Traditional methods of building homes are changing. Growing concerns about the impact of traditional heating methods on climate change have forced the UK Government to take a stronger stance on the implementation of greener heating methods and sources into all new homes.
This is to ensure that new homes are built to support the common goal of reaching the global goal of net carbon zero by 2050. The recent COP26 summit has targeted the elimination of fossil fuels as the way to turn back time on global warming, meaning heating methods that require gas are no longer sustainable.
Underfloor heating offers a more energy-efficient solution to heating homes, and is a greener choice when working harmoniously with a greener energy source, like heat pumps. This is one of a long list of benefits that makes underfloor heating the perfect choice for new homes, both for developers and homeowners. Here is a range of benefits that make underfloor heating a perfect addition to new homes:
Underfloor heating systems are much more energy-efficient than traditional heating methods like radiators. As underfloor heating systems operate over a larger surface area, water heated at a lower temperature is required to heat a room, meaning less energy is used. On the other hand, radiators must work at a much higher operating capacity to heat the room to the same avail. Underfloor heating is up to 25% more energy efficient than a traditional radiator.
Underfloor heating brings together the benefits of a faster and more energy-efficient system, which means homes are heated quicker and more reliably, with the bonus of saving money on energy bills.
Efficiency is one of the main considerations when choosing a new home, as it is considered the most energy-efficient option in the current housing market. Impending government regulations force developers to integrate greener energy sources, such as heat pumps, into new homes. This current claim of being most efficient in the housing market could be even further advanced – heat pumps can be more efficient than boilers, for example, with the correct implementation.
Underfloor heating alongside greener energy sources creates a highly efficient partnership that contributes to a much cleaner environment and a smaller carbon footprint in new homes.
Radiators are not the most aesthetic addition to modern homes. In some scenarios, requiring a full wall to heat a room efficiently can become an eyesore for some homeowners and create limitations on what a homeowner can do with a room. This problem isn’t disappearing either – as radiators attempt to become greener and more energy-efficient to match government regulations, they are only likely to increase in size.
In contrast, underfloor heating works invisibly. Homeowners do not even know that underfloor heating is there because of its hidden location. This invisibility gives homeowners the added relief of no metal structures on their walls, and the assurance of an evenly heated home.
Controlling the Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating systems are probably not as cost-effective as radiators, but the gap is closing. However, as greener homes are demanded, cheaper traditional heating methods are no longer sufficient. The installation of underfloor heating is likely to increase the cost of building new homes, and this cost will be passed on to homeowners.
Although, this will only future-proof and increase the value and desirability of houses in the future. As time goes on, green eco-friendly homes will be in high demand, meaning homeowners are more likely to receive a return on their investment.
If well installed, underfloor heating requires little maintenance. Thorough pressure testing on pipes eliminates leaks, and largely minimises the need to dig up systems. Repair and call-out fees for maintenance on heating systems can lead to high accumulative costs over time. With underfloor heating, the need for this is rare.
For homeowners, the knowledge of limited maintenance brings peace of mind and has money-saving benefits, with future maintenance fees highly unlikely.
Underfloor heating provides an even distribution of heat throughout a room, meaning optimal comfort can be created, as heating is easily controlled with a range of thermostats. Sentio is an excellent example of smartly controlling the temperature of your home to ensure increased comfort.
By comparison, radiators often create uncomfortable levels of heat, which contributes to reduced comfort for homeowners, and higher energy requirements lead to slower heat-up times.
Wavin offers the Comfia Underfloor Heating range, for new and existing flooring, offering high quality proven products. Easy installation and market guarantees make Wavin Comfia an obvious choice to become more efficient within the home. UFH is made smarter with Wavin Sentio, offering flexible control of UFH, whether at home or on the move, control has never been easier.
Make sure your underfloor heating projects work out as planned with our fast and accurate calculator
Just enter the details of the rooms you are installing in, and the tool will take you step by step through the process and workout exactly what you need to do the job.
It even generates a printable Bill of Materials to share with your merchant. Trust Wavin Hep2O to make your underfloor project flow.