PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2026 Energy SavingProducts
Why integrated systems are the future of low- carbon homes
A fully integrated building solution for heating, cooling, and hot water can streamline energy effi ciency improvements, support decarbonisation, and deliver reliable comfort for modern homes, explains Hamid Salimi from Daikin.
T
he way buildings are designed, heated and cooled is changing rapidly. As the UK moves towards net
zero, installers and specifi ers face increasing pressure to deliver homes that not only meet regulatory requirements but also perform effi ciently in real-world conditions while maintaining high levels of occupant comfort. A key part of this transition
is the shift away from fossil fuel heating towards electrifi ed technologies such as heat pumps. While the benefi ts of heat pump technology are well understood, the greatest effi ciency gains come when heating is not considered in isolation. Instead, heating, cooling and domestic hot water should be treated as part of a fully integrated building solution that allows systems to operate together.
Integration over isolation Traditionally, these services have often been designed and installed separately. A gas boiler would provide heating and hot water, while cooling or ventilation systems might be specifi ed independently or added later. Although each system may function eff ectively on its own, this fragmented approach can lead to ineffi ciencies. Controls may become disconnected, systems can work against one another, and opportunities to optimise overall energy performance are often missed. As homes become more airtight
and energy standards continue to tighten, these challenges become more pronounced. Integrated systems help address this by enabling heating, cooling and hot water to operate as part of a coordinated solution that responds to the needs of both the building and its occupants. Heat pumps are particularly
suited to this approach. By transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion, they can deliver several units of heat for every unit of electricity used, providing an effi cient pathway to lower-carbon heating.
Simplifi ed installation For installers and specifi ers, this transition represents more than simply replacing gas boilers with alternative heating systems. It refl ects a broader shift towards whole-building thinking, where heating, cooling and hot water are designed together as part of a unifi ed energy strategy. Integrated systems can also
Hamid Salimi Product manager – residential at Daikin
simplify design and specifi cation, and delivering multiple services through a coordinated platform reduces the complexity that often arises when systems are specifi ed independently. Designers can consider the interaction between heating, cooling and hot water from the outset, helping to optimise performance and minimise compatibility issues. Installation can also become
Systems that combine multiple functions can deliver heating, cooling and hot water within a smaller footprint than separate installations for each service
more straightforward, and instead of coordinating multiple pieces of equipment, installers can work with solutions designed to operate together from the start. This can reduce installation time, simplify commissioning and lower the risk of system faults.
Space and air quality Space constraints are another factor driving the adoption of integrated solutions. In many modern homes, plant areas and utility spaces are limited, particularly in apartments or high- density housing developments. Systems that combine multiple
functions can deliver heating, cooling and hot water within a smaller footprint than separate installations for each service. Indoor air quality is also an
important consideration as homes become more airtight. Eff ective air purifi cation plays a key role in maintaining healthy indoor environments. Advanced fi ltration systems can help remove pollutants while actively targeting germs and bacteria and can even reduce or inhibit the growth of mould. When air purifi cation forms part of an integrated building system, it can work alongside heating and cooling to improve both comfort and overall indoor environmental quality, as seen with solutions such as the Multi Plus system.
Simplifi ed servicing Integrated systems can also simplify servicing and maintenance throughout the building’s lifecycle. When heating, cooling and hot water are delivered through a unifi ed platform with coordinated controls, engineers can maintain the system more effi ciently than when dealing with multiple independent technologies. This can improve reliability while helping systems continue to perform as intended over time. Looking ahead, this integrated
approach aligns closely with the direction of future building
regulations. Initiatives such as the Future Homes Standard are intended to deliver highly energy- effi cient, low-carbon housing, and this will increasingly require building services to work together to achieve optimal performance.
Looking ahead Manufacturers are already responding with solutions designed for modern homes. Systems such as Daikin Multi+ combine heating, cooling and DHW capabilities within a single platform, connecting multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit while also supporting hot water production. By reducing equipment requirements while delivering year-round comfort, these systems demonstrate how integrated solutions can simplify building services while improving effi ciency. Ultimately, the shift from
fossil fuel heating to electrifi ed represents more than a change in equipment. It signals a move towards integrated building design, where heating, cooling and DHW are considered together as part of a coordinated energy strategy. This means installers and specifi ers can help deliver homes that operate more effi ciently, reduce carbon emissions and provide comfortable indoor environments throughout the year. ◼
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CUT TO THE CHASE
Heating, cooling and hot water should be treated as an integrated system for optimal effi ciency
The Daikin Multi+ combines heating, cooling and DHW capabilities within a single platform, connecting multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit
Traditional, separate system designs create inefficiencies and missed opportunities
Space constraints in modern homes make combined systems more practical than separate installations
Indoor air quality benefits from integrated systems
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