Whether you’re building a home from scratch or are upgrading an older house, one of the dilemmas you’ll come across is whether to install radiators or underfloor heating (also known as UFH). While radiators are the more popular and traditional option, many people are making the switch to underfloor heating for its luxurious comfort and discreet, hidden design features. In this guide, we will be looking at why underfloor heating has become such a popular choice in comparison to traditional radiators, exploring the benefits and the cost of both systems. 

Explore our full range of underfloor heating systems to find your perfect kit.

How Underfloor Heating Works

Underfloor heating systems can function in two different ways depending on the type, using either warm water pipes (wet systems) or electric cables (dry systems). The heating system is placed beneath the floor surface, radiating heat upwards and providing a cosy feeling. There are multiple pros to investing in underfloor heating, for example:

• Invisible heating that eliminates the need for radiators, freeing up wall space for furniture and decor.
• Energy efficient and cost-effective, as it runs at lower temperatures.
• Supplies even heat throughout the room, meaning no more cold spots and drafts.
• Once installed, UFH systems are low-maintenance and rarely need attention.

How Radiators Work

As the most common home heating system in the UK, radiators work by circulating hot water through metal panels attached to the wall, heating the surrounding area. There are several limitations to choosing traditional central heating systems:

• Radiators take up wall space
• They produce uneven heat and rooms are cooler further away from the heat source
• They aren’t economic or energy efficient, as they run at high water temperatures
• They can irritate allergies as they circulate pollutants in the air

Is Underfloor Heating Better than Radiators?

So, is underfloor heating better than radiators? In most cases, yes, underfloor heating is better than radiators! With underfoot heat and even distribution, underfloor heaters provide a luxurious comfort that radiators can’t match. Since they’re installed below floor level, underfloor heating is also a more aesthetically pleasing option as they don’t take up valuable wall space, leaving more room for furniture and decor. 

It’s also important to remember that although there might be larger installation costs for underfloor heating, it’s a long-term investment as it has lower running costs and can increase the value of your home. Choosing underfloor heating for your home isn’t just the more comfortable choice, it’s also the smarter one.

Get a complimentary bespoke quote for underfloor heating from our team of experts.

Cost of Running Underfloor Heating vs Radiators

The cost of running underfloor heating compared to radiators mainly depends on your home and your intended usage. However, radiators use much higher water temperatures, which ultimately makes them more expensive to run. Underfloor heating usually operates at around 30–45 °C, while radiators are usually at 60–80 °C, so if you’re looking for a system that has lower energy bills, then an underfloor heating system could be the one for you.

Although the installation costs of underfloor heating can be higher, the smaller energy bills often offset these costs over time. Read our blog post on the installation costs of underfloor heating to learn more.

How to Choose Between Underfloor Heating and Radiators

While radiators and underfloor heating are both effective forms of heating your home, underfloor heating systems have a more luxurious feel, and over time, can be the more economical choice. We recommend:

• Choosing radiators if you’re looking for a quick, low installation cost upgrade in an older property.
• Choosing underfloor heating if you’re renovating, building new, or want a modern and energy-efficient option that provides comfort and long-term savings, especially when you choose a premium underfloor heating kit.

Underfloor Heating vs Radiators FAQs

(Accordion)

Which is cheaper to run, radiators or underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating is generally more economical to run than radiators. Radiators operate at higher temperatures, meaning your energy consumption and bills will be higher. Underfloor heating might be pricier to install, but in the long term, it's the more economical option. 

Does underfloor heating work as well as radiators?

Yes! Underfloor heating works just as well, if not better, than radiators. This is because underfloor heating evenly spreads the heat throughout the room from underfoot, rather than coming from one heat source and cooling as it gets further away from the radiator. With the even distribution of heat from underfloor heating, you’ll also notice fewer cold spots and drafts.

Can you heat a room with just underfloor heating?

Yes, you can use underfloor heating (UFH) as the primary or only source of heating in your home. Perfect for rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and conservatories, UFH is a great heating system as it's economical, uses less energy and is powerful enough to heat rooms without the need for traditional central heating and radiators.

Does underfloor heating use a lot of electricity?

Underfloor heating does use electricity, but it uses less in comparison to radiators and traditional central heating methods. Underfloor heating can also come with smart controls, meaning you can choose which rooms to heat and when from the convenience of your phone. This level of control, as well as the fact that underfloor heating requires lower temperatures to operate, means you’ll be using less electricity with an underfloor heating system than you do with radiators.