Underfloor Heating: How much does it cost?

An underfloor heating system costs on average 64 Euro per square meter, with prices ranging between 24 and 105 Euro depending on the type.

Underfloor heating provides even and energy-efficient heat distribution. There are two main installation types: dry system and wet system. For operation, there are water-based and electric systems. Dry systems and electric underfloor heating are ideal for retrofitting existing floors.

Key components influencing costs:

Insulation layer (Dämmung)
Heating pipes or electric heating wires
Carrier system
Dry or heated screed covering the pipes
Floor covering
Connection to the heating system

Funding

A subsidy may be available when installing a new energy-efficient heating system. The KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau) provides grants or low-interest loans depending on current regulations.

Maintenance Costs

Underfloor heating is usually low-maintenance, but regular checks can extend its lifespan and efficiency. Full maintenance includes:

Service	Cost
Function test / diagnosis	150–250 Euro
Venting	50–100 Euro
Flushing heating circuits	5–10 Euro/m²
Hydraulic balancing	650–1,250 Euro
Commissioning	70 Euro

Heating Costs

Heating costs are generally lower than conventional radiators. For a 150 m² house consuming 24,000 kWh/year:

Fuel	Price per kWh	Total Cost	Floor Heating Cost
Oil	0.048 Euro	1,156 Euro	732 Euro
Gas	0.063 Euro	1,512 Euro	948 Euro
Pellets	0.049 Euro	1,176 Euro	738 Euro
Electricity	0.200 Euro	4,800 Euro	3,000 Euro

Retrofitting Underfloor Heating

Suitable: dry systems or electric systems
Remove old floor and heating radiators
Installation depends on scope, type, area, and region
Demolition & disposal: 20–40 Euro/m²

Electric underfloor heating: 24–51 Euro/m² including installation. Advantages: fast response, easy installation, low height; disadvantages: high cost if used as main heating, lower output, not subsidized.

Dry system heating: Pre-made panels with pipes inserted; covered by dry screed. Costs: 77–105 Euro/m² including installation, plus 10–50 Euro travel, 70 Euro commissioning.

Wet system heating: Pipes embedded in heated screed. Costs: 41–79 Euro/m² including installation, 70 Euro commissioning, ~30 Euro travel.

Types of Underfloor Heating

Wet system: Best for new buildings, pipes in screed
Dry system: Ideal for renovations, prefabricated panels with integrated pipes
Water-based: Connected to central heating system
Electric: Heating wires powered by electricity