The complete guide to underfloor heating in New Zealand

Written by

11 June 2024

•

5 min read

Underfloor heating is a desirable choice among homeowners, with its radiant heat warming the coldest of winters. It is renowned for providing the most comfortable, even heat throughout a home without the need for bulky radiators or loud fans. But how much does it cost to install (and run) underfloor heating in New Zealand?

ArchiPro spoke with Gordon Miers, Managing Director of Warm Surfaces, about the installation costs, running costs, and unexpected benefits of underfloor, central heating in New Zealand residential and commercial properties.

Mr Miers has over two decades of experience in the procurement, supply, design and installation of underfloor heating. Warm Surfaces’ solutions range from commercial clients with freezers so large, without underfloor heating, the ground will freeze to residential builds seeking the comfort that can only come from central heating.

“When it comes to homes, underfloor heating means no need for internal heat pumps or radiators taking up wall space, no cold rooms, floors or hallways, just a lovely warm floor and even heat distribution throughout each room,” says Mr Miers.

How does underfloor heating work?

Underfloor heating works by laying a network of water pipes within your concrete slab floor, which are then connected to a central heating system. This type of heating provides a more even, comfortable heat as the warmth spreads throughout the room, naturally rising to the standing and seating space we occupy the most.

“I explain it as radiant energy from the sun bakes your home in the summer from the outside in. A radiant floor system's energy is the same as this in the winter, but it can be controlled," says Mr Miers.

"The underfloor heating warms the floor, furniture, walls, ceilings, and even clothing in your wardrobe from the inside out.”

How much does it cost to install underfloor heating in NZ?

The cost of installing underfloor heating depends on various factors, such as the size of the property, the type of flooring you choose, and the complexity of the installation.

For electric ducted central heating, you can expect to pay around $87 per square metre for the heating system, with the air ducts usually installed in the ceiling. In comparison, water-based underfloor heating installation costs more, at approximately $175 per square metre for the pipes, installation, heat source, manifold and thermostats. Still, the running costs are significantly lower, offsetting the installation costs over time.

“It is important to note that the cost of installing underfloor heating can also depend on your flooring type. For example, installing underfloor heating under tiles or concrete is more straightforward and, therefore, cheaper, while installing it under wooden floors can be more complex,” says Mr Miers.

How much power does underfloor heating use in New Zealand?

The running costs of underfloor heating depend on the type of system you choose, the size of the house, and how well it is insulated. Underfloor heating can be run via gas or warm water heat pump, the latter of which means running costs can be offset with solar panels.

“By leaving the system on, the running costs are reduced as it uses less energy to maintain a consistent temperature and the house stores the energy,” says Mr Miers.

However, modern electric warm water heat pump underfloor heating systems are more efficient than older models and can be controlled using thermostats to ensure they only heat the room when necessary. On the other hand, water-based underfloor heating can be more cost-effective to run if you have a natural gas boiler, as the boiler heats the water.

Mr Miers explains, “The ideal temperature for a bedroom is 17-18 degrees Celsius, while in living areas, it is 20-22 degrees Celsius. The thermostat in each room, including the bathroom, living, bedrooms, and ensuite, ensures a comfortable temperature in every room.”

“If you compare this to a log burner placed in a room with a 5-to 6-metre ceiling height, it’s 18 degrees Celsius at standing height, reaching 35 degrees Celsius toward the ceiling. Where underfloor heating warms from the floor up, giving you the comfort you deserve.”

In general, the running costs of underfloor heating are lower than those of traditional radiator heating or ducted central heating, as the heat is more evenly distributed throughout the room, and therefore, less energy is required to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Unexpected benefits of underfloor heating

According to Mr Miers, underfloor heating reduces mould caused by cold, damp air by 100 per cent. “Central heating is fantastic for reducing and stopping mould from growing – this is particularly important in dark, damp areas around New Zealand,” says Mr Miers.

“With a heat pump (reverse cycle air-conditioner), the moving air that blows over your skin actually means you no longer feel warm; your surfaces become colder because it has a wind chill factor. An underfloor system removes this windchill factor, one New Zealanders are all too familiar with,” says Mr Miers.

While the cost of installing underfloor heating can vary depending on various factors, one thing is certain: it provides a comfortable and cost-effective heating solution envied by all.

Interested in how much underfloor heating would cost to install in your home or project? Contact Warm Surfaces on ArchiPro today for a quote.

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