Written by Wall hung radiators have been the standard form of heating homes for many years. However, under floor heating has now become so popular that many home owners are left wondering which would be the preferred option for their particular needs. Ultimately the choice of under floor heating vs radiators is a matter of individual choice once the facts about each system are understood.
Radiators
Wall hung radiators are normally placed one to each room. If a room is particularly large it may necessitate fitting two radiators, but this would be determined by working out a heat loss calculation.
Radiators are heated by hot water circulating through metal pipes in the walls and ceiling. This results in warm air around the radiator circulating up and out into the surrounding air.
Circulatory problems in the water heating the radiator can cause a loss of heat. Raising the temperature gauge to overcome this will naturally increase the amount of electricity or gas used and raise the cost.
The placement of a radiator within a room means it limits the placement of furniture. Any large object close to it’s source of heat will automatically block the convection air heat.
Radiators tend to attract dust and dirt, and some people find there intrusion in their rooms limits their creative flair in designing the outlay of their living space. Radiators have, however, been an extremely successful way of keeping homes warm for many years.
Under floor heating can be operated at a fairly low temperature, which helps to reduce the cost. Heating cables or mats are installed between the sub floor and floor covering and the elements are connected to the domestic electricity supply.
This method of heating can be installed under most floor coverings.
Under floor heating is considered to be a much cheaper option, as very little heat is lost using this system. The evenly distributed warm air rises up from the floor and as it ascends loses only two degrees of heat for every two meters it travels.
From the aesthetic point of view of course under floor heating is non obtrusive and allows for much more flexibility when it comes to décor.
People who suffer from asthma or have allergies find that under floor heating helps to alleviate many of their symptoms due to the fact that this system reduces the water content in the air upon which dust mites and other floating bacteria rely upon to survive.
Under floor heating, once installed, will require less maintenance than wall hanging radiators, and is considered to be more eco friendly.
The heat from radiators automatically rises up to the ceiling leaving the lower areas of the room colder. Under floor heating warms the whole room as the heat rises up from the floor.
Under floor heating vs radiators is ultimately down to individual choice. If you’re looking to reduce your electricity bills, then under floor heating would be the best option. Relatively maintenance free and unseen, this type of heating is becoming more and more popular.
