PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2024 Energy SavingProducts


The pathway to effi cient heating can be found under your feet


The Future Homes Standard will be adopted fully in less than 12 months, changing the way homes are heated in the UK. Here, BEAMA’s Chris Stammers explains about the changes already in place, what’s to come, and why radiant heating ticks every box.


T


he UK government’s Future Homes Standard (FHS) is part of its strategy to achieve net zero


carbon emissions by 2050, which is a legally binding target. The standard is also intended to reduce energy bills for while providing warm and comfortable homes. As the fi rst stage of meeting


the FHS, some amendments have already been made to the Building Regulations. An uplift to Part L, which covers the conservation of fuel and power, came into force in June 2022 and introduced new standards for the performance of building fabric and building services. This included a new maximum fl ow temperature of 55°C for newly installed wet heating systems, aff ecting new homes and properties undergoing major renovations or extensions. In this new era of home heating,


heat pumps are fast becoming the go-to solution. When paired with a low-temperature emitter, the two solutions work seamlessly together to support a low carbon heating system. Standard radiators, such as those previously used with gas boilers, will no longer be suitable for low- temperature heat sources, and larger, more costly units would be the only option – taking up even more valuable wall space in properties and causing interior layout issues for new builds or extensions/renovations. However, as heat pumps have


far fewer tolerances than the industry is used to, especially when compared to traditional heating systems, precision design and installation are critical to ensure the fi nished system delivers exactly what was planned.


Underfl oor takes the lead Hydronic (water-based) underfl oor heating has always been, by its very nature, a low- temperature system dating back to Roman times. It is the ideal solution to meet the revised regulations. It covers a much greater surface area than radiators and is designed to run at low temperatures, 35°C rather than


UFH covers a greater surface area compared to radiators and is designed to run at low temperatures, 35°C rather than the 70°C of a typical radiator system


Working with a supply partner


who can provide system design expertise is benefi cial when helping a customer plan ahead. An incorrect design can lead to an under-specifi ed heating system, meaning the desired heat output in each area is not achieved, resulting in more service call backs and maintenance issues.


Chris Stammers Portfolio manager for BEAMA’s Underfl oor Heating Group


Service life Further adding to the long-term benefi ts of underfl oor heating, traditional radiators are only expected to last for around 25 years. They are also less effi cient than underfl oor heating when in situ and, once decommissioned, they become a waste product in a relatively short space of time. Underfl oor heating can last three times longer and off er extended guarantees, providing additional reassurance that they will likely outlive the lifetime of the building.


Underfloor heating systems can be fully zoned, which ticks a crucial regulatory box and ensures no energy is wasted


the 70°C of a typical radiator system. This key benefi t also makes integrating underfl oor heating with renewable energy sources ideal and more effi cient as the system doesn’t have to work as hard – therefore using less energy, making it more effi cient than an equivalent radiator system. Working at these much lower


temperatures allows for effi cient heat transfer evenly across the entire fl oor surface, reducing heat loss during distribution through the fl oor and minimising energy


consumption. In addition, the insulation layer incorporated in some underfl oor heating systems also helps to minimise downward heat loss by directing heat upwards into the property, improving comfort levels and overall effi ciency. Underfl oor heating systems can


also be fully zoned, which ticks a crucial regulatory box and ensures no energy is wasted. Each zone can be controlled individually from a central thermostat or a smartphone app.


Longer view Aside from specifying and installing high quality pipework and components which off er long term reliability, it’s also possible to futureproof an underfl oor heating system design to accommodate heat source upgrades. One way to ensure the system’s


benefi ts can outlive the gas boiler currently in place is to position the pipe centres close enough to work with lower-temperature heat sources, for example. The system can be further enhanced by selecting a pipe size more suited to a higher fl ow volume, as smaller pipes simply can’t deliver the same fl ow that a larger pipe can accommodate.


Consumer education When it comes to retrofi tting or renovation projects, installers play a crucial role in educating customers about the benefi ts of energy-effi cient heating systems and helping them make informed decisions about effi cient, future- proof options. The transition away from


traditional gas boiler/radiator systems to low-temperature solutions will be a signifi cant change from what customers are used to. Homeowners will need to shift their mindset as they move from an ‘on/off ’ approach when controlling radiators to a more effi cient programme for their underfl oor heating system. Customers will notice the


response time is very diff erent from that of a standard radiator heating system, particularly for screeded systems. It’s important to feel informed and ready to help them understand the features and benefi ts of low carbon heating technologies and how the heating system works, including controlling it, ensuring they can reap the many rewards available – from lower energy bills to improved comfort and reliability. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/424/29


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