UNDERFLOOR HEATING FLOORED BY ENERGY COSTS
Soaring gas and electricity bills and a need to make homes more energy efficient mean more homeowners are looking for different ways to heat their properties, as BMJ finds out.
W
hen it comes to heating systems, traditionally underfloor heating (UFH) has been seen as a premium
option, with a premium price tag. However, following advancements in recent years, not only are these systems more affordable, they have also been designed to be quick and easy to install. Plus, they’re energy efficient making them a big win all round. That’s according to Karen Stables, marketing manager at Wavin. “When it comes to living more sustainably, there’s no question that we all need to consider alternative heating solutions,” she says. “This is especially true when consider that around 22 per cent of carbon emissions in the UK come from residential properties . With ambitious targets set to decarbonise the housing sector by 2050, tradespeople are having to upskill quickly and educate themselves on a variety of solutions, as traditional options fall out of favour and homeowners expand their horizons.” This, Stables believes, gives merchants a unique opportunity, not only to help boost sales of more innovative systems, like UFH, but to become the go-to source for advice and guidance for plumbers and installers, cementing their place as the ‘one-stop shop’.
All power to UFH
“One of the main benefits when it comes to UFH and its place as a sustainable option, is the different ways in which a system can be powered,” she explains. Although they can run with a traditional gas boiler, they work perfectly with more efficient power sources, like ground or air source heat pumps. Not only does working with a heat pump help to reduce the amount of carbon emissions created, but the energy to heat conversion rate is also incredibly efficient. When this is coupled with the fact UFH systems run at a lower temperature than traditional radiators, installers can create a much more efficient end result for their customers, delivered via a more sustainable source.
“There’s already a lot of talk around how to get more homes powered by heat pumps and there are plenty of incentives around for homeowners who are ready to make the switch–
something that merchants’ trade customers will already be well aware of,” Stables says. However, she adds that it is important to note that heat pumps tend to work better in newer properties, as the insulation tends to be much more effective. “When we look at older homes, especially period properties, the insulation needs to be of the highest standard for a heat pump system to work efficiently. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean a UFH system isn’t still the right solution, it’s just that more consideration has to be given to the system as a whole, and an alternative heat source may have to be specified. So, merchants should make sure they are asking their customers the kinds of projects they’re working on before going down this route.”
Saving costs for the end-user There’s no escaping the fact that energy bills are on the rise. So, it’s natural that trying to keep costs as low as possible is the number one priority for most homeowners, and something that is top of mind for installers working on heating projects. Therefore, Stables says that it is key for merchants to be able to offer sound direction to customers specifying residential heating solutions, and advise on which systems will help save money in the long-run. “Contrary to popular belief, UFH is a very cost-effective solution for homeowners, due to its lower operational temperature which uses less power than traditional radiators. The way the pipework is laid out also means heat is evenly distributed throughout a room, further helping to cut back on energy use. This is more
March 2022
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
sustainable, but it also has an impact on the homeowner’s wallet, with energy bills reduced by up to 20 per cent compared to traditional methods. With no energy price cap from April 2022, these potential cost savings have never been more important,” she says.
Flexible and easy installation The benefits of UFH aren’t just for the end-users either, Stables continues. The flexibility of UFH systems makes them arguably one of the most tangible benefits for tradespeople. “Systems like Wavin Hep2O UFH, offer several variants for different projects, meaning that no matter where you’re installing UFH, you can be assured of a seamless and effective end result. “It’s often assumed that installing a system underfloor is difficult, time-consuming and costly, but with specialist systems like Low-Build, it can actually be installed on top of an existing floor, making it perfect for retrofit projects. This method also prevents more disruptive work within properties – making it much more appealing and cost effective for homeowners. The Wavin Hep2O underfloor heating estimator tool at
www.hepcalc.co.uk, offers bespoke quotations for installers and lists both the materials and the nearest merchant stockist.” Stables says that by keeping up to date with the latest advancements in UFH solutions, merchants will be able to advise and upskill the tradespeople coming through the door. “This not only offers more sales opportunities for merchants, but helps to cement their place as a vital partner for installers.” BMJ
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