A perfect home heating system is everyone’s dream. There has been a growing interest in combining underfloor heating with the efficiency of traditional radiators. Underfloor heating is quite popular because it helps create a cozy home environment and helps you avoid cold spots during the chilly months. Whereas traditional radiators are a staple in UK homes due to how they deliver a targeted approach to temperature control. Using both can help you power through the coldest months and save on energy costs. If you are interested in learning how you can combine underfloor heating with radiators, here is a comprehensive guide to help you with that.

Understanding Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating is a type of central heating that you are most likely to find in modern homes. The purpose of underfloor heating is to create a warm and comfortable home environment using either a wet or dry system.

Wet Systems: 

Wet systems are also known as hydronic underfloor heating. Wet systems operate quite similarly to radiators, using water heated by a boiler to generate heat. This heat is circulated around the house through a network of pipes embedded in the floor. Unlike radiators, where the heat source is the radiator itself, underfloor heating distributes heat from the floor upwards. Creating a wet system is a complex and expensive procedure, but it is highly effective.

Dry Systems: 

Dry systems, also known as electric underfloor heating, use electric cables or mats placed under the floor covering to generate heat. When an electric current passes through the mats, heat is emitted throughout the room. Dry systems can quickly heat up a room, and the installation process is less complex compared to wet systems. Dry systems are often used as a supplementary heating method for smaller spaces because installing heating mats under a large area can be too expensive.

Traditional Radiators

Traditional radiators are found in many homes around the UK. They are the tried-and-true conventional heating systems that have served many through the coldest of winters. But are they the most efficient? Yes and no. Radiators are quite effective at generating heat through metal panels and tubes. The water or steam is generated in the radiator’s internal pipes, and the heat from the surface of the radiator is pushed through the room to create a warm environment.

Types of Radiators:

Column Radiators: 

Column radiators are the classic radiators with vertical columns that you may already have in your home. These radiators are quite efficient in central heating and are a great choice for both traditional and modern homes.

Panel Radiators: 

Panel radiators can be differentiated by their flat surface and sleek appearance. They are quite efficient at generating heat and are great for contemporary interiors.

Cast Iron Radiators: 

Cast iron radiators are used by many for their durability and overall aesthetic look. Cast iron is also known for maintaining warmth for longer. These radiators are often found in Victorian-style properties, adding to their classic elegance.

Radiators are a great way to maintain warmth indoors. However, if the radiator is old, you might encounter problems such as cold spots, unusual noises, and leaks. Radiators typically have a lifespan of around 15 years, after which they may become less effective due to internal corrosion.

Does Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

The answer is no. While underfloor heating is a great way to maintain a warm and comfortable home environment, there are benefits to using both heating systems, with neither likely to replace the other.

Underfloor heating is excellent for ensuring even heat distribution but tends to be felt mostly close to the floor surface. If you live in the UK, where temperatures can be quite low, radiators become important. Radiators help circulate warm air throughout the room and offer more control over heating output. To maintain a consistent and efficient room temperature without cold spots and exorbitant energy bills, you may need to combine underfloor heating with radiators.

Do You Need a Radiator with Underfloor Heating?

You might now be wondering, ‘Do I need both underfloor heating and radiators?’ Let’s look at the benefits of combining radiators with underfloor heating to see if you need both.

Benefits of Using Both Systems:

Comfort: 

The best thing about using both traditional radiators and underfloor heating is that together they provide unmatched comfort. Warmth at floor level and constant circulation of warm air help control and maintain temperature throughout the living space, ensuring you and your family are cozy and comfortable at all times.

Flexibility: 

There is something to be said about the flexibility that comes with using both heating systems. If you live in a larger space, the heating requirements for different rooms may vary, and having both underfloor heating and radiators to rapidly heat up a room is a great idea.

Efficiency: 

While the initial cost of setting up both heating systems might be high, the amount you save on energy bills over the years makes it worth the investment. With both systems working in synergy, you can optimize heating and save on energy bills in the process.

Can You Add Underfloor Heating to a Radiator System?

Now that you know you are better off with the best of both worlds, you might be wondering: Can I connect the underfloor heating to the radiators, or can you mix radiators with underfloor heating? That’s a valid question. The compatibility of both heating systems is an important consideration.

Compatibility: 

It is important to ensure that your radiator system is compatible with the underfloor heating system. This is a decision to make when planning the design of the house and the installation of essential appliances and systems. By fitting both heating systems early, you can prevent uneven heating issues and system conflicts that might cause problems.

Controls: 

With both heating systems in place, the next technical issue to address is heating controls. Integrating both systems requires careful management of thermostat controls and zoning controls. These will help you manage not only the temperature of the home but also the level of heating and heat distribution.

Installation: 

Having two different types of heating systems can result in a significant installation bill. It is important to consider the usage of these systems and their efficiency before deciding to spend a great deal on the installation process. A good rule of thumb is to consider how much use you will get out of it. If you live in a warmer climate, investing in both systems might not be necessary. However, if you live in a colder climate where even summer months can be chilly, having both heating systems can be highly beneficial.

Closing Thoughts

Radiators are a staple when it comes to home central heating, but you can improve temperature control in your home with underfloor heating. Having both systems work in synergy can be a great way to elevate your home, as it offers much-needed flexibility and control in maintaining temperature.