Radiators have been the most popular choice in the past for heating a room. However, the tides are turning now with underfloor heating or UFH taking the market by storm. People prefer the UFH system and what was once a luxury heating option is now becoming increasingly common.
The extraordinary market rise of UFH raises the question of whether underfloor heating is better than radiators or not. Let us give you a concrete answer with a detailed analysis of both the heating systems to help you make a rational decision for your living space.
Underfloor Heating – Pros & Cons
· More Efficient Than Radiators
Underfloor heating systems use pipeworks installed beneath the floor that warm a room from the ground up, heating the objects in immediate contact. Radiators, on the other hand, use convection heating to just heat the air of the space. Thus, UFH systems prove more eco-friendly and energy-efficient as they utilise less energy to attain optimal temperatures compared to traditional radiators. They prove 35% more efficient than radiators and even 40% when paired with a heat pump.
· Offers Lower Running Costs
Radiators in central heating systems usually overheat or underheat as they operate on single thermostats, dramatically increasing billing costs. Underfloor heating, on the other hand, ensures that only selected spaces are warmed up to provide ‘zoned heating’, making it more controllable and significantly reducing energy costs.
Smart multi-zone thermostats in the UFH system allow them to operate at lower temperatures than radiators while still producing the same level of warmth. Lower energy costs become possible through insulation that lowers heat loss and reduces energy wastage and in turn, energy consumption.
· Greater Lifespan With No Cold Spots Or Draughts
UFH heats from the floor up, providing even heating free from draughts and cold spots. The reason is the advanced heating process of this system in which warm water is pumped through the pipework, gently warming the floor, and creating a comfortable setting.
Radiators, on the other hand, have a combination of hot water and metal in their structure which causes rust in the long run. This factor combined with limescale and old, dirty water forms a thick sludge substance that resists hot water from circulating properly through the heating system and gives vertical cold spots in radiators. Thus, the lifespan of UFH systems extends up to 50 years whereas that of radiators is mere 10-20 years.
· Higher Initial Purchasing Costs
Some UFH systems can cost higher initially as they often require more parts and have a lengthier installation process than radiators. Though, you will generally save money in the long run with a UFH system.
Meanwhile, radiators are easy to install and also cost less than UFH systems, so you will have to spend relatively less on installing them as compared to the UFH systems. However, UFH systems prove far more cost-efficient in the long run than radiators due to their energy efficiency. Also, water-based UFH systems operate on lower water temperatures and are also low maintenance.
· Warmly Heated Floor
The UFH system heats the floor giving a warm underfoot feel which isn’t possible with radiators. The reason is quite obvious: The UFH system is installed under the floor to warm the room from the ground up. Therefore, users can feel instant warmth underfoot due to conduction. Scientifically, warming or cooling only feet and hands can subsequently change the temperature of the entire body which the UFH system provides and thus, prove more efficient than radiators that indirectly heat the objects.
· Invisible Heating System
What about having a heating system in your house that can’t be heard or seen like radiators in the central heating system? This is possible with UFH systems because their complex installation takes place under the floor and is practically hidden from sight.
Such an intricate system that provides heat without being seen or making noise adds a luxury appeal to your house, office, or any commercial, or recreational site. This isn’t possible with radiators as they make noise and the system they are installed in can also be seen.
· Sufficient wall space
Another massive advantage that UFH systems have over radiators is their freed-up wall space because the strong and flexible plastic pipework is buried under the floor while manifold, the heart of the system, is stored away in the cupboard. This allows room for interior design freedom and there are also no restrictions to where you can place furniture in the room.
This isn’t possible with radiators that themselves serve as undeclared pieces of room décor. Being hidden also makes radiators less safe than UFH systems as the latter don’t have exposed or sharp surfaces unlike the former.
· A Few Other Comparisons
You can recognise the massive advantages UFH systems enjoy over radiators. The only benefits radiators have are that people are familiar with them, prove lucrative with low initial costs, and are easily installed and replaced.
However, UFH systems don’t need to be installed or replaced as early as radiators and also prove lucrative in the long run. Talking about familiarity, UFH systems are easy to be familiarised with so people will eventually get used to them soon.
Is UFH Better than Radiators? Our Verdict
Given the incredible benefits that UFH systems have compared to radiators, it is wise to consider installing them over the latter. K M Flow Screed provides premium heating installation and maintenance services. Call on +44 7882 149552 or +44 7701 306481, or email at kmflowscreed@yahoo.com to acquire our services today.