I was born and raised in Italy, but in 1992 I moved to America and then to Australia in 2006. I was always puzzled by the fact that public, commercial, and residential buildings in these countries felt incredibly uncomfortable and inconsistent to the body: either too cold or too hot. I couldn’t understand why.

It wasn’t until I began working with the construction industry in 2022 that I realised how differently these regions approach comfort, and energy efficiency in buildings compared to Europe. One of these differences lies in the heating system.

In Europe, underfloor heating is not just an architectural flourish or a luxury add-on; it is considered a cornerstone of contemporary building design. In Australia, however, underfloor heating still sits at the margins of mainstream adoption, and air systems, such as ducted and split systems, remain the norm.

That is slowly changing. Interest in underfloor heating is growing: architects, builders, and homeowners are beginning to ask the right questions, and projects specifying underfloor heating are on the rise. Yet too often it remains perceived as a “nice-to-have,” rather than recognised for what it truly is: one of the most efficient, healthy, and future-proof ways to heat our homes and commercial spaces.

 

Why Underfloor Heating Matters More Than Ever

Heating and cooling account for the single largest share of household energy consumption in Australia. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) estimates that 40% of residential energy use is tied to climate control. This is precisely where the gap lies in Australia’s electrification and net zero journey.

While solar panels and home batteries rightfully attract government rebates and incentives, there has been far less focus on improving the efficiency of the systems that consume the energy in the first place. The National Construction Code (NCC) now pushes for higher NatHERS star ratings and all-electric new builds, but heating remains the “blind spot” of the policy landscape.

Europe took a different path, a journey that started in the ‘90s. Alongside investment in renewables, governments promoted improvements in insulation and the uptake of efficient systems like underfloor heating, knowing that improving envelope tightness and reducing energy demand at the source was just as critical as increasing clean energy supply. It is time for Australian policymakers to take the same view: rebates for efficient heating systems should be the next logical step in our energy transition. Without it, we risk building electrified homes that are still inefficient at their core.

 

The Core Benefits of Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating differs fundamentally from conventional systems and many homeowners and industry operators still don’t quite understand the technical differences. Instead of pushing warm air around a space, underfloor heating uses radiant heat. The heat flows from the bottom up, warming the body where it feels comfort first. Radiant heat delivers:

• Greater comfort: a stable, even temperature across the whole room, without drafts or cold spots.
• Energy efficiency: comfort at a lower air temperature, meaning less energy required to achieve the same level of warmth.
• Design freedom: no intrusive ducts, vents, or units; the system is invisible.
• No maintenance: electric underfloor heating requires no ongoing maintenance or parts replacements over time.
• Health benefits: no forced-air circulation, which reduces dust, allergens, and noise.
• Carbon alignment: lower operational demand aligns with ESG reporting standards and Scope 2 reduction targets increasingly required by institutional investors and property developers.

 

The Different Systems: From Traditional to Cutting Edge

Underfloor heating is not one single technology. Today, there are multiple options, each suited to different needs:

• Hydronic systems: Pipes embedded in the floor circulate warm water, typically heated by a boiler or heat pump. These systems can generally be very efficient to run, though installation can be complex and maintenance expensive. It’s the most common underfloor heating system, thanks to a history that dates back to the ancient Romans.
• Electric cable systems: For many Australians, this was their first encounter with underfloor heating. Unfortunately, in the early 2000s low-cost imports from China and India entered the market with little regulation. They were inefficient, short-lived, and expensive to run, giving the entire electric underfloor heating category a bad reputation that lingers today. However, things have changed: regulations are tighter, and some cable systems have certainly improved.
• Far-Infrared (FIR) laminated systems: A newer generation of electric underfloor heating. Using layered films and clever enigneering, they deliver radiant heat more evenly and efficiently, with rapid response times, thin profiles, and great compatibility with modern flooring types such as engineered wood.
• Graphene-based films: Still at the frontier, these ultra-thin, flexible films harness graphene’s conductivity and durability. They represent a potential breakthrough in efficiency and sustainability, pointing to a future where underfloor heating is not just efficient but also aligned with circular economy goals.

Each system has trade-offs, and the right choice depends on project type, flooring, budget and, importantly, the reliability and credibility of the business supplying the system. But the message is clear: Underfloor heating technology has evolved far beyond its old stereotypes.

 

Myths and Realities in Australia

A few persistent misconceptions still cloud the conversation:

• “It’s too expensive.” While upfront costs vary, lifecycle costs can be significantly lower than ducted or split systems when underfloor heating is properly designed and installed.
• “Electric underfloor heating is expensive to run.” This belief is rooted in history. Early imports from poorly regulated markets damaged confidence. Today’s electric underfloor heating systems, especially FIR laminated and graphene-based technologies, are engineered for efficiency, traceability, and control - a world apart from those first-generation products.
• “It takes too long to heat up.” That was true of older, high-mass systems or in-slab systems. Newer FIR laminated systems and graphene films offer rapid response times.
• “It doesn’t suit our climate.” Australians still seek comfort in winter. Even in milder zones, targeted underfloor heating in bathrooms and living areas adds efficiency and daily comfort.
• “It only works with tiles.” Underfloor heating today can be compatible with a wide variety of floor coverings. Some companies have specific heating mats for different types of floors.

 

The Economics and ESG Case

Smart thermostats are now seamlessly integrated, allowing for precise control over heating zones within a home. AI-powered learning algorithms adjust heating schedules to maximise efficiency, reducing unnecessary load on the grid.

Ultra-thin mats enable retrofitting with minimal disruption, while modern hydronic systems paired with high-efficiency heat pumps deliver superior warmth at lower power draw. A well-designed underfloor heating system can be up to 40% more efficient than ducted air or split systems.

Beyond household savings, there is a broader ESG and property value dimension. Developers and institutional investors are under pressure to meet net zero targets and reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Heating is a material contributor. Homes and buildings that integrate underfloor heating not only consume less energy but also improve asset resilience against tightening regulations, carbon pricing, and shifting consumer expectations.

 

A Call to the Industry and Government

Australia is showing encouraging signs of change but still lags behind decades compared to Europe. More architects are specifying underfloor heating, more homeowners are asking for it, and sustainability frameworks are increasingly demanding energy-efficient solutions. But without government action, progress will be fragmented.

Solar rebates drove the mass adoption of PV panels. Battery rebates are now scaling distributed storage. The next step is obvious: support the uptake of efficient heating. If policymakers are serious about electrification, net zero, and ESG commitments, then underfloor heating cannot remain absent from the conversation.

If we are serious about comfort, efficiency, and sustainability, underfloor heating should no longer be seen as a luxury, but as a core pillar of how we design, regulate, and build for the future.

 

A guest blog by Giovanna Toldi, Managing Director of Warmset Australia.

 

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