Underfloor heating vs radiators: Which is the better choice?

It's essential to ensure our homes are comfortable year-round, especially during fall and winter. Our spaces should be equipped to keep us warm through the long, cold nights. A key factor to consider is how to manage temperature effectively, and the most common options for this are underfloor heating vs radiators.

This guide aims to help you choose which heating system is best suited for your home based on factors like cost, heating speed, and space requirements. It’llll also answer some of the most common questions people might have when comparing radiators vs underfloor heating. 

What is underfloor heating? 

Underfloor heating (UHF) is a modern heating system that warms rooms from the ground up. This system is perfect for spaces where radiators or boilers might take up too much space in your home. 

There are two types of underfloor heating: electric and water-based. An electric UFH system uses electric mats or loose cables to evenly distribute heat, while a water-based one relies on heated water running through pipes. 

What are radiators? 

Radiators are connected to a central heating system and powered by electricity, gas, or heated water. The energy used in radiators circulates through metal panels or pipes to release heat through convection. There are four common types of metal used in radiators: mild steel, aluminium, stainless steel, and cast iron. 

Radiators vs underfloor heating: How do they differ?

If you want to know whether radiators or underfloor heating would suit your home more, you must first consider multiple factors like space, budget, and energy usage. This section aims to hopefully provide you with some more insight and clarity before you make your decision. 

In terms of comfort

If you want to feel warm throughout your home, underfloor heating delivers a more uniform heat distribution. Compared to the convection heat of radiators, the radiant heat spread by underfloor heating also provides better air quality, keeping air fresh at all times. Also, you don’t need to worry about young children touching hot surfaces or the sharp edges of radiators, making underfloor heating a safer and more comfortable choice for families. 

On the other hand, since radiators are mounted on walls, heat doesn’t spread too far from the source. This can result in uneven heat distribution in your home, leading to overall discomfort and cold spots, especially if your house has lots of large spaces. 

In terms of energy efficiency

Underfloor heating systems are typically more energy-efficient than radiators. Because the floor area of a room is greater than the small surface area used by radiators, an underfloor heating system sometimes only requires temperatures as low as 35°C to efficiently heat a room. This lower input temperature is where you’ll see the most potential to save energy during colder weather. 

In contrast, radiators generally require high temperatures as high as 70°C-80°C to effectively heat the area nearest to them. While it’s possible to waste less energy by using electric radiators, different radiator materials will also have different effects on its energy efficiency. 

In terms of heating speed

While underfloor heating evenly distributes heat around the room, it can take longer to reach the desired temperature than radiators. This gradual increase in temperature could be a potential drawback for some, especially if you prefer to get warm quickly.

Meanwhile, radiators heat up the area around them more due to their smaller size and high input temperature requirements. This makes them suitable for homes where rapid heating is essential and wanted. In fact, it’s even become a recent bathroom design trend to install a radiator in your bathroom to keep the room warm, dry, and mould-free. 

In terms of installation

Underfloor heating installation can somehow be both disruptive and easy. Installing underfloor heating systems requires you to take up the whole floor, laying down either pipes or cables beneath. While there may be step-by-step guides on how to install these heating systems, it's important to remember that it's always best to leave it to the pros to avoid costly installation mistakes. And once installed, you’ll need the help of a qualified electrician to connect your heating system to the main power. 

Meanwhile, radiator installation is simpler and faster overall. Radiators are usually mounted on walls, and installation just requires connecting them to an already existing central heating system such as a heat pump or a boiler. And while that does sound simple enough, it’s still best to leave installation to the pros to avoid any risks that come with doing the installation by yourself.

In terms of space requirements

Depending on your household’s needs, space efficiency can be a significant factor when it comes to choosing your preferred heating system. 

Underfloor heating can be very space-saving, making it particularly beneficial in modern houses prioritising a clutter-free space. In contrast, traditional radiators require wall space for installation. This can be potentially limiting when it comes to layout and design options for your rooms. Additionally, the room size typically influences the size of the radiator that’s required to completely heat up the space. 

In terms of installation and running costs

The cost of running electric underfloor heating vs radiators varies depending on energy sources and system efficiency. For example, electric underfloor heating can be more expensive to run, especially if used frequently. But, as mentioned before, underfloor heating systems use less power, potentially leading to lower energy bills. 

Installing underfloor heating systems usually costs around $300-$500 per day for contractors and an additional $160-$300 if you want high-quality insulation and a thermostat. 

As for how much it costs to run your UHF, it costs $16-$18 a month to heat  up a 4m² room for four hours a day on average. While it has lower running costs, it's important to note that the initial installation costs are typically higher than radiators. So, while you may save on running costs in the long term, you'll need to consider your upfront investment.

Radiators, on the other hand, generally have higher running costs than a UHF system since they require higher temperatures to effectively heat the area closest to them. These running costs are tied to the efficiency of the system, radiator materials, and the type of power used. Plus, radiators require more regular upkeep, with them making regular appearances on home maintenance checklists.

As for the cost of installing radiators, it usually ranges from $300-$1100 per radiator and $80-$160 for labour costs. 

Hire expert installers for your heating system on Airtasker

Once you've chosen the perfect heating system for your home, now’s the time to start your renovation and say goodbye to cold spots. Keep warm and cosy this winter with the right heating system.

Airtasker connects you with professional heating and cooling experts who can handle your installation with care and precision.

Still unsure which heating system is best for your home? Check out the table below for more options, and when you're ready, post a task on Airtasker.