Underfloor heating vs Radiators – which one is the right choice for you?
Radiators vs Underfloor Heating: Which Suits Your Build or Renovation?
Taking on a new build or a refurbishment in Ireland means an endless stream of decisions. One big one: What heating system should you choose-radiators or underfloor heating? With so much conflicting advice out there (and lots of brands pushing just one solution), it's hard to get a straight answer.
At PJ Matthews, we supply and design both systems, so here's a practical, balanced comparison to help you decide what genuinely works best for your home, budget, and lifestyle.
TL;DR Snapshot
| Factor | Radiators | Underfloor Heating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Fit | Renovations & quick swaps | New builds & major refurbs |
| Installation Disruption | Low (swap like-for-like) | Higher (floors up / screed/retrofit panels) |
| Heat Delivery | Convection (air heats & circulates) | Radiant (even warmth from floor up) |
| Warm-Up Time | Fast | Slower, but steady |
| Running Temperature | Higher flow temps (50-70 °C typical) | Low flow temps (30-45 °C)-ideal for heat pumps |
| Energy Efficiency | Much improved vs old rads, but depends on system temps | Can be up to ~25% more efficient due to lower temps and even distribution |
| Air Quality | Can stir dust/pollen via convection | Less air movement = better for allergy sufferers |
| Design Impact | Huge style range; can be a feature | Clears walls/floor space entirely |
| Flooring Constraints | None-any finish works | Needs consideration (tog value/thermal resistance) |
Radiators: Why They Still Make Sense
1. Minimal Upheaval in Renovations
If your house already has a radiator system, upgrading to modern radiators is quicker and often more cost-effective than ripping up floors. Pipework is usually in place, so you're swapping units, not rebuilding.
2. Modern Radiators = Modern Efficiency
Today's rads are far more efficient than older steel panels. They heat rapidly, hold heat longer, and work well with zoned controls and smart thermostats.
3. Design Freedom & Statement Pieces
Radiators are no longer something you hide. From vertical designer panels and anthracite finishes to classic column styles, you can make a visual statement that matches your décor.
4. No Flooring Limitations
Want polished concrete, solid timber, thick rugs, or a mix of all three? Radiators don't care-they don't rely on floor finishes to transfer heat.
Browse our Radiators Collection. Talk to us about a Heating Design Consultation
Underfloor Heating: Comfort, Efficiency & Clean Lines
1. Even Radiant Heat-No Cold Spots
Underfloor heating (UFH) warms a space evenly from the floor up, creating a consistent and comfortable environment. Great for open-plan areas, playrooms, and high-traffic living spaces where you don't want draughts or chilly corners.
2. Perfect Partner for Heat Pumps
UFH runs at low flow temperatures, precisely what heat pumps like to produce. This synergy can make UFH up to 25% cheaper to run than traditional high-temp radiator systems (assuming good insulation and correct design).
3. Better Air Quality
Because UFH relies on radiant heat rather than blasting warm air, less dust and pollen get circulated-good news for allergy and asthma sufferers.
4. Invisible Heating = More Design Freedom
No radiators means more wall and floor space for furniture, glazing, art, whatever your style demands.
Things to Consider
- Floor Build-Up & Finishes: You'll need to allow for floor height build-up and select finishes with suitable thermal properties (e.g., low-tox underlay for carpets).
- Higher Upfront Cost: Materials and labour are generally higher at the install stage, but you often recoup that in running-cost savings over time.
- Slower Response Time: UFH is a slow-and-steady approach. Great for homes occupied most days, less ideal if you want quick boosts of heat for an hour here and there.
Explore our Underfloor Heating Solutions.Chat with us about Integrating UFH & Heat Pumps.
New Build vs Renovation: A Quick Guide
New Build
- UFH often wins: You're pouring new screeds anyway and can design the system around low-temp heating and renewables.
- Mixed approach: UFH downstairs, radiators upstairs for faster bedroom heat-ups.
Renovation / Refurb
- Radiators are usually the practical choice if you're not touching floors.
- Retrofitting UFH panels (low-profile or overlay systems) can work, but budget for additional preparation and finishing work.
Choosing Comes Down To…
- How much disruption can you tolerate?Pulling floors versus swapping radiators is a significant difference in terms of time and mess.
- Your heat source (now or future)Planning a heat pump? UFH is a natural fit. Sticking with a boiler? Either system can still be efficient.
- Room-by-room needsBathrooms and open-plan kitchens love UFH; bedrooms and hallways might be fine with rads.
- Aesthetics & space planningWant clean walls? UFH. Love a bold vertical radiator? Go rads.
- Budget split: upfront vs runningUFH costs more initially but can cost less to run. Radiators are cheaper upfront, especially in a like-for-like swap.