Cheapest tariff for electric underfloor heating in the UK
Electric underfloor heating can be cost‑effective on the right meter and tariff. This guide explains the cheapest tariff types for UK homes, what to check on your meter, and how to compare whole‑of‑market deals fairly.
- Best options often include off‑peak (Economy 7/Economy 10) or smart time‑of‑use tariffs — but only if your heating actually runs in the cheap hours
- We show two realistic cost scenarios and a simple checklist to avoid expensive mistakes
- Compare tariffs by your meter type, region, and payment method — not just the headline unit rate
Estimates only. Tariff availability and prices vary by region, meter type and supplier acceptance. Always check standing charges, off‑peak hours and any exit fees.
Fast answer: the “cheapest tariff” depends on when your floor heats
For electric underfloor heating (EUFH), the cheapest tariff is usually the one that gives your heating the most kWh at the lowest rate during the hours it actually runs. In UK homes, that typically means:
Best match for many EUFH setups
A time‑of‑use tariff (Economy 7 / Economy 10 or a smart TOU tariff) if your system can heat mainly off‑peak (often overnight with a well‑set thermostat and good insulation).
Best match if heating runs any time
A competitive single‑rate tariff can be cheaper overall if your underfloor heating runs heavily in the day/evening (because off‑peak tariffs usually have a higher day rate).
Often not the “cheapest” in practice
A low unit rate with a high standing charge, restrictive eligibility, or an off‑peak window that doesn’t match your heating schedule.
Quick check: If your meter says Economy 7, two rates, Rate 1 / Rate 2, day/night, or your bills show separate “day” and “night” kWh, you may be on (or suited to) an off‑peak tariff. If you’re on a smart meter, you may have access to more flexible time‑of‑use options.
Key takeaways (UK‑specific)
- Meter type matters: Not every supplier supports every legacy meter (especially some Economy 10 and complex multi‑rate setups).
- Off‑peak hours vary by region and meter: Your “night” window is not universal across the UK.
- Compare by total estimated annual cost, not just the cheapest unit rate.
- Storage/thermal mass helps: Underfloor heating is more likely to benefit from off‑peak if your home is insulated and your floor can retain heat.
Compare whole‑of‑market tariffs for electric underfloor heating
Use your postcode and contact details to get a quote and see tariffs that fit your meter type and region. We’ll help you compare by estimated annual cost and explain any key restrictions (e.g. meter compatibility, payment method, exit fees).
Have an Economy 7 or 10 meter?
We’ll show off‑peak options where available, and flag suppliers that may require a smart meter or a meter exchange.
Not sure what you have?
No problem. Start the comparison and we’ll guide you on what to look for on your bill and meter display.
Tip: If your underfloor heating is your main heat source, your result is most accurate when you use a full year of electricity usage (kWh). If you don’t have that, we’ll estimate using typical patterns and you can adjust later.
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Tariff types that can be cheapest for electric underfloor heating
Electric underfloor heating is usually controlled by a wall thermostat (sometimes with floor probes). The “right” tariff depends on when the system draws power, whether your floor has enough thermal mass to hold heat, and whether your household can shift other usage (washing machine, dishwasher, EV) into cheaper hours.
Economy 7 (two-rate)
You get ~7 hours of cheaper electricity overnight (timings vary by region/meter). If you can pre‑heat floors overnight and coast through the day, this can reduce heating cost.
- Best for: well‑insulated homes; heating used mainly overnight/early morning
- Watch for: higher day rate + standing charge; some suppliers may not support certain legacy meters
Economy 10 (multi-rate)
Typically offers ~10 hours off‑peak split across day/night (timings vary). It can suit underfloor heating if you benefit from a mid‑day or evening off‑peak block.
- Best for: properties needing top‑up heat during the day
- Watch for: fewer tariffs available; supplier compatibility can be limited; meter exchanges may be required
Smart time‑of‑use (TOU)
Prices change by time block (or half‑hour). This can be very competitive if you can shift heating and other usage into cheap periods.
- Best for: smart meter households; people who can schedule heating and appliances
- Watch for: price spikes at peak times; not ideal if you must heat heavily at 4–9pm
Single‑rate (flat) tariff
Same price per kWh all day. Often simplest and can be cheapest overall if your underfloor heating runs during daytime/evening.
- Best for: people home in the day; thermostats set for comfort across long periods
- Watch for: if you’re currently on Economy 7/10 and most of your usage is off‑peak, switching to single‑rate could cost more
Important: Electric underfloor heating is different from wet underfloor heating (pipes with a boiler or heat pump). This page is for electric systems that use electricity directly.
Compare options: which tariff is cheapest for your setup?
Use this table to narrow down what’s most likely to be cheapest for electric underfloor heating. Then use the comparison form to confirm live tariffs for your postcode and meter type.
| Tariff type | When it tends to be cheapest | Meter requirements | Common “gotcha” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 | If most heating happens overnight and your home retains heat into the day | Two-rate meter (or smart meter configured for E7) | Day rate can be much higher; if you use lots of electricity 7am–11pm you may pay more overall |
| Economy 10 | If you benefit from off-peak blocks beyond overnight (e.g. daytime top-up) | Multi-rate meter; not universally supported by all suppliers | Limited tariff choice; switching may require a meter change (which can take time) |
| Smart TOU | If you can schedule heating to cheaper blocks and avoid peak pricing | Smart meter required; supplier offers TOU product | Some blocks can be expensive; can backfire if heating is needed mainly at peak times |
| Single-rate | If your EUFH runs daytime/evening or you need consistent warmth across the day | Any standard meter (including smart) | May be more expensive than off-peak if you could shift heating overnight |
Decision checklist (2 minutes)
- 1) Do you have (or can you get) off‑peak rates?
- Check your bill for Rate 1/Rate 2, day/night kWh, or Economy 7/10 wording. Smart meters can access more TOU options.
- 2) When does your underfloor heating actually draw power?
- If it’s set for comfort all day (especially evenings), a single‑rate tariff can be safer.
- 3) Is your home insulated enough to “store” heat?
- Off‑peak can work better when floors retain warmth (e.g. solid floors, good insulation, low drafts).
- 4) Compare the full cost, not just the unit rate
- Standing charges, day/night split, and exit fees can change the outcome.
Who it suits / who it doesn’t
Off‑peak tariffs suit you if…
- EUFH runs mainly overnight/early morning
- You can avoid heavy heating at 4–9pm
- You can shift other usage to off‑peak too
Single‑rate suits you if…
- You heat across daytime/evening for comfort
- You work from home and need warmth in the day
- You don’t have a compatible off‑peak meter
Reality check: If your home is poorly insulated, EUFH may need frequent “top‑ups” in peak hours — which can make off‑peak tariffs less attractive.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (so you don’t overpay)
Electric underfloor heating costs are driven by kWh used, your unit rates (day/night), and your standing charge. Below are the most common reasons people end up on a “cheap” tariff that isn’t actually cheap for their home.
Pitfall 1: Off‑peak hours don’t match your heating
Economy 7/10 “cheap” periods vary by meter and region. If your EUFH runs mostly outside those hours, the higher day rate can wipe out the benefit.
Pitfall 2: High standing charges
Two tariffs can have similar unit rates but very different standing charges. If you don’t use much electricity in summer, a higher standing charge can raise your annual cost.
Pitfall 3: Meter compatibility limits choice
Some suppliers won’t take on certain legacy multi‑rate meters, or may require a smart meter exchange first. That can affect both price and switching timeline.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These scenarios are illustrative estimates to show how “cheapest” changes with usage timing. Rates vary widely by supplier and region.
Scenario A: EUFH mostly off‑peak (good match for Economy 7)
- Annual electricity use: 4,800 kWh
- Heating share: 2,500 kWh (most overnight)
- Off‑peak share overall: 60% off‑peak / 40% day
- Example tariff comparison (illustrative):
- Economy 7: 16p/kWh night, 30p/kWh day, standing charge 55p/day
- Single‑rate: 25p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
- Estimated annual cost (energy only + standing charge):
- Economy 7: (2,880×£0.16) + (1,920×£0.30) + (365×£0.55) ≈ £1,238
- Single‑rate: (4,800×£0.25) + (365×£0.55) ≈ £1,401
Why it wins: a high off‑peak share makes the cheap night rate do the heavy lifting.
Scenario B: EUFH runs daytime/evening (single‑rate can be cheaper)
- Annual electricity use: 4,800 kWh
- Heating share: 2,500 kWh (mostly day/evening)
- Off‑peak share overall: 25% off‑peak / 75% day
- Same illustrative rates as above
- Estimated annual cost (energy only + standing charge):
- Economy 7: (1,200×£0.16) + (3,600×£0.30) + (365×£0.55) ≈ £1,473
- Single‑rate: (4,800×£0.25) + (365×£0.55) ≈ £1,401
Why it loses: the expensive day rate hits most of your heating kWh.
Exclusions and extra costs to watch for
- Exit fees: fixed deals sometimes charge for leaving early. Always check before switching.
- Payment method: direct debit tariffs can differ from pay‑on‑receipt or prepayment meter (PPM) pricing.
- Smart meter requirement: some TOU tariffs require a working smart meter with half‑hourly readings enabled.
- Supplier acceptance: certain complex meters (e.g. older multi‑register setups) may restrict supplier choice.
- Heat loss factors: insulation, floor type (tile vs carpet), room size, and setpoint temperatures can dominate cost more than tariff choice.
Practical tip: If you have programmable thermostats, review schedules before switching. The same tariff can be cheap or expensive depending on how your heating is timed.
FAQs: electric underfloor heating tariffs (UK)
Is Economy 7 always the cheapest for electric underfloor heating?
No. Economy 7 can be cheapest only if a large share of your total electricity use (including heating) happens in the off‑peak window. If your floor heating runs mostly in daytime or evening, the higher day rate may make it more expensive than a good single‑rate tariff.
What are Economy 7 hours in my area?
Economy 7 hours aren’t the same everywhere. They vary by region, supplier and meter configuration. Your bill, online account, or meter documentation usually shows the off‑peak window. If you’re unsure, we can help you interpret it when you compare tariffs.
Do I need a smart meter for the cheapest tariffs?
Not always. Many competitive single‑rate and Economy 7 tariffs don’t require a smart meter. However, some of the most flexible time‑of‑use tariffs do require a smart meter and (in some cases) half‑hourly readings.
Can I switch supplier if I have Economy 10?
Often yes, but choice can be more limited than standard single‑rate or Economy 7. Some suppliers may ask to exchange your meter (which can take time). Always confirm meter compatibility before you start a switch.
Is an EV or battery important for making TOU tariffs cheap?
It can help, but it’s not required. EV charging and home batteries make it easier to shift kWh into cheap periods. For underfloor heating, the key is whether your system can do most of its work outside peak hours without losing comfort.
Are fixed tariffs or variable tariffs cheaper for underfloor heating?
A fixed tariff can be easier to budget for, while variable tariffs can change with the market. “Cheaper” depends on the actual rates available in your region and your usage split. When comparing, look at the estimated annual cost and any exit fees on fixed deals.
How do I know if my underfloor heating is costing a lot?
Check your electricity usage (kWh) in cold months versus warm months. If you have a smart meter or in‑home display, watch usage when the heating is on. Large, sustained kW draws during peak hours usually mean higher costs on off‑peak tariffs.
Will switching affect my underfloor heating controls?
Switching supplier shouldn’t change your thermostat settings, but your off‑peak timings can differ if you move between off‑peak products. After switching, check that your heating schedule still lines up with the cheaper hours (where relevant).
Trust, methodology and sources
Editorial details
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: April 2026
How we assess the “cheapest tariff” for electric underfloor heating
We focus on what changes real bills for electric underfloor heating users:
- Total annual cost (unit rates + standing charge), not just a headline rate
- Meter type compatibility (single-rate, Economy 7/10, smart TOU)
- Usage timing (how much consumption falls into off‑peak vs day/peak)
- Tariff terms such as exit fees, payment method differences, and any eligibility requirements
The scenarios on this page are illustrative and use simplified rates to demonstrate the trade‑off between day and night pricing. Your actual cheapest option may differ depending on your region, supplier pricing, and your home’s heat loss and thermostat schedule.
Limitations (being transparent)
- Off‑peak hours can be meter‑specific; two Economy 7 customers in different areas may have different cheap windows.
- Some suppliers may require a meter exchange to support certain tariffs; timescales can vary.
- Underfloor heating performance depends heavily on insulation, flooring materials and thermostat settings — which tariffs can’t change.
Find the cheapest tariff for your electric underfloor heating
Compare whole‑of‑market electricity tariffs by postcode, meter type and payment method — with clear notes on off‑peak suitability, standing charges and exit fees.
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