Underfloor Heating for Conservatories: Electric vs Wet Systems

What is the difference between electric and wet underfloor heating?

Electric underfloor heating uses a heating mat or cable directly beneath the floor finish, while wet underfloor heating circulates warm water through pipes connected to the central heating system.

Electric systems are simpler and cheaper to install, particularly into an existing conservatory floor. Wet systems cost more to install but are cheaper to run over the long term because they draw on the main heating system rather than electricity directly.

Which suits a new conservatory base?

Wet underfloor heating suits a new conservatory base best, because the pipework can be laid within the insulated floor build-up before the slab is poured.

Retrofitting a wet system into an existing floor usually means digging up the slab, which rarely makes sense compared with an electric retrofit.

Which suits an existing conservatory?

Electric underfloor heating suits an existing conservatory best, because thin heating mats can be laid under a new floor finish without excavating the base.

How much does each option cost?

Electric underfloor heating costs £1,200 to £2,400 in a typical Glasgow conservatory, and wet underfloor heating costs £2,500 to £4,500 including connection to the main system.

Does underfloor heating work with a glass roof?

Underfloor heating works with any roof type but performs far better under a warm roof, because a glass or polycarbonate roof loses heat faster than underfloor heating can economically replace.