Underfloor heating is the most energy-efficient domestic heating system available. It operates at much lower water temperatures than conventional radiators — between 35 and 45°C compared to 70–80°C for a standard radiator — making it particularly well suited to condensing boilers and aerothermal heat pumps, currently the two highest-efficiency heating technologies on the market.
Heat rises uniformly from the floor, with no draughts, no cold spots and none of the noise generated by forced-air systems. In summer, by circulating cold water at around 16°C, the same system can provide gentle cooling — especially effective on ground and first floors with stone or ceramic flooring.
At JAG Alcaide we install underfloor heating using REHAU cross-linked polyethylene pipework, a German manufacturer of reference in the sector, with an oxygen barrier layer that guarantees the long-term durability of the circuit. We calculate the installation room by room, adapting the pipe spacing and circuit length to the orientation, enclosures and intended use of each space.
Among the different varieties of underfloor heating installations we can offer there are the following ones:
If you want to see an example of how an underfloor heating installation looks like, the way we do all the process click on this link.
Underfloor heating or radiators? A real comparison
| Underfloor heating | Conventional radiators | |
|---|---|---|
| Working temperature | 35–45°C (water) | 70–80°C (water) |
| Energy efficiency | ✓ Very high — ideal with aerothermal and condensing boilers | Medium — requires high water temperature |
| Thermal comfort | ✓ Maximum — even heat with no draughts or cold spots | Good — heat concentrated near the radiator |
| Visibility | ✓ Completely invisible | Visible in each room |
| Cooling function | ✓ Yes (cold water in summer) | No |
| Building work required | Yes — floor must be lifted | ✓ Minimal |
| Installation cost | Higher initial investment (€50–80/m²) | ✓ Lower upfront cost |
| Best for | New builds, full renovations, those prioritising long-term efficiency and comfort | Finished properties without planned renovation |
Indicative installation prices for underfloor heating in Barcelona
| Installation type | Indicative price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic underfloor heating (per m²) | €50–80/m² | REHAU pipework, manifolds, labour and full installation |
| 80 m² flat (estimate) | €4,000–6,500 | Full installation excluding boiler. Boiler or aerothermal quoted separately |
| 80 m² flat + Junkers condensing boiler | €6,000–9,000 | Full installation including heat generator |
| 80 m² flat + aerothermal (with MOVES III grant) | €8,000–14,000 (–40% grant) | Maximum efficiency. JAG handles all grant paperwork |
The final price depends on the area, the number of independently controlled zones, the existing floor depth and the planned finish. We provide an exact room-by-room calculation at the preliminary visit at no cost.
How we install underfloor heating
The process has four phases, which we coordinate with the other trades on site to avoid disrupting the overall construction schedule:
1. Preliminary calculation. Before any work begins, we calculate the required output per room, the pipe spacing and the circuit length based on the orientation and thermal envelope of each space. A correct calculation is the difference between a system that performs well and one that never reaches the desired temperature.
2. Pipework installation. We lay the base insulation, vapour barrier film and REHAU pipework following the calculated layout. Each room has its own circuit connected to the central manifold, allowing independent zone-by-zone temperature control.
3. Pressure test. Before the circuit is covered with screed or concrete, we carry out a pressure tightness test lasting 24 hours. Any anomaly is identified and corrected at this stage, not after the floor has been poured.
4. Commissioning. Once the screed has dried, we connect the manifold to the boiler or aerothermal unit, programme the zone thermostats and supervise the first start-up. We walk you through how the system works and the optimal settings for Barcelona’s climate.
Frequently asked questions about underfloor heating in Barcelona
Can underfloor heating be installed in an existing flat without a full renovation?
It depends on the available floor depth. Hydraulic underfloor heating requires lifting the existing floor finish and gaining 8–12 cm in height. Where this is not feasible, low-profile solutions using panel systems can reduce that depth to 3–4 cm, though at a higher cost per m². We assess this during the preliminary visit.
Which boiler is compatible with underfloor heating?
Any modern condensing boiler, which operates optimally at the low temperatures underfloor heating requires (35–45°C). It is also the ideal system to pair with an aerothermal heat pump. It is not optimally compatible with older cast-iron boilers that need to operate at 70–80°C.
How long does underfloor heating take to warm up?
Underfloor heating has high thermal inertia: it takes 2–4 hours to reach comfort temperature from a cold start. It is therefore designed not to be switched on and off frequently, but to maintain a stable temperature throughout the heating season using thermostat control. In normal use, consumption is lower than radiators precisely because it runs continuously at low temperature.
Does underfloor heating also cool in summer?
Yes, if the system has been designed for cooling from the outset. By circulating cold water (16–18°C) in summer, the floor absorbs ambient heat and produces a gentle, even cooling effect. It is particularly effective on ground and first floors with stone or ceramic finishes. It does not replace air conditioning in extreme heat, but significantly reduces the need for mechanical cooling.
Which floor finishes are compatible with underfloor heating?
The best are those that conduct heat well: porcelain tiles, ceramic, natural stone and marble. Engineered wood and solid hardwood are compatible provided they have a low thermal resistance rating (specified in the manufacturer’s technical data sheet). Thick carpets and vinyl flooring reduce system efficiency and are not recommended.
Do you work on new-build developer projects?
Yes. We carry out installations for private clients undergoing renovation and for developers on new-build projects. For multi-unit projects, we produce a centralised system calculation and provide the full technical documentation required for legalisation of the installation.
Already have underfloor heating and looking for the best heat source? The most efficient combination currently available is underfloor heating + aerothermal heat pump. Visit our aerothermal installation page in Barcelona → for prices and available grants in 2025.