PHAM NEWS | MAY 2026 22 Underfl oorHeating


Low temperature systems call for multi- skilled installers


With the growth in low temperature heating, installation is evolving beyond single-trade work, says Wavin’s Ben Perris, who argues that delivering effi cient performance now depends on broader skills, from system design and controls to integration with insulation, ventilation and whole-home energy strategies.


few technologies illustrate its impact on installers more clearly than underfl oor heating. Once seen as a premium upgrade, UFH is increasingly becoming a core component of modern, low-carbon homes. With that shift comes a change in the skills installers need on site. At the heart of delivering


A


future-ready, net zero homes is the move towards low- carbon heating. Heat pumps are expected to become the default solution for many new developments. However, the performance of heat pumps depends heavily on how eff ectively heat is distributed within the home – and this is where systems like UFH move fi rmly into the spotlight.


Reliable heat Traditional wet heating systems have historically been designed around high fl ow temperatures of 60°C or more. This suited widespread use of gas boilers, but heat pumps, by contrast, operate most effi ciently at much lower fl ow temperatures – typically between 35°C and 55°C – making the choice of heat emitter far more critical. UFH, which is designed to


deliver even heat distribution across the entire fl oor surface, is inherently suited to this approach. The system operates at signifi cantly lower temperatures – typically between 30-50°C for hydronic underfl oor systems, like Wavin’s Comfi a system, as opposed to the 60-70°C required for conventional radiators. In homes designed around heat pumps, UFH is not just compatible – it is often fundamental to achieving the performance targets set out in the FHS. However, the benefi ts


don’t stop with compliance. By distributing heat across a


Ben Perris Sales director ICS for Wavin


s the Future Homes Standard (FHS) reshapes how new homes are designed,


large surface area, UFH also delivers consistent, comfortable warmth at low temperatures, reducing the need for high fl ow rates. This means lower energy consumption and a more sustainable approach to keeping warm – alongside signifi cant cost savings for end users. Compared to conventional radiators, Wavin’s data demonstrates that UFH systems


reduce running costs by 25% at 5°C and 32% at -5°C compared to radiators under the same conditions.


Solid skills As UFH becomes more widely adopted, the expectations on installers inevitably change. Unlike traditional radiators, UFH performance is infl uenced by far more than the pipework alone. Floor construction, insulation levels, accurate heat loss calculations, pipe spacing and loop layout all play a critical role in overall system effi ciency.


This means UFH sits at


the intersection of multiple disciplines, linking heating output closely with building fabric, controls strategy and user behaviour. To ensure systems perform as designed, installers increasingly need a broader, system-aware approach. To support installers and


meet the growing demand for fl exible, high-performing UFH, manufacturers like Wavin are off ering comprehensive system solutions that cater to a wide range of build types. Applications like Wavin’s WarmDeck are a key example here, providing seamless integration with existing heating systems for more complex installations – including upstairs spaces and retrofi tting. But support doesn’t stop


at the product. Wavin is also investing in installer expertise through its Wavin Installer Network (WIN) – a free-to- join initiative off ering tailored training, practical support, and priority technical guidance across UFH, ventilation, and heat recovery systems.


In control Getting the most from UFH depends heavily on how it is controlled. Unlike radiators, UFH has slower response times, meaning correct zoning, commissioning and controls set-up are critical from the outset. Without properly confi gured controls, systems can feel unresponsive, effi ciency gains can be lost, and occupants may resort to manual intervention that undermines performance. This makes controls a key


As UFH becomes more widely adopted, the expectations on installers inevitably change


part of the installer’s skillset. Advanced technology such as Wavin Sentio supports this by providing precise, room- by-room control through an intelligent central unit. The system learns from user behaviour, adapts to living patterns and optimises


comfort while reducing energy consumption. From an installation


perspective, Sentio is designed to simplify the process. A clear three-step installation pathway, colour-coded wiring and modular expansion (up to eight thermostats) help installers commission systems quickly and with greater confi dence. Strong connectivity between components helps ensure stable performance once handed over to the homeowner too.


Beyond the fl oor UFH is no longer just an add-on, and its role doesn’t stop at heat distribution. As homes become more airtight, eff ective ventilation also plays a greater role in maintaining comfort and indoor air quality. Systems such as Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) are increasingly common in new-build homes and work best when considered alongside the entire heating design. For installers, this reinforced


integration means UFH can no longer be installed in isolation. Those who develop a broader understanding of how UFH systems interact with heat pumps, controls and ventilation will be best placed to meet the demands of the FHS – and to deliver homes that are comfortable, effi cient and built for the future. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/526/36


CUT TO THE CHASE


 Low-temperature heating demands broader skills on site


 Heat pumps require effi cient low-temperature heat distribution systems


 System performance depends on design, insulation and installation quality


Proper controls and zoning are critical for UFH efficiency


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