Underfloor radiant heating v Radiators v HeatProfile radiant heating systems
Underfloor heating may be well suited for use under hard, cold surfaces or in large open plan commercial-type environments where a stone or tiled "cold finish" is employed. However other considerations should be taken into account - Under floor heating systems have a high water content and being buried within the floor slab makes them "sluggish" to respond to temperature demand. Underfloor heating systems can be difficult to maintain; i.e., tracing and repairing leaks in underfloor heating can be time consuming and costly. Another consideration is that the life span of a plastic pipe embedded in concrete still has to undergo the 'test of time' and could well suffer the consequences of ageing.
To help you compare Underfloor heating, Radiator and HeatProfile systems, we have listed below our own "considerations" and notional 'score points' out of ten.
The figures stated imply a factor judgement based on our experience and the degree of importance that we attach to each aspect. You will know what is most important to you.
This is our judgement.
| Consideration | Comment | |||
| Capital Cost | Mass produced rads | |||
| Comfort Control | All round comfort | |||
| Fuel Economy | Proven by test | |||
| Response Time | Proven by test | |||
| Lowest Water Content | Minimal/fast heat-up | |||
| Space Utilisation | Furniture layout | |||
| Ease of Installation | Skirting /heating in one operation | |||
| Carcass Piping | Least required | |||
| Maintenance | underfloor heating system inaccessible | |||
| Operational Life | underfloor heating system plastic pipe not confirmed | |||
| Leak Detection | underfloor heating system difficult | |||
| Refurb Potential | New Skirting. Underfloor heating system difficult | |||
| Other Facilities | Skirting/Duct | |||
| SCORE POINTS Color |