Customers commonly ask if heat pumps perform better with radiators or underfloor heating. This question has no simple answer as heat pumps perform effectively with both radiators and underfloor heating. The key is for installing companies to consider the impact of new and existing heat emitters.
Heat pumps function at lower flow temperature to reduce running costs. Heat pumps achieve flow temperatures of 45° when installed with radiators. The desired flow temperature for heat pumps with underfloor heating is 35°. As a result, heat pumps function most cost-effectively with underfloor heating. Radiators still provide savings over traditional heating alternatives.
GreenGenUK’s heat pump installations are most commonly retrofitted with radiators. Existing radiators may need to be upsized to achieve the levels of heat required by a heat pump.
Heat pumps running with radiators have several specific benefits:
+ Radiators have lower capital costs than underfloor heating
+ Radiators are simple to upsize or relocate in retrofits
+ Radiator installation causes minimal disruption to the home
However, there are things for customers to consider when opting for radiators:
– Radiators may need to be modernised or upsized for heat pump installations
– Heat pumps will be less efficient when running with radiators
– Radiators are more visually imposing than underfloor heating
– Is there scope to install underfloor heating?
In retrofit scenarios, customers are recommended to stick with radiators but consider the size of their existing radiators. When selecting their emitters, new build customers have more flexibility. Customer preference and budget restraints will be primary drivers in this instance.
Underfloor heating provides the most efficient heat pump installations. This is because underfloor heating operates at lower flow temperatures, placing less demand on the system. Unfortunately, however, underfloor heating is difficult and expensive to install in existing properties.
Customers installing underfloor heating experience the following benefits:
+ Reduced flow temperatures and increased heat pump efficiency
+ Underfloor heating is less visually impacting than radiators
+ Underfloor heating installation creates vacant wall space
+ The nature of the heat provided by undefloor heating enhances living comofrt
+ Underfloor heating installation is simpler and more cost-effective in new builds
Customers should consider the following factors before opting for underfloor heating:
– Underfloor heating is genrerally more expensive than radiators
– Underfloor heating is difficult and disruptive to install in existing properties
– Underfloor heating pipe diamtere must be evaluated to ensure its compatibility
Underfloor heating installation in new builds is most practical and financially viable. Clients with retrofit projects should evaluate the added benefits against the additional cost of an underfloor installation.
Customers are ultimately responsible for deciding between radiators or underfloor heating. It is the job of the installing company to consider the impact of existing and new heat emitters.
Installing customers should consider their options as well as implications and practicalities of radiators or underfloor heating in their property. Attaining all the facts and figures will ensure an informed decision.
GreenGenUK installs radiators and underfloor heating in both new builds and existing projects. The skill of our heating technicians and experience of handing domestic plumbing work, we are capable of handling heating system replacements and upgrades, as well as renewable heating solutions.
We are happy to provide quotations for radiators and underfloor heating. Customers can then assess the most viable solution fo-r their project.