Is under floor heating cheaper than fitting extra radiators?

ktduffey

Hello, I am about to start the rennovation of a large victorian flat - and am knocking the kitchen and dining room into one and fitting two bifold doors. I am worried about it being cold as there are large windows and high ceilings.

Does anyone know whether underfloor heating will be warmer and cheaper than fitting extra radiators? I am totally clueless when it comes to this type of thing.
Also in the lounge there is an open fire - would it be more economincal in the long run to change it to a living flame gas fire, or pay to have extra radiators fitted?

Any advice will be much apprecaited

lomb

Underfloor heating is dearer to install, and is more complicated with motorised valves and manifolds. Also the floor will need insulating under the underfloor heating to stop heat going downwards. Will need a few inches of kingspan type polyurethene so you need this thickness available.
It is also dearer to run as it takes longer to heat up the place and isnt as controllable. Best bet is a larger gas boiler and large radiators 50% oversized.

ktduffey

thats really useful thanks - There is a new boiler that was fitted a year ago - do you know if boilers can take an extra two/ three radiators or would it have to be a new boiler?

lomb

What is the make and model of your boiler and how many sq foot is the flat? Usually the boilers are over powered and throttle back so you should be ok

lomb

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