Some people like underfloor heating, some people like radiators, but from my personal point of view, I prefer radiators.
The experience of the first floor heating house made me deeply realize several major disadvantages of floor heating.
These shortcomings may not be so obvious in the beginning, but over time, they gradually become problems that cannot be ignored.
Underfloor heating makes the indoor air unusually dry, which directly leads to an increase in dust and floating dust. In my house, once a day was enough to clean the wooden floors, but since the installation of underfloor heating, the dust on the floor has increased significantly, and the frequency of cleaning has also increased.
Although there are now wooden floors on the market that claim to be suitable for underfloor heating, the actual effect is not ideal. Wood floors are not as thermally conductive as tiles, which results in rooms where wood floors are used typically a few degrees cooler than tiled floors at the same temperature setting.
In addition, long-term heat effects can put wooden floors and furniture at risk of cracking and deformation, which is a big problem for families who prefer wooden furniture.
The underfloor heating system requires the installation of pipes and insulation under the floor, which undoubtedly occupies a certain floor height. In modern homes with limited floor heights, this means that the installation of ceilings and luminaires is restricted, affecting the overall sense of space and aesthetics.
When underfloor heating goes wrong, repairs are usually quite complicated and expensive. For example, my home once had a water leak from the floor heating and had to knock on the floor to fix it, which not only caused huge trouble, but also destroyed the integrity of the floor.
Finding replacement bricks that match the original floor is an almost impossible task, meaning that the restored floor may no longer be in harmony with the original style and color.
Underfloor heating can provide constant warmth, but it can sometimes feel too stuffy. In the south, winters, although cold, do not require sustained high temperatures. Floor heating often makes the indoor temperature too high, resulting in a large temperature difference between the inside and outside, which affects the comfort of living.
Through these first-hand experiences, I have come to realize that while underfloor heating has its advantages, its disadvantages are just as obvious in the living environment of the south.
These shortcomings eventually led me to opt for radiators when renovating my second home.
After switching to radiators, I immediately felt a noticeable improvement and many advantages. Radiators not only solve some of the inherent problems of underfloor heating houses, but also bring extra comfort and convenience.
1. The effect of rapid heating is remarkable
Radiators are able to heat up faster than underfloor heating. On a cold winter day, it only takes a few minutes for the radiator to warm and cozy the room.
This responsiveness is especially important for homes in the South, where winters are cold but don't require long, continuous heating.
2. Flexible temperature regulation and control
A significant advantage of radiators is the flexibility to adjust the temperature. This means that I can adjust the indoor temperature according to the weather and personal preferences, avoiding the "turn on and on" situation of underfloor heating.
Especially in different rooms, it can be controlled separately according to actual needs, which is very suitable for the heating needs of different members of the family.
3. Energy saving and cost-effective
Radiators are more economical to run than underfloor heating. Because it heats up quickly, I can turn on the heating only when I need it, saving unnecessary energy consumption. This is a big advantage for families who pay attention to energy conservation and emission reduction.
4. Convenience of maintenance and repair
Compared to the complex repair process of underfloor heating, the maintenance and repair of radiators is much simpler. Since it is installed on the wall, in the event of a problem, the repair work does not need to damage the ground, which saves time and effort.
5. Additional functions for drying clothes and food
I've found that radiators have an unexpected added benefit – they can be used to dry laundry and keep food warm. This feature is especially useful in wet winter days. Laundry drying on radiators dries quickly, and food keeps you warm by keeping it nearby.
While radiators may not provide as uniform floor heating as underfloor heating, I think it's a better fit for the needs of southern families, considering its rapid heating up, flexible control, energy saving, and ease of maintenance.
However, although radiators are superior to underfloor heating in many ways, it also has its own limitations. Understanding these limitations is essential to making informed heating choices.
1. Space occupation and visual impact
Radiators need to be mounted on the wall, which takes up some of the interior space. Especially in a compact room, radiators can appear obtrusive or affect the overall aesthetics of the interior décor. Although there are many styles of radiators in modern design, it is still necessary to consider how to coordinate with the interior style when decorating the design.
2. The temperature distribution is not as uniform as that of floor heating
The heat provided by radiators is not as evenly distributed as compared to underfloor heating. Underfloor heating dissipates heat evenly from the floor, while radiator heat is concentrated in the area around it, which can cause cooler parts of the room.
3. Noise problem
Some models of radiators may make slight noise when operating, especially when turned on and off. While this noise is usually not too loud, it may be something to consider for families who are looking for a quiet environment.
4. Thermal efficiency is affected by the characteristics of the room
The heating effect of radiators is affected by the insulation and sealing of the room. In a room that is poorly insulated, radiators may not provide enough warmth, or may need to be heated for longer.
5. Regular maintenance requirements
While radiators are relatively easy to repair, they still require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and exhausting, in order to maintain optimal operating efficiency. This means that the home needs to have it regularly inspected and maintained.
Overall, despite their unique limitations, radiators are often a practical and economical heating option for families in the South.
In my personal experience, I have come to the conclusion that radiators are more suitable for southern families, mainly because of their advantages of fast heating, energy saving, easy maintenance and flexible control.
While there are some limitations, such as space occupancy and uneven heat distribution, overall, the advantages of radiators stand out.
Which heating method do you prefer?How does your home heat up?Feel free to share your views in the comment section.