Underfloor Heating Costs and Myths
We break down real electricity costs, safety concerns, and floor compatibility — and uncover why underfloor heating is more practical (and affordable) than most people think.
There’s a lot of confusion around underfloor heating, mostly because it’s not something you see, and that makes it feel complicated or costly. The truth is, it’s one of the cleanest, safest and most energy-efficient ways to warm your home.
Let’s break down five common myths, and what you actually need to know.
Myth: Underfloor heating is expensive to run
This one comes up often, and it’s simply not true when the system is installed correctly.
A 2000W underfloor heating system in a 24m² room uses around 2.0 kWh per hour, while a 3000W oil heater for the same space uses 3.0 kWh per hour.
With the average electricity cost in South Africa at R2.91 per unit, here’s how it compares:
Cost Comparison:
Underfloor Heating vs Oil Heater
| Heating Type | kWh Used | Cost/Hour | Daily (4 hrs) | Monthly (30 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Heater | 3.0 | R8.73 | R34.92 | R1,047.60 |
| Underfloor Heating | 2.0 | R5.82 | R23.28 | R698.40 |
Monthly Saving:
R349.20 per room, just by switching to underfloor heating, that’s a 33% saving. Add insulation and a programmable thermostat, and the savings get even better.
Myth: You have to leave it on all the time
You can leave it on if you want to, but you don’t have to.
Underfloor heating warms up fast. With a smart thermostat, you can schedule it to switch on before you wake up and off once the room is warm, keeping usage low and efficient.
Myth: It’s only for new builds
Not true, you can absolutely install it in an existing home.
We can lift the floor finish (tiles, laminate, vinyl, etc.), install the heating, and relay the surface. There are also above-floor systems that fit neatly between your subfloor and floor covering, ideal for renovations.
Myth: It doesn’t work with wood, carpet or vinyl
It does, as long as you use the right system for your floor type.
We supply and install underfloor heating suited to most coverings: tiles, vinyl, laminate, engineered wood, and carpets. We’ll help you choose what’s best for your space.
Myth: It’s not safe for kids or older people
There are no exposed parts, no elements to burn skin, and nothing to knock over.
The heating runs quietly and safely under your floor. The only visible part is the wall-mounted thermostat.
Our systems also have built-in safety features to prevent overheating or faults — making them safer than most plug-in heaters.
Thinking about adding heating?
Underfloor heating is no longer a luxury — it’s a practical, energy-smart way to stay warm without bulky devices or wasted electricity.
Want to see how it works in your home or build?