Your Questions About Skirting Board Heating Answered

Published: 15 Oct 2025 ・ Read time: 5 Mins

Skirting board heating is a modern and efficient heating solution that offers a range of benefits for homeowners. So, if you are looking for a space-saving, energy-efficient, and stylish heating option for your home, skirting board heating could be the perfect choice for you.

If you’ve been considering installing skirting board heating, but have some questions about how it works and what benefits it can offer, City Plumbing can help you. As the home of heating and experts in renewables, here we provide you with all the answers to the most commonly asked questions about this innovative product, to help you make an informed decision about this fantastic energy-efficient heating solution.

FAQs About Skirting Board Heating UK

The most commonly asked questions in the UK about skirting board heating (often referred to by the brand name ThermaSkirt) typically revolve around its function, cost, installation, and efficiency compared to traditional heating.

1. What is Skirting Board Heating and How Does it Work?

What is it?

It's a heating system that replaces or incorporates the skirting boards in a room with a profile that contains a heating element.

How does it work?

Wet System (Hydronic): Hot water from your boiler or heat pump circulates through pipes hidden within the skirting profile, warming the room's perimeter. This heat radiates outwards and rises from the base of the wall, similar to underfloor heating but faster and easier to install.

Dry System (Electric): Electric heating elements run through the profile, connecting to the mains and a thermostat to control the room temperature.

2. How Much Does Skirting Board Heating Cost in the UK?

Upfront Cost: It is generally more expensive than traditional radiators but less invasive and often cheaper than full underfloor heating.

Materials: Costs for the skirting profile itself can range from approximately £40 to over £117 per linear metre (depending on the material and model).

Installation (Total): The total installed cost (materials and labour) is often cited as around £100 to £160 per linear metre. The average cost for a room-sized installation is often around £1,200 to £1,500 but varies by location and room size.

Running Costs: Skirting board heating is generally considered energy efficient due to its quick warm-up time and even heat distribution, which can lead to lower annual heating bills compared to conventional radiators, especially when running at the low flow temperatures required by modern systems like heat pumps.

3. What are the Main Advantages of Skirting Board Heating?

Saves Wall Space: It completely eliminates the need for bulky radiators, freeing up wall space for furniture placement.
Even Heat Distribution: The heat comes from the entire perimeter of the room, creating a more uniform, comfortable temperature with fewer cold spots compared to a single radiator.
Aesthetics: It's discreet and integrates seamlessly into the room's design.
Fast Response: It heats up faster than underfloor heating.
Better for Heat Pumps: The wet systems can operate effectively at the lower water temperatures output by modern heat pumps.

4. What are the Potential Disadvantages of Skirting Board Heating?

Higher Upfront Cost: The initial purchase and installation is significantly more expensive than standard radiators.
Installation Complexity: While less disruptive than underfloor heating, it requires removing existing skirting and more specialised installation than simply hanging a new radiator, especially for the wet system.
Heat Output: In very small rooms or very poorly insulated/draughty older properties, the system may need a long length of skirting to provide enough heat, which can sometimes be an issue.
Unsuitable for Uneven Walls: Installation can be difficult on particularly old or crooked walls, as the corner connections require good vertical alignment.

5. Can I Install Skirting Board Heating Myself?

Electric Systems: Some simpler plug-in electric versions might be considered DIY-friendly, but hardwired electric systems require a qualified electrician to install and sign off.
Wet Systems: These require connection to your central heating system. If connecting to a gas boiler, you must use a Gas Safe registered engineer. For connections to heat pumps, a qualified plumber or heating engineer is needed. Professional installation is strongly recommended for both.

6. Is Skirting Board Heating Suitable for Older/Victorian Properties?

It can be installed, but older, draughty homes with poor insulation may struggle to be heated adequately by the system's output. Uneven or non-plumb walls can also complicate the installation of the profile sections. Good insulation is key to the system's efficiency.

Buy Skirting Board Heating at City Plumbing

City Plumbing sells a superb selection of skirting board heating kits, products, and accessories from industry-renowned brand ThermaSkirt. With a choice of models, here you’ll find different profiles and sizes to suit your needs and all at some of the most competitive prices on the market.

Why not speak to our heating experts at City Plumbing professionals to learn more about how skirting board heating can enhance the comfort and aesthetics of your living space?

If you’re looking for helpful advice and suggestions on the best ways to keep your home warm this season, take a further look at the City Plumbing website for more information.