With the 2023 amendments to Part L, and the Future Homes Standard (FHS) expected to be implemented in 2025, the industry needs to adapt and embrace renewable and low-energy heating systems.

Updated as a precursor to the FHS, Part L dictates that all new heating systems must be designed to run at a maximum of 55°C or lower as part of an aim to decrease carbon emissions produced by homes by 31%.

This has already led to widespread adaptations to how the industry works – and the types of systems installed – but the FHS aims to have homes that deliver 75% carbon savings compared to the 2013 energy efficiency requirement, which means significant changes are required.

While uptake has been slow, we are seeing more energy efficient heating devices in use, particularly heat pumps. However, simply swapping out a heat source without redesigning or considering the emitters used is not an option. To ensure a heat pump or low-energy heat source can operate efficiently, heat emitters must also be adapted to heat a room at a lower temperature effectively.

An obvious solutions is installing heat emitters that cover a greater surface area, allowing a system to operate at a lower temperature while achieving the same level of thermal comfort. This explains why underfloor heating (UFH) is growing in popularity in both new build and retrofit projects alike.

Efficiency and compatibility

One of the standout benefits of UFH is its energy efficiency. Traditional radiators require higher temperatures to heat a room, often operating at around 75°C. In comparison, UFH systems work effectively between 33-55°C, making it an ideal match for the performance range of air source heat pumps (ASHPs).

Renewable technologies, such as ASHPs, operate most efficiently when running at lower temperatures, making them perfectly compatible with UFH.

The large surface area of UFH ensures even heat distribution throughout the room, allowing the ASHP to maintain a steady and comfortable temperature more easily without excessive energy consumption.

Home comforts

UFH provides consistent warmth throughout a room, eliminating cold spots, and creating a comfortable living space. UFH creates less air movement than conventional heating systems, such as traditional radiators, which improves air quality by reducing the circulation of dust and allergens, and helps to maintain a more stable humidity level in the home.

Maximising space and style

UFH eliminates the need for wall-based heat emitters. This frees up space, which can provide more flexibility in interior design, and can be especially beneficial in smaller rooms where space is at a premium.

Furthermore, it is compatible with a wide range of floor coverings, including tiles, wood, laminate, and carpet, allowing homeowners to choose their preferred flooring material without compromising on heating efficiency.

Enhanced control

Updates to regulations now mean that new systems in homes with a floor area of 150m2 or greater need a minimum of two independently controlled zones, meaning smart or thermostatic controls are essential.

UFH is naturally designed and installed into zones, meaning it’s easy to integrate controls. UFH manifolds can control multiple zones simultaneously, allowing each area – or room – to be warmed to a different temperature depending on the user’s requirements.

Smart controls are an easy to integrate measure that improves the lives of residents – from both a comfort and a financial perspective. The ability to turn off heat in unused rooms, and manage a heating system remotely, saves energy, which supports a decrease in emissions, and reduces energy bills.

Compliance is key

Upcoming, and recently updated, regulations will directly impact domestic installers and contractors across all projects, and cover both new builds and existing homes.

While adjusting presents some challenges, there is no denying that this is a positive step for the industry and will help to decarbonise our homes, improve the efficiency of our heating systems, and relieve pressure on the planet and homeowners’ bank balances.