UNDERFLOOR HEATING


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Underfloor heating: getting the basics right in a low-temperature heating future


The transition towards low-carbon heating is creating new opportunities for installers, but it is also placing greater importance on system design and specification says Ben Perris, sales director ICS UK for Wavin


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s the Future Homes Standard (FHS) draws closer and heat pumps become increasingly common in both new-build and retrofit


projects, underfloor heating (UFH) is emerging as a key technology for delivering efficient, comfortable heating in modern homes. For installers, this means demand for UFH is set to grow. However, as with any heating system, performance ultimately depends on getting the fundamentals right. A well-designed and correctly installed system can deliver excellent comfort and efficiency, while poor installation practices can limit performance and lead to unnecessary callbacks. With low-carbon heating becoming a much larger part of the industry’s future, understanding the key principles behind successful UFH installations has never been more important.


The case of underfloor heating


The FHS places heat pumps at the heart of the government’s target to lower carbon emissions from homes. In fact, they’ve set the lofty ambition of more than 450,000 installations (both new and retrofit) by 2030. As heat pumps become more common, so too will the focus on installing emitters that can operate at equally low-flow temperatures (35oC – 55oC) to ensure maximum efficiency. That is where underfloor heating (UFH) is proving


its value. By delivering even heat distribution across the


entire floor surface, UFH systems eliminates cold spots and creates a more stable and comfortable indoor climate. It also operates at significantly lower temperatures – typically between 30-50°C for hydronic underfloor systems, like Wavin’s Comfia system, as opposed to the 60-70°C required for conventional radiators. This makes it a natural fit for low-carbon heat sources like heat pumps. For homeowners, this means lower energy


consumption and a more sustainable approach to keeping warm – alongside significant cost savings. A combination of reduced running costs, heat loss and enhanced thermal efficiency ensure homeowners who opt for UFH systems are provided with a long-term investment which delivers for years to come. In fact, compared to conventional radiators, our data demonstrates that UFH systems reduce running costs by 25% at 5ºC and 32% at - 5ºC compared to radiators under the same conditions. The benefits of UFH solutions don’t stop


here. Compared to traditional, wall-mounted radiators, UFH alternatives free up wall space and offer greater flexibility over room layouts and interior design. Alternatives to wall-fixed heating


16 September 2026


solutions are also notedly quieter, guaranteeing a more comfortable experience for residents and homeowners alike.


Selecting the right system


As low-carbon heating becomes more commonplace, installers are likely to encounter UFH more frequently across a wider range of projects. The first step towards a successful installation is to ensure the chosen system is suitable for the property and project requirements. While electric underfloor heating can provide a


practical solution in smaller spaces where quick installation is important, water-based systems are generally better suited to whole-house heating applications and projects where long-term efficiency is a priority. Installers should also consider the floor


construction early in the design stage. Different properties present different challenges, particularly when working above ground floor level. As demand for UFH continues to grow, installers


are increasingly asked to extend the same even warmth experienced on ground floors to upper levels in multi-storey homes, including bedrooms and bathrooms. Historically, this has presented a challenge, as traditional UFH systems often require greater build-up heights than are available in upstairs retrofit or timber floor constructions. Systems such as Wavin Warm Deck are designed specifically for suspended and upper floor applications, allowing installers to fit water-based UFH upstairs without the need for heavy screed layers.


The installation details that make a difference


Once the system has been selected for the project, attention to detail during installation becomes critical. One of the most important considerations is insulation. Without adequate insulation beneath the pipework, heat can be lost into the floor structure rather than transferred into the living space. This impacts both efficiency and warm-up times, reducing the overall effectiveness of the system. Pipe layout is equally important. Consistent pipe spacing helps ensure even heat distribution, reducing the risk of cold spots, and supporting stable temperatures across the room. Taking time to follow the design specifications accurately can have a significant impact on long-term system performance. Installers should also pay close attention to


commissioning and testing procedures. Identifying any issues before floor finishes are installed can save considerable time and cost later in the project.


Don’t overlook controls


As heating systems become smarter, controls play an increasingly important role in overall performance. Different areas of a home rarely require the same


level of heating throughout the day. Bedrooms, living rooms and home offices often have very different occupancy patterns, making zoning an effective way of balancing comfort and efficiency. Employing smart controls can help to manage this, ensuring maximum efficiency. Designed specifically for underfloor heating systems connected to heat pumps, Sentio provides intuitive room-by-room control and smart scheduling with active delay to maximise water volume for efficient heat pump performance. This allows users to optimise heat distribution, reduce energy waste, and maintain consistent comfort throughout the home.


Preparing for the future


As the industry moves towards lower-carbon heating solutions, UFH is likely to play an increasingly important role in helping homes achieve the efficiency levels required by future regulations. For installers, success will depend on more than


simply fitting pipework. Understanding system design will be essential to delivering the performance homeowners expect.


Those who master these fundamentals now will be


well placed to meet growing demand as heat pumps and low-carbon heating become an increasingly common feature of UK homes.


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