Heating solutions of the future

Are radiators part of the heating solutions of the future?

In recent years, energy and heat supply have become increasingly important topics in public debate. This raises the question: How will we heat up our homes in the future - and will radiators be part of that heating solution? With nearly 100 years in the industry, we’ve taken the liberty of offering our perspective.

The future of heating

When looking at future heating technologies, four key factors will shape the development:

• Technology – new energy sources and intelligent systems
• Economy – energy prices and investments in new solutions
• Politics – regulations, subsidies, and climate targets
• Environment – the goal of CO₂ reduction and energy savings

We expect that district heating and heat pumps will continue to dominate the market due to strong political focus and both economic and environmental incentives.

In the slightly longer term, technological innovation may bring even more options—such as geothermal heating, heat storage batteries, and Power-to-Heat systems. These will be especially relevant in areas without access to district heating.

In Denmark, district heating will remain the predominant heating solution, thanks to our extensive network and its compatibility with renewable energy.

Will radiators still be found in future homes?

Radiators will continue to play an important role in future heating solutions. They remain a core heat source in many private homes, public buildings, and commercial spaces. However, their design and function are likely to evolve alongside technology and changing living trends.

In the short term – 10 years
Many existing buildings will continue using water-based heating systems with radiators. However, we anticipate a shift toward more minimalist designs, clean lines and smooth surfaces. Radiators will also become increasingly energy efficient, with low-temperature models becoming more widespread.

In the long term – 30 years
Many older column radiators will be replaced with modern, energy-efficient models with updated designs or with entirely different heating solutions. In newbuilds, radiators will be more seamlessly integrated into the architecture, such as trench heaters or built-in radiators.

We also foresee a rise in multifunctional radiators, such as benches or furniture with built-in heating. As housing trends shift toward smaller, more sustainable spaces, these innovative solutions will become more desirable. That said, traditional radiators will still be found in most apartments and existing buildings.

Will radiators still be in use in 10, 30, and 100 years?

The continued use of radiators depends on how our heating technologies and housing evolve. Here's our view based on time horizon:

In 10 years (2035):
Yes – radiators will still be widely used.
Why:

• Many existing buildings will continue using water-based systems.
• Heat pumps can replace gas or oil boilers and be connected to existing radiators, sometimes requiring larger surface areas or low-temperature models.
• New types of radiators and convectors are already being developed to work better with modern heat sources.

In 30+ years (2055):
Yes – but in new forms.
Why:

• New buildings will more often use alternative heating methods, integrating heating, cooling, and ventilation into a single unit.
• Built-in heating solutions and active building components (like walls or ceilings that radiate heat) will become more common.
• AI-technology based systems will support and optimize heating setups in conjunction with other building technologies.
• Renovations will replace older radiators with more efficient solutions that prioritize environmental performance.

In 100 years (2125):

• If radiator manufacturers continue to innovate, combining products and integrating smart technology into their products, we believe radiators will still have a place in the market - also in 100 years.

Conclusion: The radiator - A product in constant evolution

Radiators are not just a legacy solution; they are a future-proof, flexible, and efficient way to maintain indoor comfort. As our energy needs and technologies evolve, so too will the shape and function of the radiator.

In Denmark, the strong district heating network ensures that radiators will remain a vital part of the heating landscape. Internationally, we see continued potential, particularly in combination with heat pumps and intelligent control systems.

The radiator of the future may not look like the one we know today, but it will continue to shape the way we experience heating and comfort.