If you're thinking about ditching the radiators and switching to electric underfloor heating, the first question is always the same: how much will it cost? The good news is that it's more affordable than most people expect. Here's a full breakdown of every cost involved, from the Ribbon heating themselves to what you'll pay to run them.
What Does the Hardware Cost?
EkoBuild's electric underfloor heating uses AHT amorphous metal ribbon technology, which provides 300% more heating elements than traditional cable systems. The Ribbon comes in two widths, and the price depends on the area you need to cover.
0.5m Wide Ribbon Heating
Ideal for bathrooms, hallways, and narrow spaces. Priced at £45 per m².
| Length | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1m | 0.5 m² | £22.50 |
| 2m | 1 m² | £45.00 |
| 3m | 1.5 m² | £67.50 |
| 4m | 2 m² | £90.00 |
| 5m | 2.5 m² | £112.50 |
| 6m | 3 m² | £135.00 |
| 7m | 3.5 m² | £157.50 |
1m Wide Ribbon Heating
Better for larger rooms like kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms. Priced at £65 per m².
| Length | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1m | 1 m² | £65.00 |
| 1.5m | 1.5 m² | £97.50 |
| 2m | 2 m² | £130.00 |
| 2.5m | 2.5 m² | £162.50 |
| 3m | 3 m² | £195.00 |
| 3.5m | 3.5 m² | £227.50 |
Thermostat
Every installation needs a thermostat. EkoBuild offers one option: a WiFi touchscreen smart thermostat for £89.99. It works with Alexa and Google Home, includes 7-day programming, and lets you control your heating from your phone. You only need one per zone.
Insulation
Insulation boards sit under the Ribbon heating and stop heat escaping downwards. They make a real difference to warm-up times and efficiency. EkoBuild's Therm-All insulation comes in 10 m² packs at £53.50 per pack. At 6mm thick, it barely raises the floor level.
Complete Room Examples
Here's what it actually costs to heat real rooms.
Bathroom (4 m²)
The easiest way to start: EkoBuild's Complete Bathroom Kit at £299 includes a 4 m² Ribbon heating, WiFi smart thermostat, and insulation. Everything you need in one box.
Kitchen (10 m²)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1m wide Ribbon (10 m²) | £650.00 |
| WiFi thermostat | £89.99 |
| Insulation (10 m² pack) | £53.50 |
| Total | £793.49 |
Living Room (18 m²)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1m wide Ribbon (18 m²) | £1,170.00 |
| WiFi thermostat | £89.99 |
| Insulation (2 x 10 m² packs) | £107.00 |
| Total | £1,366.99 |
Whole House (75 m²)
A typical 3-bed semi with 75 m² of heated floor space (you don't heat under fixed furniture). Using a mix of 0.5m and 1m wide Ribbon, plus a thermostat per zone:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ribbon heating (75 m² mix) | ~£4,125.00 |
| Thermostats (4 zones) | £359.96 |
| Insulation (8 x 10 m² packs) | £428.00 |
| Total | ~£4,912.96 |
That's the full hardware cost with no hidden extras. Orders over £150 get free delivery.
What Does It Cost to Run?
Running costs are where the Ribbon really stands out. It draws 150W per m² across the 70% of the floor it covers, but it only pulls power for about 25% of each hour it's on in an average home, and nearer 7-10% in a well-insulated one. So it runs for a fraction of the time a cable system does.
In real money, at 28p per kWh:
- A 10 m² kitchen is around 44p a day in an average home (about £13 a month), and closer to 13p a day once the home is well insulated.
- A 4 m² bathroom is around 18p a day in an average home, and a few pence once well insulated.
A smart thermostat cuts these costs further by only running the heating when needed. Most people find their actual costs are lower than these estimates because the system heats up fast and the thermostat cycles on and off rather than running constantly.
How Does This Compare to Gas Central Heating?
A typical UK household spends £800-£1,200 per year on gas central heating. Electric underfloor heating for a whole house costs roughly £700-£1,000 per year, depending on insulation levels, floor type, and how warm you like it. The key difference is control: underfloor heating lets you heat individual rooms on separate schedules instead of heating the whole house at once.
There's also no annual boiler service (£80-£150/year), no boiler replacement every 10-15 years (£2,000-£4,000), and no risk of gas leaks. The Ribbon comes with a 15-year warranty and has no moving parts to fail.
Is It Worth the Investment?
For a single room like a bathroom, it's a straightforward decision. £299 for a complete kit that gives you warm floors for 15+ years is hard to argue with. For a whole house, the upfront cost is higher than a new boiler, but the long-term running costs are lower, maintenance is zero, and you free up wall space throughout the house.
Use the EkoBuild running cost calculator to work out exactly what your rooms would cost. Or try the Room Designer to plan your layout and get a precise quote.
Ready to Price Your Project?
Use the room designer to plan your layout, or book a free consultation and we'll work it out together.