Underfloor Heating in Ireland — Cost, Floor Build-up, and the Heat Pump Pairing
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Underfloor heating (UFH) in Ireland: €60–€100/m² installed for the pipework, manifold, and controls. Standard on the ground floor of a 2026 self-build. Best paired with a heat pump (low flow temperature 35°C, which is what a heat pump produces most efficiently). Can be used with radiators but is less efficient (radiators need 50–60°C flow, which is at the limit of a heat pump's efficiency). On the ground floor: pipework in the screed above the insulation. On the upper floor: pipework in the floor build-up (low-profile 25–50 mm systems, retrofittable). Total floor build-up: 50–75 mm. UFH is slower to respond than radiators (1–2 hours vs 15 minutes), so use a smart thermostat to schedule the heat.
TL;DR
Underfloor heating (UFH) in Ireland: €60–€100/m² installed for the pipework and controls. Standard on the ground floor of a 2026 self-build.
Best paired with a heat pump (low flow temperature 35°C). Can be used with radiators but is less efficient.
On the ground floor: pipework in the screed above the insulation. On the upper floor: pipework in the floor build-up (low-profile 25–50 mm systems). Total floor build-up: 50–75 mm.
When this matters most
You're at design stage and need to specify the heating distribution.
When this doesn't apply
The heating is commissioned.
Frequently asked questions
How much does underfloor heating cost in Ireland?
€60–€100/m² installed. For a 100 m² ground floor: €6,000–€10,000. Plus the screed: €20–€30/m².
Is underfloor heating better than radiators?
Depends on the heat source. With a heat pump, UFH is much more efficient (35°C flow vs 50–60°C for radiators). With oil or gas, UFH is slightly less efficient but more comfortable.
Can I retrofit underfloor heating upstairs?
Yes, with a low-profile system (25–50 mm total build-up). Pipework in the floor, not in the joists. Most retrofittable systems are 25–40 mm thick. €80–€150/m² installed.
Sources
SEAI, Heat Pump and UFH guidance. https://www.seai.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How much does underfloor heating cost in Ireland?
€60–€100/m² installed. For a 100 m² ground floor: €6,000–€10,000. Plus the screed: €20–€30/m².
Is underfloor heating better than radiators?
Depends on the heat source. With a heat pump, UFH is much more efficient (35°C flow vs 50–60°C for radiators). With oil or gas, UFH is slightly less efficient but more comfortable.
Can I retrofit underfloor heating upstairs?
Yes, with a low-profile system (25–50 mm total build-up). Pipework in the floor, not in the joists. Most retrofittable systems are 25–40 mm thick. €80–€150/m² installed.