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Underfloor Heating Electric vs. Radiators: 7 Facts Every Irish Homeowner Must Know in 2025

  • Writer: Marketing StillorganGas
    Marketing StillorganGas
  • Nov 11
  • 6 min read
Warm modern living room with electric underfloor heating in South Dublin.

Why Dublin Homeowners Are Reassessing Their Heating Systems


Irish population shows strong interest in energy efficiency because Dublin residents spend most of their household energy costs on heating their homes. Underfloor heating electric sytem have gained popularity among homeowners for decades because they provide comfort and clean design and maintain warm temperatures. The systems experience efficiency decline and complete system failure as they reach their aging point.


The combination of cold floor areas with leaks and faulty thermostats creates uncomfortable temperatures while causing your energy expenses to increase. That’s where Stillorgan Gas, the trusted experts in underfloor heating repair in dublin, come in.





If you’re weighing the pros and cons of repairing your underfloor heating system versus sticking with radiators, here are 7 key facts every Irish homeowner should know before making a decision.


Fact 1: Underfloor Heating Electric vs Radiator — Which Gives Better Comfort?


One of the biggest advantages of floor heating is even heat distribution. The system produces gentle heat that covers your entire floor space to create uniform room temperature and eliminate all cold areas. Radiators start by warming up the surrounding air before they can distribute heat to other areas.


Cross-section floor heating comparison showing even heat vs radiator heating.

The fast ascent of warm air creates temperature differences between floor and ceiling spaces in big rooms with inadequate insulation. The heating system creates temperature differences between your feet and the upper parts of the room.


A properly cared for underfloor heating electric system creates a uniform comfortable temperature that spans throughout your entire home. Stillorgan Gas provides system inspection services to fix heat distribution problems through specific repair methods.


Improve your heating performance further with our Power Flushing service — ideal for removing sludge and restoring efficiency.


Fact 2: Does Underfloor Heating Electric Use Less Energy Than Radiators?


Underfloor heating systems function at 30–40°C when operating properly but radiators require temperatures between comfort levels. The system requires additional energy to produce heat when it encounters problems with air traps or manifold 65–75°C.


Energy efficiency graphic comparing electric underfloor heating and radiators.

The system operates at lower temperatures, which results in reduced energy usage while delivering equivalent blockages or faulty thermostats, which results in higher utility costs. Underfloor heating benefits from regular maintenance checks and repair services, which preserve its operational efficiency and increase its overall lifespan.


Stillorgan Gas also ensures your boiler and heating controls are working in harmony with your underfloor system. For full system servicing, visit our Gas Boiler Service page.


Considering smart controls? SEAI’s Heating Controls Grant can help reduce costs of an upgrade.


Fact 3: Can Underfloor Heating Be Repaired Without Lifting Floors?


A common misconception among Dublin homeowners is that underfloor heating repairs always require ripping up flooring — but that’s rarely the case. Modern diagnostic technology allows experts to identify system problems which they can resolve without causing major interruptions to operations.


At Stillorgan Gas, our technicians use:

  • Thermal imaging cameras which help technicians find both cold areas and blocked sections in the system

  • Leak detection tools help specialists detect tiny leaks in pipes

  • System integrity verification process uses pressure testing as a method

  • Control diagnostics system enables technicians to check both thermostats and actuators for proper function


Technician inspecting underfloor heating manifold in a Dublin home.

Our South Dublin-based underfloor heating repair team detects all heating system issues through fast identification which prevents both time-consuming delays and costly mistakes.


Learn more about our professional Electric Underfloor Heating Dublin repair service.


Fact 4: Are Radiators Easier to Maintain Than Underfloor Heating?


Radiators remain popular because they’re simple to install and repair. However, they require regular maintenance — bleeding, balancing, valve checks, and sometimes full power flushing — to prevent cold spots and efficiency loss.


By contrast, once a floor heating system is repaired and correctly balanced, it requires very little upkeep. It also promotes better indoor air quality by reducing convection and dust circulation, making it healthier for allergy sufferers.


If your radiators aren’t heating evenly or are noisy, explore our Radiator Repair or Installation services to keep them in top shape.


Fact 5: Underfloor Heating Repair Costs vs Radiator Repair Costs in Dublin


Homeowners can achieve cost savings through floor heating system repairs because this approach needs less financial investment than buying new systems.


Heating engineer servicing radiator and underfloor heating controls.

The typical repair costs for Dublin residents amount to:

  • The cost to replace or fix a thermostat falls between €120 and €250.

  • The cost to repair a pump or wiring system falls between €150 and €350.

  • The cost to locate and fix underfloor heating leaks spans between €250 and €500.


Underfloor heating systems can operate for longer than 50 years when this approach helps control your energy expenses.


Want to save more on home heating? Check out Tips to Reduce Your Energy Bills.


Fact 6: Which System Heats Faster — Radiators or Underfloor Heating?


Heating process of radiators becomes rapid, but they lose their ability to produce warmth after being deactivated. Underfloor heating service need more time to reach initial heat, but they retain heat within floor materials which keeps spaces warm for extended periods after shutdown.


The Dublin climate's dampness benefits from floor heating because it produces a constant heat flow which creates stable temperatures and minimizes cold air movement. Floor heating deliver superior comfort and operational efficiency when properly maintained and adjusted compared to traditional radiator systems.


The system will achieve its highest efficiency when you connect it to a contemporary condensing boiler. Learn more about New Gas Boilers and Electric Boilers available from Stillorgan Gas.


For independent guidance on how floor heating system works, costs and when it’s most efficient, see the Energy Saving Trust’s underfloor heating advice.


Fact 7: How Often Should You Service Underfloor Heating in Ireland?


Underfloor heating systems require scheduled maintenance because their operation depends on regular system checks. The system requires yearly maintenance inspections to maintain valve and thermostat and pump performance at their best.


Thermal image showing radiant floor heat vs radiator heat pattern.

Stillorgan Gas offers complete maintenance solutions which include:

  • The service checks for system pressure loss and airlock presence

  • The system tests its thermostat accuracy

  • The system undergoes cleaning and balancing procedures

  • The system undergoes leak detection and flow rate assessment tests


Stillorgan Gas performs scheduled maintenance to defend your heating system from damage while ensuring its peak performance during Dublin's most frigid winter days.


Explore our full range of Plumbing Services for complete heating system care.


Why Choose Stillorgan Gas for Underfloor Heating Repair Dublin


Stillorgan Gas has maintained its position as Dublin's trusted heating repair service provider through decades of service to local bring back both floor heating and radiator system functionality.


Our team delivers:

  • Quick and precise diagnostics for homeowners.

  • Minimal disruption during repairs

  • Complete price transparency to provide customers with affordable rates.

  • Long-lasting results backed by trusted service


Our local experts perform system repair services for floor heating and radiator systems when your system stops heating or develops leaks or needs professional inspection.


You can schedule your Underfloor Heating Repair in Dublin through our service to bring back comfort to your space.


People Also Ask


How can I tell if my underfloor heating needs repair?

Your floor will show uneven heat distribution when your system requires maintenance or repair because it fails to distribute heat properly.

Can underfloor heating be fixed without lifting the floor?

Yes, Modern diagnostic tools enable technicians to detect faults which can then be repaired through non-invasive methods that prevent both major disruptions and floor removal.

Is underfloor heating expensive to repair?

Most repairs are straightforward and affordable. The main requirement for success involves identifying issues at their beginning stage to stop damage from expanding.

Does underfloor heating work with gas boilers?

Absolutely. Modern gas boilers operate perfectly with underfloor heating because they deliver efficient and consistent warmth.

How often should I service my underfloor heating electric system?

The system requires maintenance every 2–3 years to achieve maximum performance and extend its operational lifespan.


Conclusion: Repair for Comfort, Save for the Future


The floor heating systems operated by owners provide them with better comfort and operational efficiency at lower operating costs than radiators do. The installation process for radiators proves to be less complicated than the installation of floor heating systems.


Happy family enjoying warm floors from repaired underfloor heating in Dublin home.

If your floor heating system isn’t performing as it should, don’t replace it — repair it. Stillorgan Gas provides you with professional diagnosis services and clear cost estimates and long-lasting heating solutions.


With Stillorgan Gas, you get expert diagnostics, transparent pricing, and dependable warmth for years to come.


Contact the most trusted specialists in underfloor heating electric repair in South Dublin today and keep your home cozy, efficient, and comfortable all year round.



 
 
 
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