TradeCalculator.co.uk
Radiators vs Underfloor Heating — UK Guide
Comparing radiators and underfloor heating for UK homes — response time, comfort, cost, retrofit feasibility and running costs.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Property | Radiators | Wet UFH (in screed) | Electric UFH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install cost per m² | £30-60 | £50-80 (new build) | £30-50 |
| Retrofit cost per m² | £30-60 | £80-120 (overlay) | £40-60 |
| Flow temperature | 60-75°C | 35-45°C | N/A (electric) |
| Warm-up time | 15-30 minutes | 2-4 hours (screed) | 20-30 minutes |
| Running cost | Higher (high flow temp) | 15-25% less (low flow temp) | Highest (electricity rate) |
| Heat pump compatible | Yes (if oversized) | Ideal (low temp) | N/A |
| Floor height impact | None | 65-75mm (screed), 18-25mm (overlay) | 3-6mm |
| Maintenance | Bleed, balance, replace | Very low (pipes last 50+ years) | None (no moving parts) |
| Floor covering restriction | None | Avoid thick carpet | Avoid thick carpet |
UK Cost Comparison (2026 Prices)
For a 70 m² ground floor (3-bed semi: kitchen, lounge, hallway, WC):
| Cost Element | Radiators | Wet UFH (new build) |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | £600-1,200 (6 radiators) | £1,200-2,000 (pipe, manifold, insulation) |
| Installation labour | £600-1,000 | £1,500-2,500 |
| Controls (thermostats, actuators) | £100-200 | £300-600 |
| Total installed | £1,300-2,400 | £3,000-5,100 |
| Annual running cost saving | Baseline | £100-200/year less |
When to Choose Each
Choose Radiators When
- Retrofitting (no floor disruption)
- Budget is tight
- Quick response heating needed
- Rooms with thick carpet
- Upper floors (bedrooms)
Choose UFH When
- New build or major renovation
- Heat pump system planned
- Hard floor finishes (tile, stone)
- Open plan living spaces
- Maximum comfort and efficiency
Related Calculators
- Radiator Sizing Calculator — calculate radiator output for each room
- Heat Loss Calculator — assess heat loss to size any heating system
Next up: related pages
How We Calculate This
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, typically 15-25% cheaper. Underfloor heating runs at 35-45°C flow temperature vs 60-75°C for radiators, making it ideal for heat pumps (which are most efficient at low temperatures). The larger surface area means lower temperature water heats the room effectively. With a gas boiler, the savings are smaller (10-15%).
Yes, but it is more disruptive and expensive than in new builds. Options include: overlay systems (18-25mm added height, laid on existing floor), or full screed systems (requiring floor removal, 65-75mm depth). Overlay systems cost £60-90/m² installed. Electric UFH mats are the easiest retrofit option at £30-50/m².
Wet (water) underfloor heating in a screed floor takes 2-4 hours to reach temperature from cold. Once warm, it maintains temperature with minimal energy. Radiators reach temperature in 15-30 minutes. UFH needs a thermostat with setback scheduling rather than on/off control. Electric UFH mats heat up in 20-30 minutes.
Yes, this is common. Many UK homes use underfloor heating on the ground floor (kitchen, living room, hallway) and radiators upstairs (bedrooms, bathroom). A mixing valve reduces the flow temperature to the UFH zones. This combination gives the benefits of both systems where they matter most.
Most floor coverings work, but some are better than others. Best: porcelain/ceramic tiles, stone, polished concrete (high conductivity). Good: engineered wood, LVT vinyl. Acceptable: laminate (check manufacturer). Poor: thick carpet and underlay (insulates the heat). Keep carpet tog value below 1.5 for UFH.
Was this calculator helpful?
Last updated: April 2026
Verified against UK standards · estimates only, confirm with your supplier.