Note: this is a partnered post and consideration was received for its publication. Creative Commons-licensed photograph by Martin Pettitt.

Underfloor heating provides a high spec and luxury alternative to the traditional radiator system that many households use, and its benefits are well-known throughout the industry. However, the installation of underfloor heaters equates to more than just an aesthetically pleasing finish, in fact an underfloor system could just work wonders for your bank balance too!

Check out our essential guide to how an underfloor heating system can save you money, and even make you money in the long run, especially during the cooler months when energy costs tend to spiral out of control.

Heat your home efficiently all year round

In comparison to radiators, an underfloor system is a much more efficient and effective way of heating your home, whether you are looking for a consistent temperature throughout your property during the warmer months or want to maintain a warm and cosy environment during Autumn and Winter.

Radiators operate by rapidly heating surrounding areas, however, as heat rises, the warmth is slowly distributed throughout the wider room, which can cause cold spots and inconsistent temperatures. Larger rooms in particular are more difficult to heat using a radiator system, especially if the room is not sufficiently insulated and energy is lost through walls, doors and windows. The installation of underfloor heating ensures heat is distributed evenly throughout the room so you can turn down your thermostat, cut your carbon footprint, save money on your energy bills and enjoy a constant and comfortable temperature throughout your home.

Increase your home’s value

According to a recent study conducted by Nationwide Building Society, inefficient central heating is a major issue for buyers and can actually decrease a home’s value by around 9%. The installation of underfloor heating is becoming an increasingly popular feature on the average buyer’s most wanted list and is an excellent selling point if you are looking to sell your home in the near future.

Teamed with good quality insulation, the luxury that consistent temperatures offer and the prospect of lower energy bills can in fact push your resale value up and ensure you get the best possible price for your home. Whilst underfloor heating can be an expensive addition, this eco-friendly home improvement is certain to pay dividends when you put your home on the property market.

The ultimate energy saver

As we’ve mentioned the use of radiator-based central heating systems can result in rooms taking much longer to warm up and lead you to cranking up the temperature on your thermostat to create the warm home environment you are looking for.

Radiators require water to be heated to at least 70˚C, whilst an underfloor system is heated to between 30˚C to 50˚C. The large surface area covered by underfloor heating and consistently low operating temperatures ensure you, your household and your purse strings benefit from lower and more manageable heating bills. The installation of underfloor heating can actually reduce your heating bills by up to 30%, offering the ultimate energy and money saving solution for properties of all shapes and sizes.

The house I grew up in, in Berkeley, California, is for sale. We moved out in the 1980s, and the current owner/seller has been there since; the house looks mostly unchanged. It's probably the nicest neighborhood in the East Bay, but I am biased ... if you're looking for a beautiful Mediterranean Revival home for a small family, though, you could do much worse. Supposedly it needs about $60,000 worth of work, but if it actually goes for anything near the asking price of $575,000, it'll be a steal; similar houses in the neighborhood frequently sell for over $800,000. My dad planted that gingko tree in the front yard, and the bougainvillea at the base of the steps. I'd love to grab it up myself, but it's both out of my price range and 100 miles away from my office.