If you’re getting a new central heating system, you may be wondering whether to stick with radiators or make the switch to underfloor heating. It can be a tricky decision as there are pros and cons with both options. Which will be best for your family home? From the installation and costs to style and practicality, here are some of the factors you should consider.
The cost
What might be the most critical thing to consider is the cost of installing underfloor heating compared to radiators.
In general, underfloor heating costs more to install than a central heating system using radiators, particularly when it’s being retrofitted. This is because there is a bit more work involved and extra materials such as insulation and screed are needed. However, the running costs do tend to be lower. So, long term, it may be the least expensive option. Therefore you need to ask yourself whether you prefer to save money now or later.
The Installation
Of course, there is also the disruption to consider. In most cases, it’s easier to install radiator-based central heating, especially if you’re upgrading a similar system. This is because underfloor heating installations involve taking up your old floor coverings and making sure the subfloor is clean. Then, putting down insulation, followed by yourheating system and screed. That said, most installations are completed in two to six days.
Space and style
The most obvious advantage to having underfloor heating is that you can free up some wall and floor space. This can make quite a big difference in rooms that are small or that get a lot of use, such as entrance halls, bathrooms and nurseries. The other big difference is that your heating is hidden, so there are no boxy-looking radiators to spoil your style. However, you can buy attractive, designer radiators. And these can actually enhance the style and character of a room.
Floor coverings
Not all floor coverings are compatible with underfloor heating and some will need additional work to make them compatible. Some floor coverings have insulating properties, which is typically a good thing, but this isn’t quite so useful when it comes to underfloor heating. So, while a thick carpet with a high tog rating might make a room feel comfy and cosy, it’s not going to work well with underfloor heating as it’ll reduce its efficiency. That’s why it’s a good idea to factor your favoured floor coverings into your decision.
Comfort
We all want the best for our families, so it’s often a priority to make sure all of the rooms in the house are warm and comfortable. If this is a priority, then underfloor heating may just edge it over radiators. Underfloor heating ensures the floor is warm underfoot, which can make tiles and other hard surfaces nicer to walk on and bathrooms nicer to use on a chilly winter’s morning. It also ensures there are no cold spots in a room, which can be the case with large rooms using radiators.
Maintenance
Underfloor heating is more or less maintenance-free, unlike radiators, which do need bleeding. And radiators can rust over time, so they may need replacing every 15 or so years. That said, if something does go wrong with your radiators or the surrounding pipework, it’s usually fairly easy to get fixed. If there’s an issue with your underfloor heating, that could be more of a problem. That’s why it’s important to make sure it’s professionally installed, so problems are less likely to happen.Although it’s a newer technology, underfloor heating is thought to have a long lifespan and many systems are guaranteed for 50 years.
Dust
Radiators take in cold air at the bottom and release it as warm air, out through the top. This circulation of air through the panels and around the room can be an issue for those with allergies. And dust does tend to collect in between the panels, meaning you do need to clean them periodically to stop themfrom accumulating too much. So, when it comes to allergies, dust and cleaning, underfloor heating does have the advantage.
Energy efficiency and future-proofing
Underfloor heating is typically more energy efficient than using radiators as it heats the room from the floor up. Because of the way it works, underfloor heating tends to perform betterat lower temperatures than traditional radiators do – so, it’s more economical to run and is a better fit for use with a heat pump. However, your home may require a good level of insulation for this, so it’s not always the best option in old homes.
