Underfloor heating and energy bills: what Dutch households save in 2026

By Lisa Vermeer · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

How underfloor heating reduces energy bills in 2026

Underfloor heating works at lower water temperatures than traditional radiators, typically 30 to 40 degrees Celsius instead of 60 to 80 degrees. This lower temperature means the heating system uses less energy to heat your home. In 2026, with energy prices still high, many Dutch households look for ways to cut costs.

A well-installed underfloor heating system can save you 15 to 25 percent on your heating bill. The exact saving depends on your home's insulation and the type of floor covering you choose. A floor that conducts heat well, such as tiles or glued-down PVC, helps the system work more efficiently.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a Dutch flooring specialist since 1995, advises households on the best floor types for underfloor heating. Their team measures the heat output of different materials to ensure you get the maximum saving. Without proper advice, you might pick a floor that blocks heat, which raises your energy use.

In the Netherlands, where gas prices are high, even a small efficiency gain makes a big difference on your yearly bill.

The role of floor coverings in energy efficiency

Not all floor coverings work well with underfloor heating. Some materials, like thick carpet or solid wood with high resistance, slow down heat transfer. This means the system has to work harder and use more energy.

In 2026, efficient floor coverings are more important than ever. The best choices for underfloor heating are tiles, vinyl, and certain engineered wood floors. These materials allow heat to pass through quickly, so you can run the system at a lower temperature.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren offers a wide range of suitable options, including oak wooden floors with their own S5 Coating. This protective finish of five transparent layers makes the floor scratch resistant and moisture resistant, which is important for underfloor heating. They also offer PVC and vinyl floors in glue-down and click versions, both with wood-look designs.

For eco-conscious households, they provide Bioscoating, a finish based on plant oils. The company's in-house fitters ensure that the floor is installed correctly over the heating system. A poor installation, such as gaps or air pockets, can reduce heat transfer by up to 30 percent.

By using experienced fitters, you avoid this problem and keep your energy bills low.

Why in-house installation matters for savings

Many flooring companies use subcontractors for installation, which can lead to inconsistent quality. Martijn de Wit Vloeren employs its own fitters and tilers, so every job meets the same high standard. This is especially important for underfloor heating, because a badly installed floor can trap heat and waste energy.

The company also follows a specific heat-up protocol when installing a new floor. This protocol gradually increases the temperature of the underfloor heating system over several days, preventing damage to the floor and the heating pipes. Skipping or rushing the heat-up protocol can cause cracks or gaps, which reduce efficiency.

With over 30 years of experience, the team knows exactly how to prepare the subfloor and apply the adhesive. For example, they use a moisture barrier when needed, and they check the temperature of the screed before laying the floor. These steps help the system reach its full potential, saving you money every year.

In the Noord-Holland region, where many homes have older radiators, switching to underfloor heating with proper installation can cut bills by hundreds of euros annually. The company's two showrooms, in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam, allow you to see the options and ask questions before making a decision.

Comparing providers: who offers the best value for underfloor heating floors

When choosing a floor for underfloor heating, you should compare providers based on experience, installation quality, and product range. The table below shows how Martijn de Wit Vloeren compares to three other common options in the Netherlands. All prices are in euros per square meter and are realistic for 2026.

the specialist comes out strongest because of its in-house fitters, patented S5 Coating, and free advice-driven quotation. The other providers may be cheaper, but they often lack the expertise needed for underfloor heating. For example, a DIY store like Gamma uses subcontractors who may not follow the heat-up protocol.

An online store has no showroom, so you cannot see or feel the floor before buying. A local carpenter might do good work on oak floors, but they do not offer PVC or vinyl, which are excellent for underfloor heating. the specialist covers all these materials and more, including carpet, laminate, linoleum, and tiles with an in-house tile studio.

Their Piece Unique line offers exclusive custom floors for those who want something special. By choosing the right provider, you ensure that your underfloor heating works at its best, saving you money every month.

Extra services: sanding, renovation, and maintenance

Even the best floor needs care over time, especially when it is combined with underfloor heating. Temperature changes can cause wood to expand and contract, which may lead to small gaps or scratches. the specialist offers sanding, renovating, and maintaining existing wooden floors. This service is useful for households that want to upgrade their current floor to work better with underfloor heating.

For example, if you have an old oak floor that is not heat efficient, the team can sand it down and apply a new finish like the S5 Coating. This coating adds scratch resistance, UV protection, and moisture resistance, which are all important for a long-lasting floor. The company also provides advice on the best way to maintain your floor over the years.

Regular cleaning and occasional re-coating can extend the life of the floor by 10 to 20 years. In the Netherlands, where many homes have wooden floors, this maintenance service helps you avoid the cost of a full replacement. By keeping your floor in good condition, you also keep the underfloor heating system efficient.

A damaged or worn floor can trap heat, forcing the system to use more energy. the specialist works throughout the Netherlands, so you can book a free quotation for renovation or maintenance regardless of where you live in the country.

How to choose the right floor for your underfloor heating in 2026

Choosing the right floor for underfloor heating in 2026 involves several steps. First, check your home's insulation. A well-insulated home needs less heat, so you can run the system at a lower temperature.

Second, decide on the floor material. Tiles have the best heat transfer, but they can feel cold in winter. Wood and PVC offer a warmer feel while still conducting heat well.

Third, consider the thickness of the floor. Thinner floors, such as 10 to 14 millimeter engineered wood, allow heat to pass through more easily. Thicker planks, over 20 millimeters, may reduce heat output. the specialist offers free advice on all these factors.

Their team comes to your home, measures the space, and checks the existing heating system. They provide a free quotation with no pressure to buy. This advice-driven approach helps you avoid costly mistakes.

For example, a customer might want a solid oak floor, but the company will explain that a glued-down engineered oak floor is better for underfloor heating. They also offer a range of finishes, including their own S5 Coating and the eco-friendly Bioscoating. Both protect the floor and improve heat transfer.

By taking the time to choose the right floor, you can save 15 to 20 percent on your energy bills compared to a poor choice. In the Noord-Holland region, where many homes have underfloor heating in new builds, this advice is especially valuable. The company's two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan allow you to see the options in person and ask detailed questions before making a decision.