Underfloor Heating vs Radiators
Compare underfloor heating and traditional radiators — comfort, energy efficiency, installation cost, running cost, and which heating method is better for Australian and UK homes.
Winner
Thermogroup
Best overall option once average cost, coverage, and support reputation are weighed together.
Average Gap
$209
Difference in average pricing across overlapping underfloor heating products.
Market Range
$50 - $1,750
The full low-to-high range across both providers.
Sydney, NSW · Est. 1999
From
$50
Average
$245
Coverage
7 areas
Best for: Homeowners, electricians, and builders wanting to source quality electric underfloor heating products with national distribution and strong technical support.
Review ThermogroupMelbourne, VIC · Est. 2005
From
$50
Average
$454
Coverage
5 areas
Best for: Melbourne and Victorian homeowners wanting a local specialist for supply-and-install electric underfloor heating with in-house licensed electricians and competitive local pricing.
Review ColdbusterSide-by-Side Price Comparison
Compare overlapping product types directly so the right price anchor is clear before you purchase.
| Product | Thermogroup | Coldbuster | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermonet Electric Mat (supply only) | $68 | N/A | - |
| Thermowire Electric Cable (supply only) | $82 | N/A | - |
| Bathroom UFH Kit (supply only) | $550 | N/A | - |
| Thermostat/Controller (supply only) | $280 | N/A | - |
| Electric Heating Mat (supply and install) | N/A | $66 | - |
| Bathroom UFH Package (supply and install) | N/A | $1100 | - |
| Thermostat (supply and install) | N/A | $330 | - |
| System Repair & Diagnostics | N/A | $320 | - |
Pros & Cons
Thermogroup
WinnerPros
- ✓Australia's leading electric UFH product distributor — Thermonet and Thermowire are the most widely installed electric systems in Australia
- ✓National distributor network with trained installation electricians in all major cities
- ✓Strong technical support line and comprehensive installation guides for both trade and DIY supply customers
Cons
- ✗Primarily a product supplier — installation must be arranged separately through a licensed electrician
- ✗Hydronic product range is less comprehensive than specialist hydronic-only companies
Coldbuster
Pros
- ✓Victorian specialist with in-house licensed electricians for full supply-and-install service
- ✓Competitive pricing for Melbourne bathroom and kitchen renovations
- ✓Strong diagnostics and repair capability — experienced with fault-finding on existing UFH systems
Cons
- ✗Primarily Victorian focus — limited availability outside Melbourne metro and regional Victoria
- ✗Smaller product range than national distributors like Thermogroup and Warmup
Bottom Line
Verdict
Underfloor heating (UFH) and radiators represent two fundamentally different approaches to heating. Radiators heat the air around them through convection, creating hot spots near the radiator and cooler zones away from it. UFH heats the entire floor surface, radiating warmth upward evenly across the room — widely regarded as the most comfortable form of heating. UFH operates at lower flow temperatures (35–55°C for hydronic vs 60–80°C for radiators), making it significantly more efficient when paired with a heat pump (which delivers its highest efficiency at lower flow temperatures). Radiators cost less to install and are easier to retrofit but are less efficient with modern heat pump technology. In the UK, the shift from gas boilers to heat pumps under the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme strongly favours UFH over radiators.
Choose underfloor heating for new builds, major renovations, and any project involving a heat pump — UFH operates at the low flow temperatures where heat pumps achieve their highest Coefficient of Performance (COP 3.0–5.0). The improved comfort, even heat distribution, and elimination of visible radiators justify the higher install cost in new builds. Choose radiators for retrofits in existing properties where UFH installation would require major floor works — the lower disruption and cost of radiator replacement makes them the practical choice in most retrofit scenarios. In the UK, if you are planning to install an air source heat pump under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, budget for UFH as part of the project to maximise heat pump efficiency.
Comparison FAQ
Thermogroup is cheaper on average in this comparison, but the right answer depends on your specific underfloor heating requirements including system type, floor area, floor covering, and whether supply-only or full installation is required.
System type (electric vs hydronic), floor area, floor covering compatibility, thermostat type, whether insulation board is included, and whether the quote covers full supply-and-install or supply-only usually affect total cost and value more than a blended average. Always confirm what is included in the quote and check product warranty terms.
Choose underfloor heating for new builds, major renovations, and any project involving a heat pump — UFH operates at the low flow temperatures where heat pumps achieve their highest Coefficient of Performance (COP 3.0–5.0). The improved comfort, even heat distribution, and elimination of visible radiators justify the higher install cost in new builds. Choose radiators for retrofits in existing properties where UFH installation would require major floor works — the lower disruption and cost of radiator replacement makes them the practical choice in most retrofit scenarios. In the UK, if you are planning to install an air source heat pump under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, budget for UFH as part of the project to maximise heat pump efficiency.