Ashley Cooper from WMS Underfloor Heating explores the latest developments surrounding the Future Homes Standard, and highlights why selecting suppliers who are ready for collaboration is crucial to achieving the low-carbon transition.
Marking a decisive shift for the sector, the introduction of the much anticipated Future Homes Standard (FHS) is set to fundamentally change the way new UK homes are designed and heated.
Current information indicates that the primary focus will continue to be on significantly reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, ensuring newly built homes lead the UK’s low-carbon transition. Coupled with the nation’s 2050 net zero target, this emphasis has driven substantial changes in the design and construction of these properties.
While the finer details of the FHS are unknown, one thing is sure: those who anticipate the changes and act early will not only stay ahead of compliance but also shape best practices in sustainable design.
Optimising heat pump performance
With evolving targets and regulatory changes on the horizon, heat pumps are increasingly recognised as the leading low-carbon heating solution for new homes. To achieve peak performance, however, they must be integrated with compatible low-temperature heating systems. Hydronic underfloor heating (UFH), with its large surface area and low flow temperature requirements, provides the most effective heat emission. This configuration enables heat pumps to operate at optimal Coefficient of Performance (COP) levels, typically with flow temperatures between 35-45°C.
To provide the industry with the latest knowledge, Energy House 2.0, a research facility at the University of Salford, tested various heating systems to assess their performance in modern, new build homes. Alongside many other factors, the study measured spatial air temperature, providing an accurate picture of how heating systems perform throughout the whole living space, identifying hot spots close to the heat emitter or thermostat, and colder temperatures further away.
The results were clear and 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 the average air temperature; there must also be a focus on the time it takes a system to reach that temperature, heat loss during off periods, and overall running costs. All these factors impact the homeowner and occupier’s experience. A system that costs less to run but is slow to warm up isn’t performing well if comfort is only achieved late in the day.
Data from the Energy House 2.0 report shows that underfloor heating (UFH) delivers the most consistent comfort and efficient performance. Any negative cost differences are quickly outweighed when the achieved room temperatures and the additional running time required by alternative systems are taken into account. In addition, 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, thus, improving indoor air quality.
Powerful partnerships
As the long-awaited Future Homes Standard draws near, and regulations continue to evolve, the time is now for proactive system design, forward thinking specifications and close collaboration with suppliers capable of delivering fully compliant, low-carbon heating solutions with complete regulatory assurance.
Good heating isn’t just about warmth. It needs to fit seamlessly into layouts, avoid hot and cold spots, and keep spaces evenly heated. Upfront savings can be misleading if energy bills and occupant comfort suffer. And true comfort comes from systems that heat efficiently, retain warmth, and distribute it consistently throughout a home.
Hydronic underfloor heating ticks all these boxes, offering a future-ready solution that works for both today’s regulations and tomorrow’s expectations.
Ashley Cooper is managing director at WMS Underfloor Heating