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HEAT PUMPS


Why installers are pairing heat pumps with UFH for maximum performance


Ben Perris, sales director for indoor climate solutions at Wavin, explores how underfloor heating (UFH) and heat pumps work together to deliver long-term value for homeowners and why the combination aligns so strongly with the Warm Homes Plan


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nstallers are entering a major growth window. With the UK Government’s new Warm Homes Plan unlocking £15bn for home energy upgrades, including grants and low-cost finance for heat pumps, insulation and smart controls, demand for low temperature heating systems is set to accelerate across both retrofit markets and new build developments. At the same time, the Future Homes Standard,


coming into force in 2026, will make heat pumps the primary heating solution in most new homes. As low temperature systems become the norm, the performance of the heat source will increasingly depend on the emitter used, and UFH is emerging as the key technology to maximise efficiency and comfort.


A changing heating landscape


Government policy is now firmly driving the shift away from fossil fuel systems. The Warm Homes Plan includes billions in support for households switching to low carbon technologies, alongside £2.7bn specifically to expand heat pump incentives. Coupled with future building standards, this creates a consistent direction for the industry: low temperature, energy efficient heating is the new baseline.


But selecting the right heat pump is only part of the story. Its efficiency and the homeowner’s running cost depend heavily on how heat is emitted into the home. This is where UFH has become increasingly important, thanks to its ability to operate efficiently at low flow temperatures.


Why UFH enhances heat pump performance


Unlike radiators, which typically require 60–70°C flow temperatures, hydronic UFH systems such as Wavin’s Comfia system operate effectively at just 30–50°C. This aligns perfectly with how heat pumps are designed to work, enabling higher system efficiencies, lower energy use and running costs, improved heat pump longevity, and greater comfort for homeowners. UFH heats the entire floor surface, eliminating cold spots and creating an even, stable indoor environment. Wavin data shows that UFH can reduce running costs by 25% at 5°C and 32% at –5°C compared with radiators under the same conditions, delivering meaningful long-term savings that support the aims of the Warm Homes Plan. UFH also offers design advantages, freeing up


wall space and operating far more quietly than conventional heating options.


Advanced controls: Reducing cycling and improving heat pump efficiency


As heat pump installations increase, so does the importance of advanced control systems that help them operate at their best. One of the biggest challenges with heat pumps is short cycling, where the unit turns on and off too frequently, negatively impacting both efficiency and system lifespan. Modern control systems, including solutions


such as Wavin’s Sentio Controls, are designed to minimise cycling by optimising flow temperatures and enabling precise room by eoom control with delayed start, ensuring smarter heat distribution across UFH circuits to maintain a stable, low temperature operation. While remaining technology agnostic, these innovations show how better controls are essential


in maximising the benefits of UFH and heat pumps, supporting installers as they adapt to a lowc arbon future.


FutureReady solutions for installers and homeowners


The combination of UFH and heat pumps offers homeowners a long-term, sustainable solution that improves comfort, reduces energy use, and aligns with the UK’s Net Zero transition. For installers, this shift represents a significant opportunity to expand their expertise and meet growing demand for whole house, low carbon heating systems. For homeowners, the UFH and heat pump


combination delivers long-term comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. For the trade, it’s a future-proof opportunity to meet the shifting demands of a more sustainable housing market.


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