Underfloor heating vs. radiators: Which is the better choice?

Is your home warm enough to keep you comfortable during the colder months? Making sure our homes are ready to withstand the fall and winter seasons should be one of our first priorities. That’s why, it's important to weigh the unique benefits of underfloor heating vs. radiators, two of the most effective ways to manage your home temperature during these seasons.

Based on factors such as price, heating speed, and space required, this guide aims to help you choose the ideal heating system for your house. It'll also address some of the more frequent questions that buyers may have when comparing underfloor heating vs. radiators.

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 95°F 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 158°F-176°F 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. To observe how fast the temperature changes in your room, be sure to install a thermostat as well. 

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 mold-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 the 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. 

As for the cost of installing underfloor heating systems, it usually ranges from $200-$300 per day for contractors and an additional $100-$200 if you want high-quality insulation, including the cost of installing a thermostat. As for how much it costs to run your UHF, it costs $10-$11 a month to heat up a 4m² room for four hours a day on average. 

While UFH 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 generally have higher running costs than a UHF system since they generally require higher temperatures to effectively heat the area closest to them. Also, these running costs are tied to the efficiency of the system, radiator materials, and the type of power used. But, 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 $200-$700 per radiator and $50-$100 for labour costs. 

Hire expert installers for your heating system on Airtasker

Ready to kick off your home renovation with new underfloor heating or radiators?

No need to tackle the installation yourself! With Airtasker, you can quickly connect with HVAC technicians who will professionally install your chosen heating system.

Still unsure which system is right for your home? Check the table below for more details. Once you’ve made your choice, simply post a task on Airtasker!