The cost of electric underfloor heating has two parts: buying and fitting the system, then paying for the electricity it uses. This guide shows current EkoBuild product prices and worked room examples. It is not a complete installed quotation: floor preparation, the floor finish, fitting labour and electrical work depend on the job. Use the Room Designer for a whole-mat layout and itemised product estimate, then confirm the remaining installation costs for your room.
What Does the Hardware Cost?
AHT Ribbon is a 1.8mm electric heating mat with a nominal output of 150W/m² of fitted mat. Choose whole stocked mats that fit the available floor, and check the complete floor construction, controls and room heat loss. Ribbon is stocked in two widths and several complete lengths; price depends on the selected mats.
0.5m Wide Ribbon Heating
Ideal for bathrooms, hallways, and narrow spaces. Priced per mat, from £50 for the 1.2m.
| Length | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2m | 0.6 m² | £50.00 |
| 2m | 1 m² | £65.00 |
| 3m | 1.5 m² | £85.00 |
| 4m | 2 m² | £110.00 |
| 5m | 2.5 m² | £138.00 |
| 6m | 3 m² | £166.00 |
| 7m | 3.5 m² | £184.00 |
1m Wide Ribbon Heating
Better for larger rooms like kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms. Priced per mat, from £65 for the 1m.
| Length | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1m | 1 m² | £65.00 |
| 1.5m | 1.5 m² | £85.00 |
| 2m | 2 m² | £113.00 |
| 2.5m | 2.5 m² | £141.00 |
| 3m | 3 m² | £169.00 |
| 3.5m | 3.5 m² | £197.25 |
Thermostat
Every installation needs a thermostat. EkoBuild offers one option: a touch screen thermostat for £76.50. It is set on the touch screen panel itself, with a daily schedule so the floor is warm when you need it. You only need one per zone.
Insulation
Insulation can reduce downward heat loss. Select it for the complete floor construction; soft Therm-All is for suitable floating floors, while tile and stone need an appropriate rigid insulating or backer base. EkoBuild's Therm-All insulation comes in 10 m² packs at £53.50 per pack. At 6mm thick, it barely raises the floor level.
Illustrative Product Subtotals
These are illustrative baskets of listed products, not fitted-room quotes. Each whole mat must fit the measured outline and exclusions. Insulation is based on the full area requiring it, and Therm-All is only for suitable floating-floor assemblies. Controls follow whole-mat zones of at most 20m², with at least two for a kitchen-diner. Use the Room Designer for your actual quantities; flooring materials, additional fitting requirements and electrical work are separate.
Illustrative basket: 10m² of Ribbon
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1m wide Ribbon (10 m²: two 3.5m plus one 3m) | £563.50 |
| touch screen thermostat | £76.50 |
| Insulation (10 m² pack) | £53.50 |
| Total | £693.50 |
Illustrative basket: 18m² of Ribbon
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1m wide Ribbon (18 m²: four 3.5m, one 3m, one 1m) | £1,023.00 |
| touch screen thermostat | £76.50 |
| Insulation (2 x 10 m² packs) | £107.00 |
| Total | £1,206.50 |
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 | Quote after each room layout is checked |
| Thermostats | £76.50 per thermostat; quantity depends on the confirmed zones |
| Therm-All insulation | £53.50 per 10 m² pack; quantity depends on the floor area |
| Total | Confirm after the room plans and component quantities are agreed |
These figures cover the listed components. Confirm your project quote and allow separately for installation and floor coverings. Standard UK delivery is free when the goods total is £150 or more, subject to destination and current checkout terms. Check special destinations with EkoBuild.
What Does It Cost to Run?
Running cost depends on the fitted mat area, electricity tariff and actual thermostat on-time. At 150W/m², each square metre uses 0.15kWh for a full-power hour. Multiply that by your unit rate and measured or assumed on-time; an assumed duty cycle is a scenario, not a predicted bill.
For illustration, at an example tariff of 28p per kWh:
- A room with 7m² of fitted 150W/m² mats has a 1.05kW load. One full-power hour costs 29.4p; four full-power hours cost £1.18, rounded.
- If that same load draws power for 15 minutes during an hour, the energy charge is 7.35p. This is an assumed on-time example, not a typical bill or a prediction for a particular home.
A thermostat controls when the heating draws power. Actual on-time depends on heat loss, the weather, starting temperature, floor construction and your settings. A cold room may need sustained heating; insulation alone does not establish a fixed duty cycle.
How Does This Compare to Gas Central Heating?
Compare both systems against the same property's heat demand, current tariffs, controls and installation costs. Electric room heating can be scheduled by zone, and gas systems can also have room and time controls. A single room's illustrative electricity cost is not a like-for-like comparison with a whole household's annual gas bill.
Ribbon mats have no moving parts and do not require a boiler to operate. A complete electric installation still needs appropriate controls, electrical protection and fault support. Compare full lifetime costs for your property rather than assuming a fixed saving.
Is It Worth the Investment?
For a bathroom or another single room, start with the individual Ribbon lengths, thermostat and insulation needed for your layout. The former Bathroom Complete Kit is no longer sold. For a whole-home project, ask EkoBuild to review the room plans and prepare a component quote before comparing costs.
Use the EkoBuild running cost calculator to compare running-cost scenarios for your rooms. Or try the Room Designer to plan your layout and get a precise quote.
Going deeper: what it actually costs to run, with the full working, how the five heating technologies compare.
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.