Building a new house or renovating involves financial planning as one of the most significant factors that contribute to decision-making, from choosing the building materials to selecting the appliances for the house.
Creating a warm and welcoming home is every homeowner’s dream, and installing underfloor heating is a great way to achieve a consistently comfortable temperature throughout the space.
Hydronic underfloor heating costs differ from conventional heaters because the system is installed beneath the floor, allowing it to generate warmth from the ground up and evenly heat everything above it.
With this concept, hydronic heating becomes more flexible to fit with any home design. This benefit naturally raises the question, how much does underfloor heating actually cost? If you’ve been wondering the same thing, this post will answer your question.
Hydronic Underfloor Heating Cost
When estimating hydronic heating price, there are some things to keep in mind. A hydronic system is made up of two key components: the central heating unit and a network of pipes installed beneath the floor.
The type of heat source, the complexity of the setup, and the size of the space that needs to be heated have a strong impact on the price.
You’ll find several examples below to give you a clearer idea. While these figures are based on typical hydronic heating prices in Sydney, the costs don’t tend to vary much between cities.
1. Gas Boilers
Gas boilers are commonly used in Australia due to their cost-effectiveness. An underfloor hydronic heating with a gas boiler is generally one of the least expensive options to install and offers relatively low operating costs. The installation cost of this boiler unit typically ranges from $4,000 to $5,000, and it can effectively heat a space of up to 300m².
However, the full cost of installing underfloor hydronic heating will be significantly higher. The larger the floor area, the more pipes, insulation, manifolds, and labour are needed. For instance, underfloor hydronic heating systems generally cost between $45 and $65 per square metre for in-slab installations, excluding the boiler. In-screed systems are more expensive, typically ranging from $70 to $95 per square metre. Therefore, for a 200m² home, the total installation cost, including the boiler, can range from $20,000 to $25,000,
Gas boilers have become a popular choice among homeowners, largely because they can be easily connected to the existing gas pipeline infrastructure. However, if your home isn’t connected to the network, you’ll need to use LPG bottles to run the system. While this can increase the running costs, it still remains an affordable and practical option, especially for smaller homes or new builds.
2. Diesel Boilers
In Sydney, installing a diesel boiler–based hydronic underfloor heating system for a 200m² home typically costs around $25,000. This estimate includes both the diesel boiler and the underfloor pipework installation. For larger homes, such as those around 300m², the total installation cost may increase to approximately $30,000 to $35,000.
It’s important to note that these figures are general estimates. Actual costs can vary based on factors such as the layout of your home, the type of installation (in-slab vs. in-screed), and whether the system is being retrofitted or installed during new construction.
Modern diesel boilers are generally clean-burning and produce minimal smoke emissions. However, they still do generate emissions, so they are not as eco-friendly as heat pumps. Additionally, these systems require a diesel fuel tank to operate, which might make them less practical for homeowners without space for storage or in areas where diesel delivery is difficult.
3. Air-to-water Heat Pump
If you have trouble accessing gas resources or prefer a renewable energy source, an air-to-water heat pump is a great option. At first glance, it may look like the exterior unit of an air conditioner, but its function is entirely different as it pumps hot water to circulate through underfloor pipes, providing efficient heating throughout your home.
You may be required to spend approximately $8,000 to $12,000 for installing an air-to-water heat pump system. With this initial amount, you can heat an area of up to 120m². For larger spaces, you’ll need a more powerful unit, and for areas larger than 180m², you will require a system that operates on three-phase electricity.
For the underfloor piping, installation costs typically range around $17,000 for a 50m² space and approximately $30,000 for a 200m² space. So, the total cost is generally between $25,000 and $42,000, depending on the size of your home and the system specifications.
The system runs on electricity, but if you’re concerned about electricity bills, you can install solar panels. The initial cost for solar panel installation typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,500, depending on the size of the system.
Conclusions
Underfloor hydronic heating is a great investment for a comfortable home. While installation costs vary, the benefit of consistent warmth makes it an attractive option.
Gas boilers are cost-effective, ideal for smaller homes, while diesel boilers are great for rural areas with higher heat output. Air-to-water heat pumps, though pricier, offer a renewable energy source and long-term savings when combined with solar panels.
Consider your home’s size, energy preferences, and budget when making your decision. Hopefully, the information provided can serve as a helpful guide, and consulting with professionals will ensure you choose the best option for your needs.