Underfloor? Radiators? Whilst both central heating systems have advantages it can be hard to decide which system is right for you. Below, this blog breaks down the differences between the two systems to help determine which will work for you, your home, your lifestyle, and your family.
Underfloor and radiators both have benefits such as:
Healthy: Reduces damp and cold spots by providing even heating throughout a house. No blown air movement – ideal for asthma sufferers.
Responsive: Radiators heat up and cool down quickly (roughly, 10 minutes), which is ideal for New Zealand’s changeable weather conditions. Underfloor heating requires lower water temperatures which cause lower running costs, whilst keeping the radiant heat evenly distributed throughout the home.
Safe: Underfloor and Radiators are safe for children, the elderly, and pets to be around.
Silent: Underfloor and Radiators are totally quiet with no blown air, unlike air conditioning units.
Controllable: All radiators and underfloor zones can be controlled individually or as a system.
Stylish: Radiators come in a variety of shapes, styles, and any colour of your choice, allowing them to blend in or be a feature. Underfloor heating systems are hidden from view and don’t take up wall space.
The benefits of Radiators for Central Heating:
Radiators provide a responsive and flexible heating option for both new and existing homes. They heat up and cool down quickly due to their low water content, so are ideally suited to New Zealand’s changeable weather conditions and the typical busy lifestyle of New Zealanders.
The convenience and comfort of pre-programmed automation for warming the home couple with individual room control is a revelation when compared with typical methods used in New Zealand.
Central Heating New Zealand supplies the world-renowned DeLonghi radiator range which comes with a 25-year warranty or alternatively we supply several designer radiator models too. There is a range of styles and colours to suit any décor. The size of the radiator installed in any room is determined by the specific heating requirements of the area (kW output) and the position of the radiator in the room. Our design engineers calculate the heat demand for each room in your home which takes into consideration insulation, airtightness, ceiling height, window size, and incidental heat.
In a warm-water central heating system, pipework runs from a heat source to all radiators situated throughout the house. In a wood-framed home, pipes can run through the ceiling, underneath the floorboards, and in the framing timber like the electrical and plumbing services.
Radiator advantages:
- Radiant heat with no forced air movement
- Quick response time (around 10 minutes to warm up)
- Variety of styles; endless colour options
- Operate at safe temperatures
- Can be turned off individually or as a system
- Ideal for new builds or retrofits
The benefits of Underfloor for Central Heating:
Underfloor heating is the most luxurious form of heating as its radiant heat is evenly distributed throughout the home and it warms from the floor up, which is the ideal heat distribution for the human body (warmest at the feet, coolest near the head).
Hard floor surfaces are warm to the touch, there is no air blowing making it totally silent. The system is hidden from view unlike radiators or surface-mounted heat pumps, therefore taking up no wall space. This makes it ideal for large open-plan homes or those with a lot of glazing.
Underfloor central heating systems come in different forms (VarioComp, Inslab, EzyMix, or Spreader Plates) and each has its advantages making underfloor heating an option for both new or existing homes. Things such as floor coverings, insulation, and glazing play a huge part in making a system efficient and effective with reasonable running costs.
Underfloor advantages:
- Ideal heat distribution for the human body (warmest at the feet, coolest near the head)
- Suitable for all floor types (different floor coverings can affect performance).
- Your home is always warm and noticeable when you arrive home
- Options available for new and existing homes
- Different zones can be set to different temperatures
- Ideal for new builds but there are underfloor solutions for retrofits
- The heating is so comfortable you don’t notice it’s on
Your health and home comfort is important, so choose the heating system that is best suited for your lifestyle. If you are interested in Radiators or Underfloor heating for your home, talk to our friendly team today.
