Underfloor Heating is becoming very popular with homeowners. People are now seeing the benefits of such systems and because of improvements made to the original underfloor heating systems, it is now quite common practice to install in self-builds and easily retro-fitted in renovations.

Solar panels are an excellent renewable energy source with payback periods typically around eight years. But spiraling fuel prices have seen payback periods reduce steadily, and we are close to seeing five - six year paybacks. They are most suited to timber frame homes as this particular build method ensures low amounts of energy are needed to heat the home. All that is left is heating the hot water which is what the solar panels will do for most of the year. The other parts of the year i.e the winter months, the solar panels will contribute around 40% of the hot water heating requirements and normally a gas boiler would be used to provide a boost heating.

What will these systems cost?

For a 4 bedroom detached timber frame property including purchase and installation. Prices from and around :-

Underfloor heating £6,600

Gas Boiler £1,300

Solar Panels £3,200

Unvented Hot Water £2,000