Uponor
Underfloor Heating or radiators?
A short article explaining the factors to consider when installing a heating system in your home/commercial space.
Which system is best?
When deciding on a heating system for your home or office, there are two main choices:
1) Underfloor heating
2) Conventional radiator system
Underfloor heating is a relatively new concept, where as a radiator system has been in practice since the beginning of the 20th century.
But which one is more suitable for you? The content below will help you to decide:
1) Underfloor heating
2) Conventional radiator system
Underfloor heating is a relatively new concept, where as a radiator system has been in practice since the beginning of the 20th century.
But which one is more suitable for you? The content below will help you to decide:
1. Comfort
An underfloor heating system evenly distributes heat throughout a room and this ensures a comfortable environment, with optimal energy efficiency. What's more, you will avoid the unpleasant feeling of cold feet on a winter’s day!
A radiator system on the other hand, concentrates heating in one area first before it is spread across the whole room. This make it highly inefficient and there is also the risk that heat is lost through the ceiling.
According to Greenage, underfloor heating systems use 15-40% less energy than a radiator.
A radiator system on the other hand, concentrates heating in one area first before it is spread across the whole room. This make it highly inefficient and there is also the risk that heat is lost through the ceiling.
According to Greenage, underfloor heating systems use 15-40% less energy than a radiator.
2. Costs
Although an underfloor heating system is more costly to setup initially in a new build or renovated property, long term savings can be achieved. This is due to the fact that underfloor heating systems operate at a lower temperature and spread heat efficiently (as indicated above).
3. Aesthetics and Space
It is certainly a lot easier to decorate a room if an underfloor heating system is chosen. There are no obstacles i.e. radiators to contend with and this means a better finish can be achieved.
Your room/space will also appear to be larger without the presence of radiators. This in turn, should help to create a bright and airy living space.
Your room/space will also appear to be larger without the presence of radiators. This in turn, should help to create a bright and airy living space.
4. Controls
With an underfloor heating system, thermostats can be installed in certain zones/rooms throughout a house or commercial space. This subsequently provides you with the autonomy to heat certain rooms that are being occupied and switch off the heating in unoccupied rooms.
Most radiator systems rely on one central thermostat, which means that either the heating is turned on for the whole property or switched off completely.
Did you know, Uponor have a mobile app for controlling the underfloor heating in your house?
Most radiator systems rely on one central thermostat, which means that either the heating is turned on for the whole property or switched off completely.
Did you know, Uponor have a mobile app for controlling the underfloor heating in your house?
5. Hygiene
A common problem with radiators are that they attract dust and this creates an unhygienic environment.
Most of this dust is hidden in hard to reach places, which means it accumulates over time. This consequently leads to problems for asthmatics or those with allergies.
Most of this dust is hidden in hard to reach places, which means it accumulates over time. This consequently leads to problems for asthmatics or those with allergies.
Can I combine an underfloor heating system and radiators?
We understand that it may not always be feasible to remove radiators (especially upstairs) from an existing home and in this case underfloor heating can be combined with radiators. Although we would advise installing a complete underfloor heating system for improved energy efficiency, both systems can work together by clearly separating them throughout a home. For example, you must setup timers and zone valves for each system to work efficiently together. For further guidance please refer to this real homes article.
Please note: an Uponor Underfloor Heating System can be installed throughout a home or office (first and second floor) even when there are obstacles. This removes the need for radiators.
Please note: an Uponor Underfloor Heating System can be installed throughout a home or office (first and second floor) even when there are obstacles. This removes the need for radiators.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision is yours over which system to install or whether you feel it is beneficial to combine both systems. If you feel underfloor heating is the way to go, Uponor have a range of solutions suitable for new builds and renovation projects. We are also also on hand to assist you with any queries you may have- 01923 927000 (option 2)