noises from radiators or air ducts.

Cons:

• Cost: The initial cost can be high, particularly for water-based systems.

• Installation: Retrofitting underfloor heating in an existing home can be tricky and expensive.

• Floor Height: Installing underfloor heating can slightly raise the floor level, which may be an issue in some homes.

Underfloor Heating Growth in 2024 & 2025: By Region

As we look at the forecasted growth in underfloor heating adoption, it's clear that certain regions are more enthusiastic than others.

Europe:

In countries like Germany and Denmark, underfloor heating is already common, with 35-40% of homes having some form of it. The rest of Europe is quickly catching up, with France, the Netherlands, and Norway expected to see major growth in underfloor installations between 2024 and 2025.

United States:

While underfloor heating is still less common in the U.S., it’s growing rapidly in colder states like Colorado, Vermont, and Minnesota, where homes benefit greatly from the consistent warmth provided by these systems. By 2025, 8-10% of new U.S. homes are expected to install underfloor heating.

Asia & Other Markets:

In countries like China and South Korea, underfloor heating has been the norm for centuries, with traditional systems like ondol in Korea being modernized. In these regions, more homes are transitioning to advanced underfloor heating technologies, especially in new apartment complexes.

The Future of Underfloor Heating

As we move further into 2024 and beyond, underfloor heating is poised to become an even more popular choice for homeowners, especially as energy efficiency and eco-friendly home solutions become more of a priority. In fact, many experts predict that by 2030, underfloor heating could be installed in 25% of all new homes globally.

The rise of smart home systems and renewable energy sources also means that future underfloor heating systems will be more efficient and easier to control, possibly integrating with apps to monitor energy usage and optimize heating times.

Conclusion: Is Underfloor Heating Right for Your Home?

With 10-12% of homes already using underfloor heating, and that number growing, it’s clear that more people are seeing the benefits of this system. While the initial cost might seem high, the long-term savings, improved comfort, and sleek design make it an attractive option for many.

Whether you're building a new home or considering retrofitting your current one, underfloor heating is certainly worth exploring. As we move toward 2025, expect to see even more homes enjoying the cozy, energy-efficient warmth from the ground up!

If you need underfloor heating installed in Vienna, Austria make sure to contact Installateur Notdienst 1220 Wien - Installateur Viking.