What is Underfloor Heating?
Underfloor heating is an efficient and modern way to warm your home, using strong, flexible tubing embedded beneath the floor. It provides even heat distribution, is energy-efficient, and maximises space by eliminating the need for radiators.
✔️ Suitable for most homes
✔️ Lower running costs than traditional heating
✔️ Creates a luxurious, warm-floor feeling
✔️ Flexible control with zoned heating
How Does Underfloor Heating Work?
Underfloor heating turns your entire floor into an invisible, energy-efficient heat source. Warm water systems use flexible tubing beneath the floor, while electric systems rely on heating cables.
Because it heats from the ground up, warmth spreads evenly, eliminating cold spots and providing consistent, comfortable heating. It also operates at lower temperatures than radiators, making it more efficient—especially when paired with a heat pump.
Why Underfloor Heating Design Matters
A well-designed underfloor heating system ensures maximum comfort, efficiency, and performance in your home. At South West Plumbing, we carefully plan each system to suit your space, considering room-by-room heat loss, optimal energy use, and custom temperature control for every room.
Our designs provide:
✔ Balanced heating – no cold spots, just perfect warmth.
✔ Energy efficiency – minimal energy use for maximum output.
✔ Detailed plans – making installation smooth and hassle-free.
With precise calculations, we reduce waste and optimise performance—so your system works exactly as it should.
Underfloor heating vs radiators
Radiators have long been the standard choice for home heating, but they may not be the most efficient solution. Traditional radiator systems generate higher carbon emissions, with the average UK household producing around 2,745kg of CO₂ per year from heating.
In contrast, a water-based underfloor heating system can be up to 25% more efficient, cutting emissions significantly—down to just 686kg of CO₂ per year. This not only reduces energy costs but also makes underfloor heating a more sustainable choice for modern homes.
Benefits of underfloor heating
Installing underfloor heating (UFH) in your home offers a range of benefits, from energy efficiency to enhanced comfort. Unlike traditional radiators, UFH provides even heat distribution, eliminating cold spots and reducing energy consumption.
✔ Energy Efficient – Uses lower temperatures, saving on energy bills
✔ Luxury Feel – Warm floors underfoot for added comfort
✔ Space-Saving – No bulky radiators, giving you more room
✔ Better Air Quality – Reduces dust circulation for a healthier home
Underfloor heating myths
There are plenty of misconceptions about underfloor heating, from concerns about leaks to questions about efficiency and repairs.
At South West Plumbing, we’ve worked hard to disprove these myths by using pressure-tested systems, removing joins beneath the floor, and ensuring all serviceable parts are easily accessible at the manifold.
We cover Torbay, Teignbridge & South Hams
We've been established since 1993
