Pipelife Eco FAQ: Is Underfloor Heating Better Than Radiators?
If you’re trying to decide on the best method for heating your home, one of the questions you might be considering is ‘is underfloor heating better than radiators?’.
Radiators have traditionally been the most common method for heating our homes across Ireland, however, as homeowners are starting to catch onto the advantages of underfloor heating, this is rapidly changing. We’re seeing more and more property owners choosing to install an underfloor heating system rather than traditional radiators in their homes, and this isn’t surprising when you look at the benefits that this system provides.
Whilst an underfloor heating system can be used in conjunction with radiators (we’ll come onto this shortly), when asked ‘is underfloor heating better than radiators?’ our answer would be yes, absolutely.
Why is underfloor heating better than radiators? Well, in order to explain this we need to begin by taking a brief look at how it actually works.
How does an underfloor heating system work?
Underfloor heating effectively turns the floor into a giant (albeit, far more efficient) radiator. The system works by distributing warm water throughout a circuit of pipes beneath the floor. Oil/ gas pumps or an air to water pump are used to heat the water that is then dispersed across the flooring, supplying an even circulation of heat to your home.
The crucial difference between this and a radiator system is the temperature of the water required. The water pipes that are used in water underfloor heating only need to be heated to a safe surface temperature, usually between 25-40 degrees celsius. Conventional radiators on the other hand need to be heated to temperatures as high as 75 degrees celsius. Whilst radiators make warm air rise and gather to create hot spots vs cold spots, water underfloor heating distributes heat evenly throughout the property ensuring there are no cold spots anywhere.
So how does this help us answer the question ‘is underfloor heating better than radiators?’. Well, the way in which water underfloor heating creates heat for the home shows us that it is:
More cost-efficient
Although an underfloor heating system usually has a higher installation fee than radiators (approx 10%) running costs are significantly lower in the long run. As the water temperature is lower than radiators and less heat is wasted in cold spots, it is a far more cost-effective option. If Pipelife Eco’s air to water heat pump is used, heating bills can be reduced by up to 60%.
More eco-friendly
As radiators create heat via convection, heat rises to create a very warm layer of air at the top of the room whilst leaving a much cooler temperature at floor level. This is not an efficient use of energy and isn’t helped by the high water temperature required. Water underfloor heating on the other hand requires only surface water temperatures whilst creating an even distribution of heat from ground level up. As a result, by opting to install an underfloor heating system with Pipelife Eco, you could help cut CO2 emissions in your home by 50%.
Less obtrusive
It’s also important to consider the visual look of both options. Radiators require wall space in the home and can look bulky and disruptive to the decor scheme. Hiding your home’s heating source under the floor solves this problem, freeing up space for other furniture and allowing homeowners to create a more visually appealing space.
Easier to control
Most traditional radiator systems are controlled via a central thermostat that means the whole house is heated up at once, even when it doesn’t need to be. Radiators also create excessively hot areas of warmth where you don’t want them, leaving other more habitable areas of the home colder. With a smart controlled underfloor heating system, you can heat your property zone by zone and ensure that the energy is used more efficiently.
Looking at these benefits we’ve certainly determined that our answer to the question ‘is underfloor heating better than radiators?’ is a strong yes. Having said this, it’s really important to emphasise that it can be efficient to use radiators alongside this.
Combining an underfloor heating system with radiators
When asked whether underfloor heating is better than radiators, it’s important for us to emphasise that it doesn’t necessarily have to be a case of choosing one over the other. It is perfectly possible to combine both systems, according to the requirements of your property. For example, some customers opt to apply heating under the floor downstairs and install energy efficient aluminium radiators upstairs, although underfloor heating can of course be applied upstairs as well. Ideal for use with heat pump technology, Pipelife Eco’s energy efficient aluminium radiators can be used alongside underfloor heating in a split system. Designed to heat up and cool down very quickly, these aluminium radiators respond quickly to temperature changes demanded via the thermostat and require a lower water volume and heat temperature than conventional radiators.
Using underfloor heating as your sole heat system or combining it with energy efficient aluminium radiators are both energy-efficient and cost-effective methods for heating your home. Please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team today to request a quote or to raise any queries you might have.