At CMD Online, we love sharing practical advice from people who live and breathe the products we supply. This guest post comes from OHM Electrical Limited, a trusted electrical installer serving Staffordshire and Cheshire.
They’ve shared their expert view on a question we hear all the time. "electric underfloor heating or radiators?"
If you’re planning a renovation or extension, their breakdown will help you weigh up the pros, cons, and costs of each option. We’ve also included links to our own Electric Underfloor Heating kits and Radiators if you want to explore the products mentioned.
What is Electric Underfloor Heating?
Electric underfloor heating (UFH) uses a network of heating cables installed beneath your floor. When turned on, it radiates warmth upward, creating a toasty, even temperature throughout the room. This means no bulky radiators are required.
The Classic Choice – Radiators
Radiators work by heating water through your boiler and pumping it through metal units on your walls. They heat the surrounding air, which then circulates throughout the space.
The Breakdown – Electric UFH vs Radiators
| Feature | Electric Underfloor Heating | Radiators |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth Distribution | Even, radiant heat | Heat rises from units; cold spots possible |
| Space Efficiency | Hidden under floor – no wall clutter | Takes up wall space |
| Response Time | Quick warm-up (especially with tiles) | Slower to heat large areas |
| Installation Cost | £75–£100+ per m² (room size dependent) | Lower upfront cost; often already installed |
| Running Costs | Higher per kWh (electricity), but efficient in small, well-insulated areas | Lower running cost if connected to gas |
| Best For | Bathrooms, kitchens, open-plan spaces, minimalists | Bedrooms, living rooms, traditional layouts |
| Control Options | Zoned smart thermostats for each room | Manual or smart TRVs on each radiator |
Which System Wins in Terms of Energy Efficiency?
- Electric UFH is more efficient at maintaining even heat, especially in smaller, well-insulated areas like bathrooms or kitchens. It can be cost-effective in zones where you don’t want to heat the whole house.
- Radiators connected to a modern, efficient boiler are typically cheaper to run in larger homes, especially if you’re on a gas tariff.
Top Tip: Want the best of both worlds? Use UFH in rooms with tiled floors (like bathrooms or kitchens) and radiators elsewhere.
Installation Considerations
- Underfloor heating is best installed during renovations or new builds, when floors are already being lifted.
- Radiators can be installed or upgraded at any time, but remember they take up valuable wall space and may impact your interior design choices.
Comfort & Aesthetic
With underfloor heating, there’s no visual clutter, no dusty radiators, and you get that cosy “barefoot in winter” luxury.
Radiators, while functional, can limit how you lay out a room and some homeowners find them bulky or outdated — unless you opt for designer models.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Choose electric underfloor heating if:
- You’re renovating or extending
- You want invisible, modern comfort
- You’re working with tiled floors
- You're happy to zone and control individual rooms
Stick with or upgrade to radiators if:
- You’re not planning major work
- You already have a gas central heating system
- You’re heating a large home or multiple rooms at once
About OHM Electrical Limited
Serving Staffordshire and Cheshire, OHM Electrical Limited provide reliable, high-quality electrical services to homeowners, landlords, and businesses.
- 🔧 Electrical installations and repairs
- 💡 Indoor and outdoor lighting
- 🛠 Consumer unit (fuse box) upgrades
- 🏡 Landlord safety checks and EICRs
- ⚡ Emergency call-outs
Follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Looking for the products mentioned?
CMD Online supply a full range of Electric Underfloor Heating systems and Radiators for UK projects. Order online today with fast delivery.
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