According to decrees across Europe, underfloor heating is the leading solution for energy consumption and CO2 emissions. It has a large CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) predicted to increase by 7.5% per year up to 20281.
When deciding which heating system is suitable for you, it’s important to consider heat transmission and creation. How does the heat spread in the room? Which system uses a high or low temperature? Discover the main advantages and uses below to find the ideal heating solution for you.
Two Types of Heat Transmission: Convection or Radiation?
| Type of heat transmission | Convection | Radiation |
| Main support use |  |  |
| Operation |
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| Advantages | ||
| Speed of heating | ✚✚✚ | ✚✚✚✚ Efficient thanks to a very large heating surface |
| Thermal comfort | ✚ Easy and practical control of each individual room as the ceiling heats first, then shoulder height, and then feet | ✚✚✚✚ Homogeneous heat with underfloor heating; the interior temperature is lowered by 2° for the same level of warmth (set to 19 instead of 21°)2 |
| Air comfort | − The air throughout the room is dry Convection operation displaces dust, and the wall on which it is mounted may even turn black: not recommended for people with allergies | ✚✚✚ There is no air movement, and thus no dust displacement, so it is a healthier choice |
| Comfort for feet | − Floor is the last surface to be heated, it stays colder than air | ✚✚✚ No cold tiles: the floor is at optimal temperature for tenants’ feet |
| Design | −/✚ Depends on model | ✚✚✚✚ Invisible, hidden heating which saves 7% of interior space3 |
| Simplicity of use and installation | ✚✚✚✚ Doesn’t require any major work and is easily adjustable | ✚ Requires some pre-work, but installation can be more efficient onsite |
Low or High Temperature Emitter?
An emitter is the component of a heating system that transmits heat to a space that needs to be heated. Examples include radiators, convector fan coils, and underfloor heating. So which type of emitter is the best?
| Type of emitter | High temperature | Low temperature |
| Operation | Water temperature is around 70°C (previously around 80°C) | Water circulates at 45° |
| Advantages | ||
| Energy consumption | − | ✚✚✚✚ Less water heating results in energy savings. Consumption is up to 30% lower |
| Environmental durability | − | ✚✚✚ |
| Compatibility with heat sources | − Only compatible with high temperature boilers | ✚✚✚✚ Compatible with all energy sources, including solar, low temperature boilers, or heat pumps |
| Compatibility with heat systems | High temperature radiators | Underfloor heating and low temperature radiators |
| Usability for renovation | ✚✚✚✚ Ideal for renovation as only the boiler needs to be changed and piping/plumbing can be kept | ✚✚
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| Reversibility for cooling | ✚ | ✚✚✚ Possible, but only with underfloor systems |
CoExpert advice
With a high temperature system, installing thermostatic heads on radiators or thermostats ensures better control of room temperature and energy consumption.
Choose low temperature systems with a connected thermostat, you will be able to monitor and adjust your energy consumption more precisely and remotely.
Both high and low temperature systems and emitters have pros and cons. Knowing the advantages of both systems ensures you are making an informed and efficient choice. To optimize the efficiency of both systems, factor in connectivity when making a choice.
1 Source: Underfloor Heating Market Report, March 2022 / 2 Source: Certitherm / 3 Source: Chochebat – French syndicate for building owners /
