Underfloor radiant heating v Radiators
v HeatProfile radiant heating systems

 underfloor 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
Radiator
U/Floor
HeatProfile
 Comment
Capital Cost
10
8
8
 Mass produced rads
Comfort Control
3
7
10
 All round comfort
Fuel Economy
4
6
10
Proven by test
Response Time
10
3
10
 Proven by test
Lowest Water Content
6
2
10
 Minimal/fast heat-up
Space Utilisation
5
10
10
 Furniture layout
Ease of Installation
10
4
9
 Skirting /heating in one operation
Carcass Piping
5
8
10
 Least required
Maintenance
10
1
8
 underfloor heating system inaccessible
Operational Life
4
10
10
 underfloor heating system plastic pipe not confirmed
Leak Detection
10
1
10
 underfloor heating system difficult
Refurb Potential
8
2
10
 New Skirting. Underfloor heating system difficult
Other Facilities
0
0
10
 Skirting/Duct
SCORE POINTS Color
85
62
125


Underfloor heating v Radiators v HeatProfile radiant heating systems