Why UFH is proving the perfect heating solution in a changing landscape

Evolving regulations are shaping the UK’s path towards a more sustainable future. Whether it’s the recent updates to Part L of the Building Regulations, or the Future Homes Standard, which is expected to come into force from 2025, these policies have a direct impact on the heating solutions used in both new and existing homes.

Alongside regulatory requirements, there’s also a growing desire amongst homeowners to strive for greater levels of efficiency, comfort and usability.

These combined factors have led to a rise in the installation of underfloor heating (UFH), now a common specification choice in new homes and a popular renovation choice to transform the performance and comfort of existing properties.

Here we explore the regulations that are encouraging UFH specification, and the benefits for installers and occupiers.  

Home heating is typically the number one contributor to energy usage and emissions at home. In fact, heating can be as much as 80% of a households’ energy consumption.

Radiators remain a familiar fixture in the home. They’re tried, tested and trusted, but are they still the best heating solution in a construction sector focused on bringing down household emissions whilst improving occupier comfort?

A standard radiator system can put huge strain on boilers as part of a gas central heating system. They require a flow temperature of around 70^oC to be effective, consuming large amounts of energy and anybody who has sat on the opposite side of a room to the radiator will know that they are not always effective at heating the room consistently.

In contrast, UFH systems operate at much lower flow temperatures – often around 55^oC. Their layout within a home also contributes to greater levels of efficiency, set beneath the floor to ensure the room can be heated quickly and consistently with no cold spots.

While the full details of the Future Homes Standard are yet to be confirmed ahead of its official launch in 2025, what we do know is that the policy will set out a new requirement to achieve low-energy, low-carbon homes, prioritising sustainability in order to reduce emissions.

The updates to Building Regulations Part L have helped to pave the way for this new standard, setting out the foundational requirements of both new and existing homes. Regulations differ between new build homes and existing properties, but generally speaking, the ultimate goal is to improve energy efficiency across our housing stock – which remains one of the least efficient in Europe.

The ban on gas boilers in new homes – while now pushed back to 2035 – is probably the most well-known example of regulatory change to impact home heating solutions, but there are plenty more considerations that installers must be aware of.

Building Regulations Part L state that wet central heating systems – including replacement systems in existing properties – must be sized to operate at a maximum flow rate of 55^oC, while in new builds, boilers must reach a minimum efficiency of 92%. The drive towards greater efficiency is putting energy-intensive heating systems in the spotlight for change, and UFH is growing in popularity as a result.

Home renovations inevitably come with their own unique challenges, which is why the expertise of installers adds huge value when considering UFH. From the unique characteristics of older homes, through to minimising floor height increases, professional installers are often required to navigate a range of complexities when delivering an effective UFH system.

One of the most fundamental considerations is to specify high-quality UFH, with features that are designed to facilitate easier installation and boost system performance.

The JG LowFit range by JG Underfloor provides everything needed to deliver a reliable retrofit system for every home and every floor type, including an interlocking castellated panel system for screed (solid) applications, alongside foil and mesh panels for timber floors.

Two sizes of the castellated low-profile grid panels are available for screeded solutions -16mm for 12mm pipe and 20mm for 15mm pipe. This gives installers the flexibility to accommodate different pipe sizes to best suit the application. While screed will cover the system once installed, the panels can be installed directly onto the subfloor for a straightforward installation.

In homes with timber floors, the foiled and fibre mesh panel systems will unlock the best results. They’re lightweight and easy to work with and install, while their low profile reduces floor height build-up. A pre-grooved surface also makes it easy to run piping consistently to deliver an effective heating solution.

One thing is clear. Changing and evolving regulations on the path to net-zero require the adoption of innovative systems and technologies, particularly in the heating category. With support from manufacturers, installers have the potential to drive real change for occupiers, delivering more comfortable, more efficient homes that achieve compliance. And UFH is one of the key technologies supporting that shift.

Lower flow temperatures, consistent heating and easy installation ensure UFH is the logical evolution from radiator systems. It’s also compatible with highly efficient heat sources such as heat pumps. With installation flexibility and proven performance on top, it’s easy to see why JG LowFit is proving an attractive heating solution in new and existing homes.