Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators? 7 Convincing Reasons It Absolutely Can

If you’ve ever walked across a warm tile floor on a chilly morning and thought, “Why can’t my whole house feel like this?”—you’re not alone. In fact, one of the most common questions we get from homeowners in Malta is: can underfloor heating replace radiators?

The short answer? Yes, underfloor heating can absolutely replace radiators—and in many cases, it should. Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling a villa in Gozo, or simply tired of bulky radiators cramping your style, switching to radiant heating can bring you greater efficiency, improved comfort, and a sleek, minimalist interior design.

In this post, we’ll explore exactly how and when underfloor heating can replace radiators, what you need to consider before making the switch, and why this modern heating method might be the best upgrade for your home or office in Malta.

🔥 Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators? The Straight Answer| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Let’s cut to the chase: can underfloor heating replace radiators?
Yes, it can — and often with better performance and comfort than traditional radiator systems.

Radiators work by heating the air around them, which then rises and circulates. This creates uneven heat distribution (hot near the ceiling, cooler at your feet) and often leads to stuffy rooms. Underfloor heating, on the other hand, uses radiant heat to warm your space from the ground up — evenly, quietly, and efficiently.

When properly designed and installed, underfloor heating provides enough output to heat entire homes, even during Malta’s colder months (yes, we get them too!). Many homeowners who’ve made the switch report more consistent warmth and lower energy bills.

There are two main types of systems:

• Electric underfloor heating – Best for renovations and individual rooms

• Hydronic (water-based) underfloor heating – Ideal for new builds or whole-house setups

Both systems, when matched with the right insulation and thermostat control, can replace radiators entirely.

So the real question isn’t can underfloor heating replace radiators — it’s why haven’t you switched yet?

🧠 How Does Underfloor Heating Actually Work?| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Understanding how underfloor heating functions helps explain why it can replace radiators effectively.

Instead of heating air like a traditional radiator, underfloor heating warms the floor surface. That heat then radiates upward, creating a more consistent and comfortable temperature across the room — no cold corners, no uneven air circulation.

🔌 Electric Systems

Electric systems use thin heating mats or cables placed under your floor finish (tile, wood, carpet, etc.). These are ideal for:

• Retrofitting specific rooms (like bathrooms or bedrooms)

• Quick installations (1–2 days)

• Smaller or individual spaces

Electric systems are efficient and cost-effective for smaller areas. In Malta, prices typically range from €60–€90 per m², including materials.

💧 Water-Based (Hydronic) Systems

Hydronic systems circulate warm water through a network of pipes embedded in your subfloor. These are powered by boilers or renewable systems like heat pumps.

They’re ideal for:

• New builds or full-home renovations

• Large, open-plan areas

• Long-term savings and lower running costs

Prices for water-based systems in Malta range between €90–€150 per m², depending on project size and insulation quality.

Both systems, when sized and installed correctly, can provide all the heat your home needs — no radiators required.

🛠️ What You Need to Replace Radiators with Underfloor Heating| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

If you’re seriously considering the switch, here’s what you’ll need to think about before replacing radiators with underfloor heating:

1. Proper Insulation

Good insulation is key. Floors must retain heat, not lose it. We recommend:

• Insulation boards under electric systems (adds €15–€25 per m²)

• Edge insulation strips for water-based systems

• Double-glazing and ceiling insulation to maintain ambient warmth

2. Floor Height & Materials

Installing underfloor heating may raise your floor height by 10–30mm, especially with water-based systems. Consider this when planning door thresholds and transitions between rooms.

Compatible flooring types include:

• Tile and stone (best thermal conductors)

• Engineered wood

• Vinyl and laminate (with suitable backing)

• Carpet (with low tog underlay, up to a combined tog of 2.5)

3. Thermostat and Zoning

Modern systems use room-by-room thermostats, so you can heat only where and when you need. This leads to serious energy savings compared to radiators controlled by one central boiler.

4. Professional Design & Installation

The performance of your system depends heavily on good design. At Kibitec, we analyze:

• Room sizes

• Heat loss values

• Existing flooring and insulation

• Desired floor finishes

Then, we recommend the best system for your space. You can contact us here for a free consultation.

💶 Comparing Costs: Underfloor Heating vs Radiators in Malta| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Let’s talk numbers. Can underfloor heating replace radiators without breaking the bank? Yes — and often with long-term savings.

Here’s how the two systems stack up in Malta:

Over time, underfloor heating pays for itself, especially when used in energy-efficient homes or paired with solar panels or heat pumps.

🏡 Where in Your Home Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators?| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

The short answer: anywhere.

But here are some of the most popular spaces in Malta where people are making the switch:

🛁 Bathrooms

Say goodbye to cold tiles and bulky towel rails. Underfloor heating makes stepping out of the shower feel like stepping into a spa.

🛏️ Bedrooms

Silent, consistent warmth all night long — without the dry air or clanking noises of radiators.

🧑‍🍳 Kitchens

Kitchens are high-traffic, low-wall-space rooms. Underfloor heating gives you warmth without sacrificing cabinets or appliances.

🛋️ Living Rooms & Open-Plan Spaces

Perfect for modern layouts with large open spaces. Even distribution of heat avoids cold corners and maintains a balanced climate.

📍 Real-Life Case: Replacing Radiators in a Traditional Maltese Townhouse| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Meet Paul and Lara, a couple renovating their 1970s townhouse in Rabat. The existing radiator system was noisy, inefficient, and took up valuable wall space in their open-plan living area.

What We Did:

• Removed all radiators (5 total)

• Installed hydronic underfloor heating across ground and first floors

• Connected the system to an air-source heat pump

• Installed smart thermostats for 6 zones

The Result:

“We haven’t touched a radiator in over a year. The house feels warm without ever being stuffy, and our energy bills dropped significantly. Plus, we gained more room for furniture and art.”

Final Cost: €12,800

Estimated Annual Savings: €350–€450

📩 Ready to Ditch the Radiators?| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

If you’re wondering can underfloor heating replace radiators in your home or business, the answer is an emphatic yes — and it may be one of the smartest upgrades you’ll ever make.

You’ll enjoy:

• Cleaner interior design

• More floor and wall space

• Lower bills

• Even, gentle warmth — where you need it most

📞 Contact Us for a Custom Quote| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Want to know what it would cost to remove your radiators and install a modern underfloor system? We’re here to help.

👉 Contact us at Kibitec for expert advice and tailored pricing for homes and businesses across Malta.

🛠️ Explore Our Full Service| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Check out all our underfloor heating options — electric, water-based, for tiles, wood, carpet, and more.

👉 Underfloor Heating in Malta – Kibitec

🔗 Want to Learn More?| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Dive into the technical side of radiant systems with this comprehensive Wikipedia article on underfloor heating.

❌ Common Myths About Replacing Radiators with Underfloor Heating| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Let’s clear the air. There are still quite a few myths floating around about whether underfloor heating can replace radiators. Here’s what you might have heard — and the real facts:

🧊 Myth 1: It’s Not Warm Enough in Winter

This is probably the most common misconception. People assume that because underfloor systems run at lower temperatures (typically 25–29°C compared to radiators at 65–75°C), they won’t heat the room adequately.

✅ Truth:
While the system itself operates at lower temperatures, it distributes heat evenly across a much larger surface area (your entire floor). This results in stable, gentle warmth that can fully heat even large, poorly insulated homes — especially in Malta’s relatively mild winters.

💸 Myth 2: It’s Too Expensive to Install

Initial costs can be higher than simply replacing radiators — but the long-term savings often make up for it.

✅ Truth:
With lower running costs, minimal maintenance, and increased property value, underfloor heating can be a wise investment. Also, if you’re already planning renovations or a new build, the cost difference is often minimal.

🧱 Myth 3: You Can’t Install It in Older Homes

A lot of Maltese property owners live in traditional townhouses or apartments with thick stone floors and assume underfloor heating isn’t an option.

✅ Truth:
Retrofit systems — especially electric mats or ultra-slim hydronic panels — can be added without needing to dig up your entire floor. We’ve successfully installed systems in 100+ year-old homes across Valletta, Rabat, and Mosta.

💬 FAQs: What Homeowners in Malta Ask Before Making the Switch| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

If you’re still on the fence about whether underfloor heating can replace radiators, here are some frequently asked questions we hear from clients in Malta:

❓Will I need to remove all my flooring?

Not always. For electric systems, we often install heating mats between your existing subfloor and the new floor finish. In some cases, we may need to raise the floor level slightly — typically by 10–15mm.

❓Is it safe for kids and pets?

Yes. Unlike radiators, there are no hot surfaces or sharp edges to worry about. The floor temperature is comfortably warm, not dangerously hot.

❓What happens if there’s a fault?

Electric systems are easy to test before the final floor covering is laid. With water-based systems, we use pressure testing and modern materials (like PEX pipes with a 50-year lifespan) to prevent leaks.

❓Does it work with solar panels or heat pumps?

Absolutely. In fact, underfloor heating pairs perfectly with low-temperature heat sources like solar thermal panels, air-to-water heat pumps, and condensing boilers — making it a great choice for sustainable, energy-efficient homes.

🔧 Step-by-Step: How We Replace Radiators with Underfloor Heating| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Here’s what a typical replacement project looks like when you work with Kibitec in Malta:

1. Site Survey & Consultation

We assess your current heating system, floor construction, insulation levels, and goals. We’ll discuss electric vs hydronic systems and provide an accurate quote.

👉 Start now by contacting us

2. Design & Planning

We create a bespoke heating plan for your home, including zoning, thermostat placement, and pipe/mat layout.

3. Radiator Removal

Old radiators and associated pipework are carefully removed. We patch up any wall or floor damage to prepare for the new system.

4. Insulation & Heating Installation

We install thermal insulation layers to maximise efficiency. Then we lay down heating mats or pipework, followed by screed or floor covering.

5. Thermostats & Smart Controls

Each zone gets a programmable thermostat — some with WiFi control, allowing you to manage heat from your phone.

6. Testing & Commissioning

We pressure-test the system, calibrate controls, and ensure everything runs efficiently.

7. Aftercare & Support

We provide full instructions and remain available for follow-up questions or system expansions.

🕒 Total time: 2–10 days depending on size and system
💶 Estimated cost: Starting from €1,500–€15,000+ depending on system type and property size

🌍 Underfloor Heating Is Greener Than You Think| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Still wondering can underfloor heating replace radiators — and is it really worth it?

Here’s something more to consider: underfloor heating is one of the most eco-friendly ways to heat your home.

• Operates at lower temperatures (uses less energy)

• Works with renewable sources like heat pumps or solar

• Eliminates “overheating” often caused by radiators

• Helps reduce CO₂ emissions

In the context of Malta’s growing push toward sustainability and EU energy directives, this system aligns with both environmental and financial responsibility.

📦 Packages & Pricing in Malta| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Here’s a breakdown of typical project packages and pricing (ballpark):

Every home is different, and we always recommend a custom quote.
👉 Contact us today to find out what works best for you.

💬 Final Thoughts: Should You Replace Radiators with Underfloor Heating?| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Let’s recap. Can underfloor heating replace radiators?
Yes — and it can do so better, smarter, and more beautifully.

✅ You’ll enjoy:

• Even, silent warmth

• Lower energy bills

• More design freedom

• Fewer maintenance headaches

• Better pairing with eco-friendly tech

At Kibitec, we’ve helped dozens of families and businesses across Malta make the switch — and none of them want their radiators back.

So whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading your current heating system, now’s the perfect time to future-proof your home.

📞 Ready to Upgrade? Let’s Chat| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

We’d love to hear about your project. Whether it’s a single room or a full-house conversion, we’re here to help you figure out the best system for your needs.

👉 Contact us now and let’s get started.

🔧 Want to Learn More About Our Service?| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Explore our full underfloor heating options, technical specs, installation guides, and more.

👉 Check out our underfloor heating service in Malta here

📚 Learn the Science Behind It| Can Underfloor Heating Replace Radiators

Curious about how radiant systems work?
Dive deeper into the technology with this Wikipedia article on underfloor heating