Ashley Cooper from WMS Underfloor Heating discusses the importance of collaborating with suppliers who are committed to a low-carbon future.
The UK’s journey to net zero is reshaping every aspect of the housing sector. While the Future Homes Standard is set to formalise many of these expectations, the road ahead towards reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency and designing future proof homes that perform effectively in the real world is already clear.
As the transition gathers pace, low-carbon heating solutions have become a central part of the conversation. Change is no longer driven solely by legislation, but by a growing demand for homes that are comfortable, efficient and ready for a low-carbon future.
Those who act now will help shape a housing sector that’s fit for tomorrow. For housing providers who want to stay ahead of the game, now is the time to prepare for a long-term shift that will define the next generation of homes. However, positive progress depends on more than relying on technology – it requires collaboration across the supply chain, with housing professionals choosing partners and products that share the same mission values.
Partnering for performance
With the targets and changes ahead, heat pumps have emerged as the primary low-carbon heating solution for new homes. However, they must be paired with compatible low-temperature systems to function optimally. Due to the large surface area and low flow temperature requirements, hydronic underfloor heating (UFH) is the most effective heat emitter. It enables heat pumps to operate at their optimal Coefficient of Performance (COP) level, at flow temperatures typically between 35°C and 45°C.
To provide the industry with the latest knowledge, Energy House 2.0, a research facility at the University of Salford, has tested various heating systems to assess their performance across an entire room. Alongside many other factors, the study measured spatial air temperature, providing an accurate picture of how heating systems perform throughout the whole space, eliminating hot spots close to the heat emitter or thermostat and colder temperatures further away.
The results were clear. UFH delivered the lowest temperature variations, compared to as much as 4°C from other technologies, and 2.2°C from traditional radiators. The performance was even better when the system ran continuously, further highlighting its efficiency in real world conditions.
However, end user comfort is about more than just average air temperature. The time it takes a system to reach that temperature, heat loss during off periods, and overall running costs all impact the occupant experience. A system that costs less to run but is slow to warm up doesn’t tick every box if comfort is only achieved late in the day.
A closer examination of the data reveals that UFH provides the most consistent comfort and efficient performance. The cost difference between UFH and other options is minimal when compared holistically, plus, as radiant heat is distributed evenly across the floor, it eliminates cold spots where mould might develop. This consistent warmth helps regulate humidity, reducing the risk of condensation and improving indoor air quality.
Three pillars of performance
As regulations evolve and the Future Homes Standard draws closer, proactive system design and innovative specification will be essential.
UFH is already proving its value in low-carbon homes. Landlords are well-positioned to meet the challenge with expert guidance from specialist partners and the right technology. Now is the time to work with suppliers who can deliver fully compliant, low-carbon heating systems, offering regulatory peace of mind and the real world comfort and performance that tenants deserve.
Ashley Cooper is managing director at WMS Underfloor Heating