Changing regulations are nothing new for our industry. In recent years, we’ve seen several changes introduced – largely through updates to Part L of the Building Regulations – that aim to improve the efficiency of homes. These changes have all been leading towards the introduction of the Future Homes Standard which is expected to take effect from 2025.

That’s because, alongside the national push to achieve net-zero by 2050, millions of homes in England and Wales currently don’t meet the standard for EPC C ratings. As home efficiency has a significant role to play in the country achieving these targets, regulatory changes encourage positive action to be taken.

When it comes to home heating – which accounts for the majority of emissions generated by homes – there are several options available. Whether it’s changing the source or implementing a more efficient heating system, installers are on the front line.

Where heating is concerned, there is one system that has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and that is underfloor heating (UFH). Delivering a proven alternative to traditional radiator systems, UFH sees a network of pipes hidden beneath the floor effectively deliver consistent warmth to interior spaces.

As well as improving comfort by distributing heat evenly across a room, UFH significantly improves efficiency compared to traditional heating systems. That’s because it operates at lower temperatures – and well within the 55°C parameters set out for wet central heating systems in the recent updates to Part L. In practice, this operational efficiency places less pressure on a home’s heat source and reduces the amount of energy required to keep homes warm.

For installers, creating these systems is only one part of the puzzle. Once they’re installed, they need to be maintained in order to continue delivering the levels of comfort and efficiency they can provide.

To keep UFH operating smoothly and efficiently, annual servicing is essential. This will allow for the full system to be flushed and cleaned to ensure enduring performance and maximum efficiency. Installers should also look to service the mixing valve, including cleaning, regreasing, and recommissioning as necessary, as this component is particularly susceptible to debris build-up. Additionally, air purging is also vital during these annual inspections.

Through regular maintenance, installers can ensure that underfloor heating continues to deliver as expected. As well as delivering more efficient, reliable, and consistent home heating, a well-maintained UFH system will out-last many radiator systems. So, as well as being a key opportunity for installers to expand their offerings, UFH also provides a way to get ahead of regulatory changes and deliver a positive long-term impact for customers.

Find out more at www.johnguest.com/gb/en/products/jg-underfloor