HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES 45 Futureproof by design
Chris Stammers of the BEAMA’s Underfl oor Heating Group explores the key benefi ts and latest research around low temperature heat emitters, and how they can support specifi cation choices that futureproof residential projects.
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ith the Future Homes and Buildings Standard (FHS) due to come into effect soon, architects working on residential dwellings are under growing pressure to design heating systems that are not only energy effi cient, but which are also compliant with increasingly stringent regulations. One of the most effective ways to meet these low-carbon objectives, whether in new-build housing or large-scale refurbishments, is by integrating underfl oor heating (UFH) with air source heat pumps (ASHP). As of June 2022, the revised Part L of the Building Regulations has placed fi rm requirements on all new residential buildings to reduce carbon emissions by at least 31% compared to the previous benchmark. This also applies to extensions and signifi cant renovations under Part L1B. Central to these regulations is the move towards low-temperature heating systems, now capped at a maximum fl ow temperature of 55°C. Designers must also provide a Building Regulations England Part L (BREL) report with photographic evidence demonstrating compliance, underlining the need for thorough planning.
A natural fi t: UFH & ASHP ASHPs are fast becoming the preferred low-carbon heat source for UK homes, particularly when integrated into well- designed UFH systems. The compatibility is straightforward: UFH systems operate effi ciently at lower fl ow temperatures, often as low as 35°C, which supports ASHP in achieving a higher Coeffi cient of Performance (CoP), maximising energy effi ciency and cost savings. Compared to radiator-based fossil-fuelled systems, the combination of ASHP and UFH can deliver much greater effi ciency, making it a key strategy for net zero building targets. Recent research from Salford University’s Energy House 2.0 project demonstrated that hydronic underfl oor heating excels
ADF JUNE 2025
at maintaining consistent temperatures throughout each zone. The study recorded minimal temperature variation, only 0.8°C at -5°C and 0.7°C at +5°C when operated using a standard SAP heating pattern. Traditional radiators showed a minimum variation of 2.2°C, while other systems displayed differences of up to 4°C. Even greater consistency was achieved when UFH was running continuously. These results also emphasise UFH’s advantage when combined with air source
Recent research data from Energy House 2.0 demonstrated that hydronic UFH excels at maintaining constant temperatures
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