For decades, gas central heating has been the go-to choice for UK homes — reliable, familiar and deeply ingrained in how we think about warmth. But times are changing. With energy efficiency targets tightening and new building standards on the horizon (even as the Future Homes Standard continues to evolve), the focus is shifting firmly towards low-carbon, electric alternatives.
Electric heating, once considered the underdog, is stepping firmly into the spotlight. With renewables on the rise, gas prices fluctuating and a growing focus on low-carbon living, electric underfloor heating is proving itself to be a serious contender for primary home heating.
So, how does it really compare to traditional gas central heating in 2025? Let’s take a closer look.
Each zone or room can be independently controlled with a smart thermostat, giving you total precision — heat only the rooms you’re using, when you’re using them.
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It has long been valued for its reliability and the familiar comfort it brings. Radiators warm up quickly, delivering that instant wave of heat many homeowners associate with a cosy home. It’s also a system that installers know well, with parts and servicing widely available — which is one reason it’s remained the default choice for decades.
However, some efficiency is lost along the way. Heat can escape through pipework and boiler flue gases, meaning not all of the energy you pay for ends up warming your home. Modern condensing boilers have improved this considerably, but they still can’t match the direct, point-of-use efficiency of electric systems.
Electric underfloor heating converts virtually 100% of the electricity it uses directly into heat at the point of use, meaning there’s very little energy waste within the home. Because it operates at lower temperatures than traditional heating systems, it can maintain a consistent level of comfort while using less power overall. Its efficiency also improves when combined with renewable energy sources, such as solar PV and battery storage, making it a strong option for homes aiming to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower their long-term carbon footprint.
Gas central heating, meanwhile, typically achieves efficiency levels between 85% and 92%, depending on the boiler’s age and condition. A small proportion of energy is lost through flue gases and system heat transfer. However, gas remains a cost-effective and widely available energy source, with well-established supply networks and competitive running costs — particularly in homes already equipped with gas infrastructure. That said, as the UK’s electricity grid continues to decarbonise, electric systems are expected to become increasingly low-carbon over time, while the carbon intensity of gas is likely to remain relatively fixed.
In short, both systems deliver dependable warmth, but they reflect different approaches to efficiency — one built on established infrastructure, the other aligned with the gradual transition toward cleaner, more flexible energy use.
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Installation and maintenance
Electric underfloor heating is ideal for both new builds and renovations — and with ThermoSphere Ultimate, installation has never been simpler. Designed to be ultra-durable and easy to fit, the Ultimate heating cable offers precision, flexibility and minimal floor height build-up. It works beautifully beneath tile, stone or engineered wood, making it perfect for whole-home comfort or single-room projects like bathrooms and kitchens. Retrofitting is easier than most expect and once it’s in, maintenance is virtually zero — no boiler servicing, no bleeding radiators and no moving parts to worry about.
Gas central heating has long been the trusted backbone of UK homes. It provides fast, powerful heat that’s ideal for larger spaces and properties with higher heat demands. Many homeowners appreciate the familiarity of gas systems, installers know them well, parts are widely available and they integrate easily with existing radiators and pipework. However, installation can be complex and disruptive, particularly for older homes without existing infrastructure. A mains gas supply is also required and not all properties in the UK are connected to the gas network. In such cases, alternatives include using a gas boiler with an LPG tank, an oil boiler with an oil tank or opting for direct electric heating, which is often the simplest and cheapest to install. The system relies on multiple components — a boiler, pipework and radiators — which means higher upfront labour costs and more maintenance. Annual servicing and safety checks are essential and repairs such as leaks or boiler replacements can become expensive over time. With gas boilers being phased out in new builds, many homeowners are now looking at electric alternatives that offer similar comfort with lower long-term impact.
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| Feature | Electric Underfloor Heating | Gas Central Heating |
|---|---|---|
| Typical supply cost | £40–£90 per m² (kit only) | £1,600–£1,900 for a boiler |
| Installation cost | £40–£100 per m² (depending on floor type) | £800–£950 for 6–7 radiators |
| Heat-up time | 20-40 minutes (depending on insulation board and floor finish | 20–30 minutes |
| Running cost | Lower when using zoned control | Currently lower per kWh when run continuously but rising |
| Efficiency | 100% at point of use | 85–92% |
| Maintenance | None required | Annual service and potential repairs |
| Carbon impact | Zero if powered by renewables | High — direct CO₂ emissions |
| Ideal for | Whole-home comfort, modern builds and retrofits | Existing gas-connected properties |
💲Cost of Mesh UFH💲 💲Cost of Ultimate UFH💲
Electric underfloor heating offers a luxurious kind of comfort — even warmth that radiates gently from the floor up, with no cold spots or dust circulation. You can control each room individually using smart thermostats, maximising energy efficiency and comfort. It’s invisible, maintenance-free and ideal for tiled bathrooms, open-plan spaces or anywhere you value clear walls and consistent warmth.
However, heat-up times can be slower than radiators (around 20–40 minutes) and installation requires lifting the floor, which makes it better suited to renovations or new builds. Some flooring types, like very thick carpet, are not recommended — but modern systems are designed to work with a wide range of finishes.
Gas systems heat quickly and are familiar to homeowners and installers alike. Upfront costs can be lower for homes already connected to the gas grid and radiators are easy to replace or upgrade.
That said, comfort can be uneven due to convection, maintenance is ongoing and, environmentally speaking, gas systems are on borrowed time. Rising fuel costs and policy changes are steering households toward electric solutions — and for good reason.
🔲The Future Of Heating Control🔲
This is the clash of the century — tradition versus innovation.
If you want instant heat and already have gas infrastructure in place, gas central heating can still do the job for now. But if you’re planning a new build, extension or full-home upgrade, which is ready for the future. We think electric underfloor heating is the smarter, cleaner and more futureproof choice. It’s quiet, invisible and efficient — delivering long-lasting warmth without the carbon baggage.
Electric heating made easy
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