The two main types of underfloor heating — electric and water-based — work very differently, and the right choice depends on the size of the area, your budget, and how the space is used. Here’s how they compare.
Electric Underfloor Heating
Uses heating cables or mats installed just beneath the final floor finish.
- Lower installation cost and simpler retrofit into existing floors
- Thin profile — ideal where floor height is limited
- Fast heat-up time, well suited to bathrooms and smaller rooms used intermittently
- Higher running cost per m² compared to water systems, especially over large areas
Water (Hydronic) Underfloor Heating
Uses a network of pipes carrying warm water, connected to a boiler or heat pump.
- Higher installation cost due to pipework, manifold and heat source connection
- Lower running cost over large areas, especially when paired with an efficient heat pump
- Slower to heat up and cool down, better suited to spaces used consistently rather than occasionally
- Requires more floor buildup for the pipe layer and screed
Which Should You Choose?
| Situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Single bathroom or small room | Electric |
| Retrofitting into an existing floor | Electric |
| Whole-house heating, new build | Water |
| Large open-plan living areas | Water |
| Rooms used only occasionally | Electric |
Both systems need the right screed on top to perform properly — see our guide to screed with underfloor heating in Malta.
Why Choose Shaw Contractors
We install both electric and water-based systems and will recommend the right one for your specific project — not just the one that’s easiest to fit. Read our complete guide to underfloor heating in Malta for more.
Not sure which system suits your home? Contact Shaw Contractors for expert advice.
