Is Underfloor Heating Gas or Electric? 5 Surprising Truths You Need to Know

When planning a cozy and energy-efficient home in Malta, one of the most common questions people ask is: is underfloor heating gas or electric? It’s not a simple yes-or-no answer—and that’s exactly why it’s important to explore both systems in depth before making a decision.

Whether you’re building a new property or upgrading an existing floor, underfloor heating can be a game-changer for your comfort and utility bills. But knowing which type—gas or electric—suits your home, lifestyle, and budget best will save you a world of hassle later.

In this article, we’ll unpack the pros, cons, installation details, running costs, and more to help you make a confident, well-informed choice. And if you’re ready to take the next step, you can get in touch with us to explore your options further.

1. What’s the Difference Between Gas and Electric Underfloor Heating?| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

To answer the keyword directly: is underfloor heating gas or electric? It can be either. There are two main types of underfloor heating systems:

• Electric underfloor heating (also called dry systems)

• Gas-powered water underfloor heating (also called wet systems, connected to a boiler)

Both systems aim to distribute heat evenly under your floors, but they do it in very different ways.

Electric Underfloor Heating

This system uses electric cables or mats placed directly under your floor surface. When switched on, the cables heat up and radiate warmth through the floor. It’s an ideal choice for retrofit projects, small rooms, or where quick installation is a priority.

✅ Pros:

• Easy and fast to install (especially in existing homes)

• Lower initial cost (starting around €55–€80 per square metre)

• Excellent for bathrooms and kitchens

• No need for a boiler or water system

❌ Cons:

• Higher running costs compared to gas

• Less efficient for large areas

Gas Underfloor Heating (Hydronic System)| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

This system involves a network of pipes beneath the floor, which circulates warm water heated by a gas boiler or a heat pump. It’s more complex to install but offers greater efficiency in larger areas or new builds.

✅ Pros:

• Lower running costs (especially with modern gas boilers)

• Ideal for heating whole homes

• Compatible with solar thermal and heat pumps

❌ Cons:

• More expensive to install (€85–€120+ per square metre)

• Requires sufficient floor depth and plumbing alterations

• Slower installation time

In Malta, both systems are used, but the electric option is increasingly popular in apartment renovations or individual rooms, while gas hydronic systems are better suited to villas and larger developments.

2. How Do Costs Compare in Malta?| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

Let’s break down installation and running costs so you can make a smart financial decision.

Installation Costs

Electric systems require less labour and time, which brings the upfront cost down significantly. However, gas underfloor heating is a long-term investment, especially for larger homes where running costs become the main concern.

Running Costs

Here’s where things get interesting. Electricity in Malta isn’t the cheapest, which affects your monthly bills.

• Electric system running cost: Around €0.10–€0.18 per hour per square metre, depending on insulation and usage.

• Gas system running cost: Generally 30–50% cheaper than electric, particularly with modern condensing boilers or heat pumps.

Over time, gas systems tend to be more cost-effective, especially if you’re heating more than 40–50 m² regularly.

3. Which One Heats Faster and More Evenly?| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

This is another angle to explore when asking is underfloor heating gas or electric. While both systems provide radiant heat from the floor up, there are performance differences.

Speed of Heating

• Electric systems heat up faster—within 30 to 60 minutes.

• Gas hydronic systems take longer—2 to 3 hours—but retain heat better.

This means electric underfloor heating is perfect for spaces where you want quick, targeted warmth, like bathrooms or offices.

Consistency

Gas systems provide more consistent temperatures over time and can handle larger zones without temperature drops. They also connect better with smart thermostats that control multiple zones.

4. Which Is Easier to Install and Maintain?| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

Here’s another essential factor for homeowners in Malta: How invasive is the installation? The answer depends on your current flooring, space availability, and renovation plans.

Installation Process

• Electric mats can be laid directly onto the subfloor and covered with tile adhesive. Some can even be installed under vinyl or laminate.

• Hydronic systems require embedding pipes into a screed layer, which may involve raising the floor height—a key concern in older Maltese buildings with lower ceilings.

If you’re renovating a single room or upgrading a bathroom, electric underfloor heating is your fastest and easiest option.

Maintenance

Electric systems have no moving parts, which means little to no maintenance. Once installed, they typically last 20–30 years without issues.

Gas systems, while more durable overall, require periodic maintenance for the boiler, pumps, and pipes. This may mean annual check-ups costing around €50–€100, depending on your provider.

5. Environmental Impact and Energy Efficiency| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

This is a growing concern for homeowners in Malta—especially as energy costs rise and sustainability becomes a bigger priority.

So, is underfloor heating gas or electric more efficient?

Electric Heating and Green Energy| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

Electric underfloor systems are 100% efficient at the point of use. Every watt of energy consumed is converted into heat. However, unless powered by renewables, the electricity’s production still comes with a carbon footprint.

If you pair it with solar panels, electric systems become an eco-friendly, zero-emission choice. This is becoming more common across Malta as solar energy incentives grow.

Gas Systems with Modern Boilers

Gas systems powered by high-efficiency condensing boilers (or better yet, heat pumps) can deliver efficiency ratings of 90–98%, while emitting less CO₂ than older systems.

Also, combining hydronic underfloor heating with solar thermal panels offers even better environmental performance. If you’re planning a full home renovation, this hybrid option is worth serious consideration.

➡️ Want to talk to an expert about the right system for your home? Contact us here.

Bonus: Where Underfloor Heating Shines Most in Malta| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

Thanks to Malta’s mild winters and well-insulated modern homes, underfloor heating is gaining popularity fast. Whether it’s in:

• Valletta’s refurbished townhouses

• Seaside apartments in Sliema

• Villas in Mellieħa or Naxxar

The comfort and aesthetic appeal of invisible, radiant heat is hard to beat.

And as underfloor heating continues to evolve globally, local interest in Malta is growing rapidly.

6. How to Choose Between Gas and Electric Underfloor Heating in Malta| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

So, is underfloor heating gas or electric in your specific case? It really depends on the size of your space, your budget, and whether it’s a new build or a retrofit project.

Use Gas Underfloor Heating If:

• You are building or fully renovating a villa or large apartment.

• You already have a gas boiler or plan to install a heat pump.

• You want a system that’s energy-efficient in the long term.

• You have ample floor depth for screed (5–7 cm at minimum).

• You’re heating 50 m² or more regularly.

Use Electric Underfloor Heating If:

• You’re working on a bathroom, kitchen, or small room.

• You want minimal floor height disruption.

• You need something quick to install and easy to operate.

• You’re upgrading just a portion of your home.

• You prefer a DIY-friendly or fast-track option.

The general trend in Malta shows a split: new homes and villas lean toward gas-powered hydronic systems, while apartment renovations favour electric mats or cables.

If you’re still unsure, we’re happy to assess your space. Just contact us here and one of our underfloor heating specialists will guide you.

7. Floor Type Compatibility: What Works Best?| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

Not all floors are created equal when it comes to underfloor heating—so let’s break it down.

• For electric systems, avoid thick carpets or flooring with high insulation values.

• For gas/hydronic systems, a screed is often required—great for concrete floors but not ideal for delicate finishes unless planned carefully.

If you want help determining compatibility with your current floors, our experts are just a click away—check out our underfloor heating service.

8. Real Case Study: Installing Underfloor Heating in Malta| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

Let’s put this all into perspective with a real example:

Project: Renovating a 90 m² villa in Mosta
Homeowner Goal: Whole-home, energy-efficient heating
Chosen System: Gas-powered hydronic underfloor heating with condensing boiler
Flooring: Mix of tile and polished concrete
Cost:

• Installation: approx. €95 per m²

• Running cost estimate: €80–€100/month (December to February)

Result:

• Full temperature control in 5 zones

• Cozy, consistent warmth without radiators

• Integrated with solar thermal for extra savings

Homeowner Comment:

“We were skeptical at first about the cost, but after the first winter, we couldn’t be happier. Zero cold floors and no visual clutter from heaters.”

On the flip side, another client in Sliema installed electric mats in just their bathrooms and kitchen during a remodel. Their cost was under €2,000 total and they reported warm tiles within 15 minutes of turning it on.

The bottom line: Both systems work incredibly well when applied to the right use case.

9. Myth-Busting: Debunking Common Misconceptions| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

Let’s bust some myths that often pop up when people ask is underfloor heating gas or electric.

❌ Myth 1: Electric underfloor heating is cheaper in the long run.

Truth: Not in Malta. Electricity prices here are relatively high. Over 10 years, a gas system may cost 30–50% less in energy bills.

❌ Myth 2: You can’t use underfloor heating with wood or laminate floors.

Truth: You can—as long as you use low-temperature systems and check the manufacturer’s flooring specs.

❌ Myth 3: It’s only useful in winter.

Truth: In Malta’s damp shoulder seasons (autumn and spring), it’s actually perfect. You don’t need full central heating—just gentle radiant heat in the mornings and evenings.

❌ Myth 4: Gas systems are outdated or bad for the environment.

Truth: Modern condensing boilers and hybrid setups with solar thermal make gas systems very eco-friendly, especially in homes where a full electric setup would be inefficient.

10. Final Verdict: Which System Wins?| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

If you’re still asking is underfloor heating gas or electric, here’s the simple breakdown:

Still feeling overwhelmed? We’re here to help. Reach out to us and we’ll walk you through your specific scenario.

Ready to Experience Underfloor Heating in Malta?| Is Underfloor Heating Gas Or Electric

Whether you’re renovating your bathroom in St. Julian’s or building a luxury villa in Madliena, underfloor heating brings unmatched comfort, efficiency, and design freedom. Now that you know the answer to is underfloor heating gas or electric, the next step is simple:

🎯 Contact us here and we’ll help you choose, design, and install the perfect underfloor heating system tailored for your home.

Or…

🔧 Check out our full underfloor heating service to see what we offer across Malta, including design, supply, and professional installation.

With Kibitec, comfort starts from the ground up—literally.