PLUMBING & HEATING
FUTURE SHOCK?
BMJ asks whether the sector is really ready for the changes required by the Future Homes Standard?
T
he ways in which heating and plumbing systems are specified in housing are undergoing a fundamental shift. The Future Homes Standard brings with it stricter efficiency requirements that are set to reshape the technologies used on-site. It will also place greater emphasis on how systems are designed, integrated and delivered.
Dean Asher, head of technical sales & underfloor heating at Polypipe Building Products says that, for developers, the challenge lies in balancing FHS compliance with the management of cost, performance and ease of build. For merchants, the opportunity lies in moving beyond a transactional and supply role and into the role of a trusted partner which provides integrated, future-ready solutions. “Heating and plumbing systems are no longer standalone elements of a house,” he explains. They form part of a wider, interconnected approach to energy efficiency, particularly as low-carbon technologies become standard in new homes.
“Merchants are ideally positioned to support developers at the initial specification stage by ensuring access to systems that meet current and upcoming regulations, including the FHS. This means stocking solutions designed to operate efficiently at lower flow temperatures, integrate seamlessly with renewable heat
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sources, and support overall building performance.“
Asher says that product availability alone is no longer enough, with developers increasingly relying on merchants for guidance, especially when navigating newer technologies or solutions. “By working closely with manufacturers, merchants can provide accurate, up-to-date technical advice which ultimately helps customers specify systems with confidence,” he says.
Specifying and installing heating and plumbing systems for housing projects comes with a range of challenges. Among many, these include ensuring compatibility between components, meeting performance targets, and maintaining ease of installation on-site. Asher adds: “A common challenge can emerge from the trade-off between system design and the on-the-ground realities of installation. For example, if a solution off the shelf meets regulatory requirements on paper, but is complex or unfamiliar to installers, this risks huge delays and inefficiencies on-site. This is where the merchant’s role, in close partnership with manufacturers, comes in.” Asher believes that merchants who invest in staff training and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers are better equipped to guide customers through these decisions. “Additionally, offering access to system-based
“Home heating contributes up to 20% of the UK’s total emissions, which means heating and plumbing systems have a key stake in hitting Net Zero.”
solutions as opposed to individual components can help reduce complexity. Integrated heating and plumbing packages designed to work together not only streamline installation but also improve overall system performance,” he says.
Home heating contributes up to 20% of the UK’s total emissions, which means heating and plumbing systems have a key stake in hitting Net Zero. Asher explains that, as developers must now shift away from traditional, gas- based systems, there is now a growing need for solutions such as underfloor heating, which can operate efficiently alongside heat pumps and other heat sources. “By ensuring complementary systems are fully stocked, and staff are knowledgeable of their role on-site, merchants have the opportunity to offer not only products, but informed guidance at each stage of the build,” he adds. “Futureproofing the UK’s housing stock is not just about meeting today’s regulations. Instead, it’s about anticipating tomorrow’s requirements through promoting and showcasing systems which are adaptable, efficient and designed for long-term performance.
“Manufacturers, merchants and developers must work together to ensure solutions are not just compliant, but also deliverable and practical when in use on-site. As the FHS approaches, the demand for compliant, high- performing heating and plumbing systems will continue to rise. Developers will increasingly look for support in navigating these regulatory challenges, creating a clear opportunity for merchants.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net September 2026
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