Underfloor heating vs radiators - we compare the possibilities

Underfloor heating is becoming increasingly popular. It's an innovative system that is more and more commonly used in both single-family homes and public buildings. It has a number of advantages - it's aesthetic and distributes heat very evenly, making it easy to achieve the desired temperature across the entire floor surface of the house. However, it's also a fairly costly option and not always cost-effective. If you're torn between underfloor heating and traditional radiators, read the article below where we compare their capabilities and explore the limitations of each solution. Enjoy reading!

Underfloor Heating and Its Capabilities

Among the undeniable advantages of underfloor heating is the even distribution of heat in all rooms. This eliminates problems with temperature differences between rooms or even their individual parts, providing great convenience and comfort. Additionally, underfloor heating is also aesthetic as it doesn't require the installation of traditional radiators, which often take up valuable space. You can enjoy clean, smooth wall surfaces and more floor space.

Underfloor heating also allows walking barefoot around the house without chilling your feet, which is an incredibly comfortable feeling. All these features make underfloor heating an attractive option for many people. In the case of modern and eco-friendly homes, it's also a solution that can be surprisingly economical. Also, due to the increasing ecological and economic awareness of society, underfloor heating is becoming an increasingly attractive solution. Below, we'll describe the individual aspects related to the installation and operation of underfloor heating.

Heat Distribution in Rooms with Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating evenly distributes heat throughout the floor, making the entire room warm, not just the area around the radiator. This creates pleasant and comfortable conditions. Thanks to the even distribution of heat, there are no areas in the room that are too cold or excessively heated. The room temperature is maintained at a constant level, significantly improving comfort.

Aesthetics of Rooms with Underfloor Heating Instead of Radiators

Rooms where radiators are replaced by underfloor heating are much more visually appealing and elegant. Underfloor heating is invisible as it's hidden under the floor, so there's no need to worry about the presence of radiators that may disrupt the interior aesthetics. The absence of visible radiators allows for greater freedom in designing and arranging rooms, enabling focus on other decorative elements.

Energy Savings from Using Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating can be more energy-efficient than traditional radiators because it operates at lower temperatures, resulting in lower heat losses. Thus, underfloor heating combined with a heat source - e.g., a heat pump, solar collectors, or a condensing boiler - is characterized by very high efficiency. Underfloor heating works best in modern, energy-efficient buildings with good insulation. The highest cost efficiency is achieved when combined with ecological heat sources.

Walking Comfort on Underfloor Heated Floors

Walking barefoot or just in socks on a warm floor is incredibly comfortable and beneficial for health. Practicing this habit promotes correct posture and positively affects our spine. Because the floor is warm, it's easier to relax and unwind. Undoubtedly, the benefits of underfloor heating will be even more appreciated if there are children in the house.

Silence of Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating is practically silent, meaning it doesn't generate the annoying and tiring noise. This is very beneficial for people who prefer peace and quiet in their homes. As a result, underfloor heating provides a comfortable and quiet atmosphere in rooms, allowing users to enjoy warmth without unnecessary and annoying sounds that, in comparison, can sometimes be heard when using radiator heating.

Installation Costs of Underfloor Heating

The installation costs of underfloor heating can be quite high because it requires specialized skills, materials, and parts (e.g., underfloor heating manifold, PEX pipes, insulation). However, although it's a more expensive option initially, in the long run, it can be more cost-effective due to lower operating costs (especially in energy-efficient/passive houses).

Maximum Heat Output of Underfloor Heating

The maximum heat output of underfloor heating is 80 W/m2, which means that underfloor heating alone cannot heat every building, especially an older one with poor insulation, whose demand may reach even 170-200 W/m2. In such cases, it's necessary to use additional heat sources such as radiators or radiant heaters to provide the appropriate temperature in the rooms. Therefore, it's worth ensuring proper insulation of the building so that underfloor heating can operate efficiently.

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Radiator Heating and Its Capabilities

Radiator heating is a solution known since the second half of the 19th century. Over the years, radiators have undergone significant modifications but are still widely used in homes, apartments, and public buildings. Radiators, also known as heaters, are heating devices that have several advantages. They are very efficient in distributing heat, allowing rooms to heat up quickly. Additionally, they are easy to install and operate, making them accessible to every user. Furthermore, radiators are also aesthetic and can be an interesting decorative element in the room. With various sizes and shapes, they can be tailored to fit any interior. All these advantages make radiators one of the most popular types of heating devices. Below, similarly to the already discussed underfloor heating, we'll describe various aspects related to the installation and operation of radiator heating.

Low Installation Costs of Radiator Heating

Low installation costs of radiator heating are one of their main advantages. Compared to underfloor heating, radiators are much cheaper and easier to install. They can be easily mounted on walls or under windows in rooms, which means less invasive renovation work. Thus, radiator installation is more accessible and attractive to many people looking for an efficient and economical way to heat their homes.

Quick Temperature Change in Rooms Using Radiators

Radiators allow for a quick change in room temperature, which is a huge advantage. With radiators, we can easily adjust the temperature to our needs and preferences. If we feel cold, simply turning on the radiator will provide warmth in a moment. Conversely, if the room temperature is too high, we can easily lower the temperature or turn off the radiator completely. Regulating radiators is easy and convenient, allowing us to adjust the room temperature to our individual needs. This is a significant advantage of radiators compared to underfloor heating, which has a high thermal inertia (the time to reach the set temperature is very high - even several hours depending on the initial temperature and the set temperature).

High Efficiency of Radiators at Very Low Temperatures and Dry Air

In very cold conditions, radiators are more effective compared to underfloor heating because they can generate higher air temperatures and heat the room to the desired temperature in a shorter time. However, it's important to be cautious and not overly dry the air by heating it to excessive values. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to moisture loss in the air. Too dry air in rooms can result in:

• dry skin (itching, burning, irritation),
• dry mucous membranes of the nose and throat, which can lead to sore throat, coughing, and breathing difficulties,
• increased susceptibility to infections (dry air promotes the growth of bacteria and viruses),
• eye irritation.

Radiators Take Up Space but Can Be Interior Decorations

Radiators take up space on walls or under windows, which can be a problem in rooms with limited space. However, it's worth remembering that due to interesting design, many modern radiators can successfully serve as interior decorations. With a variety of patterns and colors available, radiators can be matched to the style and character of the room. They are often designed to harmonize with other decorative elements, creating an elegant and coherent arrangement.

Uneven Heat Distribution in Rooms Heated by Radiators

Uneven heat distribution in rooms heated by radiators mainly results from the fact that radiators mainly heat the air around them. As a result, these areas are hot, while other parts of the room may remain cooler. This is particularly noticeable in larger rooms where radiators are not evenly distributed. Uneven heat distribution can lead to thermal discomfort for occupants, who may feel cold when they are further away from the radiator. Therefore, it's important to carefully plan the placement of radiators or use additional heating methods, such as underfloor heating, to ensure even heat distribution in the room.

Which to Choose - Underfloor Heating or Radiators?

In summary, the choice between underfloor heating and radiators depends on many factors such as the thermal insulation level of the building, budget, aesthetic preferences, comfort, and local climatic conditions. Underfloor heating is a more luxurious option that provides even and comfortable warmth but is more expensive to install. Radiators are more affordable and easier to install but may be less effective in evenly distributing heat. Therefore, it's worth carefully considering your needs before making a final decision. It's also worth noting that in some cases, the best solution may be a hybrid solution - combining radiators with underfloor heating. However, if you're building a house from scratch and planning to heat it with one of the more modern heat sources - heat pump, gas boiler, electric heating - in our opinion, the best option in the Polish climate is a house fully based on underfloor heating to maximize economic efficiency.