Radiators heat by convection: warm air rises, so the ceiling is warmest and the floor coolest. Underfloor heating radiates evenly from the floor across the whole room.
Running costs
Underfloor heating runs at a much lower water temperature (35–45°C against 60–70°C for radiators). That lets a condensing boiler work more efficiently, and it’s ideal with a heat pump.
Where it works best
- Extensions and kitchen-diners with large floor areas
- Bathrooms with tiled floors
- Rooms with high ceilings, including churches, barns and halls
- New builds and full renovations where floors are coming up anyway
Radiators still make sense for quick heat-up in bedrooms, or where floors can’t be lifted. Many homes use both.