Underfloor Heating vs Radiators
Underfloor Heating vs Radiators: A Comparison for UK Trades
As a UK tradesperson, advising clients on heating options often comes down to a key question: underfloor heating vs radiators. While both systems heat a room effectively, they do so using very different principles. These differences impact comfort, efficiency, design, and installation. Understanding how each system works empowers you to guide your customers towards the most suitable, long-lasting solution for their home or project.
Heating Method: Radiant vs. Convective
- Underfloor Heating (UFH): Uses radiant heat. The entire floor acts as a low-temperature heat source, gently radiating warmth upward. This results in even, consistent warmth across the space. Because UFH runs at lower water temperatures (typically 35–65°C), it’s highly efficient — especially when paired with heat pumps.
- Radiators: Rely on convection. Heat rises from the radiator, circulates through the room, then cools and falls — creating a cycle that often leads to warm and cold patches. Radiators typically require higher flow temperatures, usually around 70–80°C, making them less efficient overall.
Comfort and Indoor Environment
Heat distribution affects more than temperature — it shapes how a room feels:
- UFH: Offers an even, all-around warmth that rises gently from the floor. It’s often described as “barefoot comfort” and reduces air movement, meaning less circulating dust — a win for allergy sufferers.
- Radiators: Can create hotspots and draughts. The warmest area tends to be near the radiator, with cooler areas further away. Circulating air may also increase dust movement in the home.
Space and Visual Impact
Heating systems also influence how a space looks and functions:
- UFH: Is hidden beneath the floor, freeing up wall space and improving layout flexibility. That means more room for furniture and a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.
- Radiators: Take up visible space. Even with stylish designs, they can restrict furniture positioning and clash with minimal interior styles.
Efficiency and Running Costs
- UFH: Because it runs at lower temperatures, UFH uses less energy. It performs especially well in well-insulated homes and with renewable energy systems like air or ground source heat pumps — helping homeowners save on bills over time.
- Radiators: Use more energy to reach target temperatures, particularly in older homes with poor insulation. As a result, they often cost more to run compared to modern UFH systems.
Installation Considerations
- UFH: Installation is more involved. It requires laying pipework or heating mats and often involves screeding or new flooring. However, once installed, maintenance is minimal, and the results are long-lasting.
- Radiators: Easier to retrofit. They can connect to existing systems and are quicker to install. That said, they often require visible pipework or boxing in, which can affect the finish.
In summary, both systems have pros and cons — and the best choice depends on the property and the client’s goals. If you want to offer low-energy, modern heating with added comfort and style, UFH has the edge. To get started, browse our full range of underfloor heating kits or dive deeper into how underfloor heating works.