Find the best option for keeping your home warm with Sophie Vening’s helpful guide to the pros and cons of the two most popular heat emitters

Sophie Vening

Made from recycled, scrap aluminium and assembled by hand, the Lissett radiator in mint green from Bisque costs from £658.80. It has a heat output of 2,660 BTU for the model shown.

Andy Coy, UFH manager at Polypipe advises UFH runs at about 30°C cooler than a traditional radiator system, so the boiler its paired with uses less energy which will result in significantly lower heating bills. As a guide, fitting Polypipe’s UFH in a 12m2 kitchen extension with a newly screeded floor will cost from £1,250

Whether you’re self-building, renovating or extending, selecting the right heating system is a major decision. From design considerations through to energy efficiency, running costs and other practical concerns, there’s a lot to wade through when choosing between underfloor heating (UFH) and radiators. Here’s what you need to know.

What are the design options?

Whatever the style of your home, you’ll easily find an underfloor heating system or radiator arrangement to suit your tastes and requirements. One of the most popular reasons to choose UFH is because, as the name suggests, it is hidden beneath your floor covering. This allows for clean lines and an open flow throughout your home that isn’t interrupted by radiators. It also frees up wall space so will give you the feeling of extra room, too.

There are hundreds of design options when it comes to radiators, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you can’t get something to suit your interior scheme. Vertical radiators are growing in popularity, as their configuration means they don’t have as much of an impact on furniture placement. In terms of material, aluminum is a strong choice for achieving unusual shapes and finishes, plus it heats up quickly. For period charm, consider column radiators in cast iron. You could even try coating this in a bespoke colour for a modern feel – try Bisque for ideas.