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
How We Calculate This
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: April 2026
All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.