PHAM NEWS | MAY 2026 Underfl oorHeating
Knowledge is the key to any successful UFH project
Chris Stammers from BEAMA off ers guidance for installers who want to future-proof their businesses by staying ahead of the curve with the right systems and knowledge.
Controls should be considered an essential component of any UFH system
systems remain the go-to choice for new builds, but there are equally eff ective solutions for suspended and fl oating fl oors. For retrofi t projects, low-profi le systems are essential to keep fl oor build-up to a minimum. Controls are a critical
part of any underfl oor heating installation, helping homeowners cut energy waste by heating only the spaces they need, when they need them. Customers switching from traditional radiators may need guidance, as UFH relies on effi cient programming rather than simple on/off operation. Taking the time to walk them through the controls during handover improves usability and can help reduce the likelihood of call-backs. It’s also worth delving into
the fi ner technical details of components such as fl oor probes and self-balancing actuators. These add-ons can expand the scope of an installation and help future- proof the system for evolving customer needs.
Chris Stammers Portfolio manager for BEAMA’s Underfl oor Heating Group
T
he pace of change in low-temperature heating shows no signs of slowing. Regulatory
updates, advances in heat pump integration and expanding underfl oor heating options are reshaping expectations for installers. While regulations continue to evolve, there is an opportunity for heating engineers who act early to stay ahead of compliance and infl uence best practice in sustainable design. Success now depends on
specifying low-carbon systems and working with suppliers who can provide compliant, future- ready solutions. This ensures installations meet both current and anticipated requirements.
Flow temperature As heat pumps are designed to meet the new low-fl ow temperature needs, these renewable heat sources have become a popular and proven option. They are highly effi cient in their energy use and produce signifi cantly more heat output than they consume in electricity. They can also be powered by electricity generated from
renewable sources, all of which support the need to achieve an ever-reducing carbon footprint. However, for a heat pump,
whether it be air or ground source, to operate at its most effi cient (COP) level, it needs to run at a maximum fl ow temperature of 35°C, which is most eff ectively achieved with hydronic (water-based) underfl oor heating. Together, these two sustainability-focused technologies create a low-carbon emissions heating system. Underfl oor heating is a
tried-and-tested system that can meet the demands of current and anticipated regulations, as well as those of low-temperature heat sources. Due to the large radiant surface area, underfl oor heating has always been designed to run at lower temperatures (35°C rather than 45°C+). This means the demand on the heat source from underfl oor heating is considerably lower, helping the whole system run even more effi ciently. Getting the system design right is essential for any heat
pump or underfl oor heating installation. If the system is poorly specifi ed or incorrectly balanced, it simply won’t deliver the effi ciency customers expect, which ultimately results in higher running costs for the household. Partnering with specialist suppliers makes a real diff erence, as they consider the performance of the entire heating setup rather than focusing solely on the products they sell.
Product knowledge More than ever, consumers rely on installers for expert advice on system choice, so having the latest data to hand when sharing your knowledge is key. Recent research from Salford
University’s Energy House 2.0 demonstrated that hydronic underfl oor heating (UFH) paired with an air-to-water heat pump excels at maintaining consistent temperatures throughout each zone. The study recorded minimal temperature variation, only 0.8°C at -5°C and 0.7°C at +5°C in a three-bedroom detached house built to
the proposed Future Home Standard when operated using a standard SAP heating pattern. Traditional radiators showed a minimum variation of 2.2°C, while other systems displayed diff erences of up to 4°C. Even greater consistency was achieved when UFH was running continuously. These results also emphasise
UFH’s advantage when combined with air source heat pumps (ASHPs), delivering effi cient, evenly distributed heat throughout the home. The low- temperature radiant heating method improves energy effi ciency, enhances long-term occupant comfort and supports meeting low-carbon building standards.
System choices With so many system types on the market, it pays to get familiar with the options that work best with common fl oor constructions. That knowledge opens up far more opportunities to specify underfl oor heating across almost any property. Screeded
Enhancing skill sets With new regulations coming into force and renewable heating now becoming standard practice, ongoing training and professional development are more important than ever. Although most suppliers can assist with system design, installers who understand heat-load calculations, pipe layout planning, and how each component interacts with the heating system will be able to provide more accurate site data, which ultimately supports a smoother installation. Precision on site is equally
vital, and installation techniques will ensure pipework is laid exactly to plan and the system is commissioned correctly, delivering consistent heat distribution. Getting it right the fi rst time also means fewer return visits to problem- solve issues, freeing up time for larger or more complex projects. Many manufacturers now
off er training programmes, both in person and online, to help installers deepen their knowledge of system design, commissioning and troubleshooting. Those who invest time and resources in these opportunities will gain the confi dence to take on advanced projects and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. ◼
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