Underfloor heating installed beneath bathroom tiles

Electric Underfloor Heating in Australia
— Complete 2026 Guide

Electric Underfloor Heating in Australia

Complete 2026 Guide

Electric floor heating is a slim, electric heating system installed beneath your flooring to deliver steady, whole-room warmth from the ground up — no noisy vents, no hot-and-cold patches, just comfortable heat where you actually feel it. In Australia it’s most commonly used in bathrooms and ensuites (warm tiles on winter mornings is hard to beat), but it also suits kitchens, entryways and living areas when you want discreet heating that doesn’t steal wall space. On this page you’ll learn how electric underfloor heating works, which system type suits your project, what it typically costs to run, and the key installation points to get right so the result is reliable for years.

What You Need to Know

What is electric underfloor heating, and why is it so good?

Electric underfloor heating uses thin heating cables or mats installed beneath your floor surface. It is most commonly used in Bathrooms and other tiled areas. However, it is also a great solution for extended living areas, kitchens etc. The system gently warms the floor first, which then radiates heat into the room. There’s no ducting, no fans, and no noise. It simply delivers steady, comfortable heat from the ground up.

These systems suit both renovations and new builds because they add very little height and don’t require major changes to the room layout. Hotwire provides both loose cable and pre-sized mat options, giving flexibility for regular and irregular room shapes.

Compared to Hydronic Heating systems, Electric systems are easier to install, have much cheaper up front costs and respond quickly.

In practical terms, electric floor heating is inexpensive to run when used in smaller spaces and zoned areas, particularly when paired with programmable thermostats.

Read on to have all your floor heating questions answered.

Cost to buy

The cost to buy an electric underfloor heating system depends mainly on the size of the room and how much open floor area you have. Bathrooms tend to be smaller, so the supply cost is low and generally cheaper than you think, while large living rooms are more expensive, they are still very cost effective to both supply and operate.

Because every project is different, the best way to estimate supply cost is by using the Hotwire Floor Heating Cost Calculator, which gives tailored pricing based on your exact measurements rather than broad assumptions.

Cost to run

Running costs change based on insulation, tile selection, floor construction, and how often the system runs. Most people use their floor heating with a timer, so it only operates during the periods they actually need warmth. This helps avoid unnecessary energy use.

For bathrooms, running costs are usually modest because the system heats quickly and cycles on and off to hold temperature. For precise numbers, the Running Cost Calculator on the Hotwire website offers a clearer estimate specific to your room and usage pattern.

As a guide a great estimate is 2c per m2 per hour. Environmental factors such as insulation, windows etc obviously affect this.

Installation

Electric floor heating is installed in a thin layer beneath your tiles or floor finish. The overall process is straightforward, there is a full list of qualified and trained installers under our support tab.

First, the subfloor is prepared so the heating system can sit flat. Next, the heating mats or cables are laid out according to the room plan, making sure the heated areas match where people stand and walk. The system is then embedded in tile adhesive or screed before tiling or encased in a leveller if using other floor surfaces. Only a licensed electrician can install floor heating. For detailed installation steps, Hotwire’s video manuals walk through the process in simple, visual stages which you can find here.

Thermostats

The thermostat is the part of the system you use every day, so ease of use matters. A good thermostat manages heat, controls timing, and keeps energy use in check. It also determines how quickly the room warms up because you set your schedule and the system adjusts accordingly.

Hotwire’s newest model, the HWTS1 full touch screen thermostat, offers a clean interface with a fast, responsive menu. You can rotate the display between vertical and horizontal within the settings, which makes it easy to mount in different orientations. It includes simple scheduling tools and a modern design that suits most bathrooms and living spaces. It is probably the best floor heating Thermostat in Australia and is compatible with all Hotwire heating systems.

In Screed vs Undertile Heating

In Screed Heating is used when a sand and cement screed is being installed or you are looking for a polished concrete solution. The heating element is laid before the screed or fixed to the concrete reinforcement in polished concrete. The element is generally 50mm from the floor surface. This is the best option if you are installing in a bathroom. (This does not generally apply in Victoria as sand and cement screed is not often used)

Under Tile Heating is laid directly on top of the sub floor and it is possible to simply lay tiles directly over the element. Some installers prefer a thin layer of self levelling over the top. This method works well in new builds and major renovations. This method can be used in wet areas and living areas. This is the best option if you want a quick response time, or are installing in a living area.

Tiling directly over heating mats is common in bathrooms because it reduces the number of steps and keeps the total build height low. Tiles conduct heat efficiently, so they’re often the best finish for electric systems. Both screed and tile adhesive installations perform well as long as the installer follows proper spacing and testing procedures.

Safety

Electric underfloor heating is very safe when installed correctly and by a licensed electrician. The floor heating systems are tested at multiple stages during installation to make sure they’re operating as designed. Once the flooring is installed and the thermostat is commissioned, the heating elements are protected beneath the surface and require no maintenance.

Using Australian-certified products ensures they meet all required standards for wiring, insulation, and moisture protection. The system does not generate hotspots or burn risk when designed and installed to specification.

Common mistakes

Not measuring the floor area correctly. It is critical to ensure you measure the exact floor area to be heated. Take out cupboards, baths etc and order enough heating to cover only the exposed floor area.
Not using trained installers. Whilst floor heating is not very difficult to install, like anything it is easier if the installer has experience. Hotwire has the largest network of trained installers in Australia. So wherever possible use an experienced installer.
Not choosing the right thermostat. At Hotwire we have a range of Thermostats available. A standard fully programmable unit, WiFi Thermostats and even a Dual Thermostat that can control a heated towel rail at the same time. So ensure you check your requirements before ordering.

Best rooms to heat

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are the most common place to install electric underfloor heating because tiles feel cold in winter and the warm surface adds immediate comfort. Heating also helps the space dry faster, which reduces moisture lingering on the floor. Bathrooms usually have smaller open areas, so heating is easy to plan and quick to run.

Living areas

Living rooms benefit from floor heating when you want steady, gentle warmth rather than the sudden blast of a heater or split system. You can heat the main walking zones or sitting areas, depending on how the room is used. Because these spaces are larger, choosing the right mat size or cable layout is important to make sure heat spreads evenly.

How to size your system

Sizing starts by measuring the total room area, then subtracting any fixed items such as vanities, toilets, cabinets, and built-in furniture. The remaining space becomes your usable heated area. This is the number that matters for choosing the right mat or cable. Most electric systems operate at a standard wattage per square metre, so once you know your heated area, matching it to a Hotwire system is simple. Your installer or retailer can help pick the correct model if your room has unusual shapes or tight corners.

When to choose mats vs cable

Heating mats are ideal when your room has a regular shape because they roll out evenly and save installation time. They work well in bathrooms where the open floor area is easy to define. Loose heating cable is better for irregular rooms or areas with many cut-outs and odd angles. Cable allows custom spacing, which helps maintain even heat across complex layouts. Both systems perform equally well once installed; the choice mainly depends on how simple or detailed the layout is.

Now you can get started

If you’re planning a renovation, it helps to think about heating before choosing tiles or finalising your layout. Knowing where the heating will go ensures you don’t lose usable floor space to unexpected fixtures.

Start by measuring your room, confirming your open floor area, and deciding whether insulation is necessary. From there, you can choose between mats or cable and select a thermostat that suits how you want to use the system. If you need help, Hotwire can assist with sizing and layout planning.

Internal links

External references

Ready to plan your heating? Get a quote today and we’ll help you size the right system for your project.

FAQ

Is electric underfloor heating expensive to run?

It depends on insulation and thermostat use. Timers keep energy use low.

Can it heat the whole room?

Yes, if the heated area is large enough and the room is insulated.

Does it raise floor height?

Only slightly. Most height comes from screed or adhesive, not the heating.

Can I install it myself?

No, floor heating must be installed by an electrician.

How long does it last?

When installed correctly, it lasts as long as the flooring above it. Hotwire offers a lifetime warranty. (conditions apply) Click here for all our FAQ videos.