UNDERFLOOR HEATING
www.heatingandventilating.net
The hidden heating strategy that delivers visible return on investment
Tony Croke, product manager for indoor climate solutions at Wavin, explains why underfl oor heating (UFH) is a valuable addition to any installer’s toolkit – off ering a reliable, future-ready solution that enhances system performance and supports regulatory compliance
H
eating systems in the UK are at a turning point, with major changes underway in how we warm our homes, as soaring energy
bills and Net Zero targets push low-carbon heating solutions to the forefront of the conversation. Unsurprisingly, price remains the key driver for
consumers exploring more effi cient ways to heat their homes. For installers, this means balancing performance and sustainability with aff ordability – especially as the industry transitions away from fossil fuel heating. While the government has delayed the ban on new gas boilers until after 2025, the direction of travel is clear. Developers and homeowners alike are increasingly opting for low- carbon heating solutions– and installers who are ready to deliver those systems are better positioned for long-term opportunity. Heat pumps are fast becoming the go-to option
for low-carbon heating, particularly in new builds aiming to meet tougher effi ciency standards. But while they off er strong sustainability credentials, their real-world performance depends heavily on how heat is distributed throughout the property. This is where UFH comes in.
A planet-friendlier investment
It’s no secret that the UK is rapidly moving toward a future that relies much less on carbon emissions to produce its energy, and the government’s impending Future Homes Standard refl ects this shift. Expected to come into eff ect as early as this year, the legislation mandates that new builds must produce at least three quarters (75-80%) less carbon emissions than those built under current Building Regulations. According to a study by the International Energy
Agency, heat pumps can cut carbon emissions by between 20% and 80% compared to traditional fossil fuel-based heating. As the Future Homes Standard edges closer, installers are under increasing pressure to deliver low-carbon solutions – even though many of the fi nal details remain unclear until the autumn. With the full regulatory picture still emerging, the immediate priority is clear: specifying systems that cut emissions wherever possible and
16 September 2025 aligning with the direction of future compliance.
An investment in comfortable living and your wallet
Underfl oor heating (UFH) and heat pumps make the perfect pairing - not just for comfort, but also for energy effi ciency and long-term savings. Both systems are designed to operate at lower temperatures, typically between 30-50°C for hydronic underfl oor systems, like Wavin’s Comfi a system, as opposed to the 60-70°C required for conventional radiators. This makes UFH a natural fi t for low-carbon heat sources like heat pumps. By enabling the heat pump to run within its optimal temperature range, without the need to work harder to deliver comfortable heat levels, the pairing results in a more balanced, energy-effi cient system that maintains comfort, keeping both energy use and carbon emissions low. Unlike traditional convection heating, UFH also distributes warmth evenly across the entire fl oor,
eliminating cold spots and creating a consistent, radiant heat that feels natural and inviting. The system also operates silently and out of sight, freeing up space and off ering greater fl exibility for interior design. Together, UFH and heat pumps create a more
balanced heating system that uses signifi cantly less energy compared to traditional boiler systems coupled with traditional radiator emitters. With UFH’s ability to evenly distribute heat and retain warmth for longer, homeowners benefi t from fewer thermostat adjustments and a reduced overall demand for heating - cutting energy bills without compromising on comfort. But this heating combination isn’t just a smart
fi nancial choice in the short term. For homeowners looking to make long-term improvements, a heat pump and UFH setup off ers lasting value.
An investment into the future
As a long-term investment, installing a heat pump and UFH system helps future-proof a home by aligning with upcoming government regulations, boosting sustainability credentials, and enhancing both adaptability and cost-effi ciency. This added value can make the property more attractive to energy-conscious buyers, increasing its market appeal when the homeowner decides to sell. In this way, the combination of heat pump and UFH not only delivers day-to-day energy savings but also potentially supports a stronger fi nancial return in the future. To assist developers in meeting their future goals
and government regulations, Wavin is also investing in installer expertise through its Wavin Installer Network (WIN). It’s a free-to-join programme off ers tailored training, hands-on support, and priority access to technical guidance for UFH, ventilation and heat recovery systems. WIN is designed to help installers enhance their skills, stay up to date with the latest technologies, and deliver high-quality installations with confi dence, whilst remaining compliant to new and existing regulations.
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