Thermal principles: why they differ
Radiators heat by convection: they create temperature gradients (very hot head, cold feet), air currents and dust movement. They require high water temperatures (60–80 °C).
Underfloor heating heats by radiation: uniform temperature from top to bottom, no air currents, with very low water temperature (28–40 °C). Exactly what aerothermal heat pumps from Daikin, Panasonic, Vaillant and De Dietrich produce at maximum efficiency.
Full comparison
| Criterion | Conventional radiators | Hydronic Underfloor Heating |
|---|---|---|
| Required water temperature | 60–80 °C | 28–40 °C |
| Associated heat pump COP | 2.2–2.8 | 4.5–5.5 |
| Thermal comfort | Head-feet gradient (3–5 °C) | Uniform (difference <1 °C) |
| Air currents and dust | Yes | No |
| Cooling possible | No | Yes (cool floor) |
| Service life | 20–30 years | 50+ years |
Official Installers in Alt Empordà
When is each system right?
Underfloor heating: ideal if...
- You are in a new build or full floor renovation phase
- You want maximum efficiency with aerothermal (Daikin Altherma, Panasonic Aquarea, Vaillant aroTHERM, De Dietrich Alezio)
- You prioritise thermal comfort and health (no airborne dust)
Low-temperature radiators: acceptable if...
- You are renovating without the possibility of touching the floor
- Existing radiators are oversized (≥30% extra surface area)
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect existing radiators to a new aerothermal system?
Yes, but you need to verify that the radiators are oversized. An aerothermal system works at 45–55 °C (not at 70–80 °C like an oil boiler). Enclos Instal provides the preliminary calculation free of charge.