Stepping onto a warm bathroom floor on a frosty Johannesburg morning is one of life's small luxuries. But before you commit, it is worth understanding what underfloor heating costs to install, what it costs to run, and where it actually makes sense.
How electric underfloor heating works
A thin heating mat is laid under the tiles and wired to a thermostat on its own circuit. It warms the floor (and the room) gently and evenly. It is best fitted during a renovation or re-tiling, since it goes under the floor finish.
What it costs to install
Pricing is per square metre and includes the mat, thermostat and dedicated wiring. A single bathroom is a modest job; heating large living areas costs considerably more — and must be on correctly sized, protected circuits certified with an Electrical COC.
What it costs to run
Underfloor heating draws real power, so running cost depends on the area, your insulation and how long it runs. On a timer, in bathrooms and key rooms during winter, it is very manageable. Trying to heat the whole house electrically all day, at current tariffs, is not.
The smart way to do it
Keep it on a timer, insulate well, and if you are heating larger areas consider offsetting the load with solar. It needs a dedicated, compliant circuit — which is where we come in. See our electrical services or get a quote.