Heating is one of the biggest expenses in running a household, and with the rising cost of energy bills, the growing desire to choose greener energy, and the very real effects of global warming leading to more extreme weather — including hotter summers and colder, wetter winters, with many areas experiencing increased snowfall — it is increasingly important to find the most efficient and therefore cost-effective ways to heat our homes.

How Each System Works

Radiators:

• Operating Temperature: Radiators heat water to around 60–75°C
• Hating Method: Radiators transfer warmth into the room via convection.
• Heat distribution: Warmest near the radiator, cooler in distant corners.

Underfloor Heating:

• Operating Temperature: Underfloor heating works at lower temperatures, typically 27–40°C for electric systems and 35–55°C for wet systems.
• Heating method: Gentle radiant heat rises evenly from the entire floor surface.
• Heat distribution: Consistent warmth across the room, eliminating cold spots.

Radiators require higher water temperatures to function efficiently, meaning more energy is needed to heat the water. Ideally, they should be paired with a boiler to ensure the water reaches a high enough temperature.

Underfloor heating, on the other hand, requires much lower temperatures, meaning it can be paired with renewable heating sources such as an air source heat pump and/or solar panels, making it more energy-efficient, better for the planet, and future-proof.

Run It for Longer Periods

People tend to run radiators for shorter periods, but going from cold to hot requires significantly more energy. Underfloor heating works best at lower, stable temperatures. Instead of short bursts, it should be run for several hours at a time — or even continuously in the colder months. This avoids the energy spike needed to reheat a cooled floor, making the home more comfortable and the heating cheaper to run.

Installation: New Builds and Retrofits

• New builds: Install during the screed stage for the best results.
• Retrofits: Use overlay boards to add underfloor heating without raising floor levels too much.
• Combination systems: Many homeowners choose a combination of underfloor heating and radiators throughout their home, giving them full flexibility whatever the weather.

Which Should You Choose?

If your priority is energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings, underfloor heating generally outperforms radiators — especially in well-insulated homes or when paired with renewable heat sources. Radiators can still make sense for quick installations, smaller budgets, or rooms used less frequently.

Energy Efficiency Comparison

Key takeaway:

Radiators require more energy to reach high water temperatures, whereas underfloor heating runs efficiently at lower temperatures — making it more cost-effective in the long term, especially when paired with renewable energy sources.

Final Word:

For future-proof heating that’s efficient, eco-friendly, and delivers consistent comfort, underfloor heating is hard to beat. But whichever you choose, good insulation is key to making the most of your system. Visit www.soleheat.co.uk for more information, technical advice or to get a free bespoke quote for underfloor heating for your home.