Are Modern Electric Radiators Better Than Under Floor Heating?

Home heating faces challenges in modern times as fewer homes are being constructed with fireplaces that were far more common two hundred years ago. Today's modern electric radiators offer flexibility, style, and convenience whilst keeping up with the latest "green" expectations.

As the latest technology continually advances, the variety of modern electric radiators offer more options and the ability to customise control when it comes to heating the home, including the ability to have settings pre-programmed. With more attractive and sleek designs that unobtrusively fit-in with the home decor, the idea of the old, over-sized and inefficient cast iron versions are a distant memory.

Compared to the under floor heating systems, electric radiators maintain higher efficiency as they use all of the amperage that is channelled through them. They can adjust to temperature as rapidly as the climate changes and their stand-alone structure makes them mobile. There is no need to heat the entire house when heat can be focused on the rooms that are in use, cutting down on energy expense. Wherever they can be plugged in, they are instantly operational, which equates to zero installation cost.

Under floor heating systems must accommodate the entire home, requiring much greater warming-up and cooling-down time. Typically, the under floor system is at its best when it can be run round the clock. Depending on whether an under floor system is running electrically or with water, it can take from two to six hours to get the home acclimated. The UFH technology cannot advance beyond the materials that are used as a flooring substrate. Heat conducting materials can be utilized for wood floors to circumvent their insulating properties, but this is done at greater expense and labour. Then there are the considerations that need to be made for timber that has a moisture content of less than 10% given the risk of the flooring being susceptible to drying out and causes shrinkage, twisting or warping.

Tile floor responds better to this type of system and concrete takes the longest to warm up and to cool down. The concrete floor cannot be retro fitted for an UFH system for an existing house. Installation after construction or build on existing solid floors, however, will adjust the floor level considerably making dynamic differences for all elements that need clearance such as doors, drawers and skirting boards. Then there are the floor mounted units, such as kitchens and bathrooms where care must be given to ensure the under floor heating is not situated beneath these units as this can cause cabinets and furnishings to "sweat." This effect is detrimental to the furniture.

Finally, there are such a wide variety of modern electric radiators available to custom heat the home, including those designed to be fitted in the bathroom and perform specifically as towel warmers. Their attractive designs complement nearly all interior decorating tastes and bring the convenience of electric radiators to modernity in a way that has not been enjoyed as much as it is today.