In recent years – and even more so since the legislation changes enacted in 2022 – the future of the heating industry has started to look vastly different from the present.
Following 2022’s regulation updates, gas boiler and radiator systems appear to be on their way out, paving the way for alternative energy efficient and low-carbon heating solutions which look set to be critical to the future of heating.
So, the industry needs to future-proof – and electric underfloor heating has been identified by many industry leaders are a key solution for future-proof heating.
As leading suppliers of electric underfloor heating to the trade, we’ve taken a look at the ways in which electric underfloor heating systems – and stocking and installing them – can help prepare for the future.
What is electric underfloor heating?
Electric – or ‘dry’ – underfloor heating involves the installation of heating elements within or beneath a floor.
These heating elements are connected to an electricity supply and warm up once turned on, heating a whole room from the ground up.
Electric underfloor heating comes in three main forms – heating mats, foil heating mats and loose lay heating cables.
Heating mats – like our 100W/m2 and 150W/m2 AmberMat – feature electrical heating elements which are connected to a mesh mat. This mat can essentially be rolled out for a quick and easy installation before being connected to an electricity supply.
Heating foil mats – such as our Amber Heating Foil Mat – work in the same way as standard heating mats, but feature an aluminium dissipation layer which helps to spread heat more evenly. Heating mats are well suited to large, regular-shaped areas.
Loose lay heating cables can be individually secured or embedded within a decoupling membrane. They are an ideal choice for irregular-shaped areas with obstacles, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Electric underfloor heating is known for providing consistent, even warmth – and is an ideal solution for preventing the cold spots which radiators can produce.
Easy to install, energy efficient and cost-effective, it’s a popular choice for residential and commercial, new-build and renovation projects.
So, how can electric underfloor heating help future-proof?
A shift in power
The UK government has set out targets to reach ‘net zero’ by 2050. This means that the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions must be equal to or less than the emissions removed from the environment.
In the 2020 white paper ‘Powering Our Net Zero Future’, the government outlined its belief that we must move away from using fossil fuels for heating in order to achieve our net zero goals – and that electricity is crucial to this.
This will have a significant impact on the heating industry as fossil fuels have dominated for many years.
But, with the outlook for electricity looking bright, switching to electric underfloor heating for both new-build and retrofit projects is a future-proof move.
Plus, as we get closer to the 2050 net zero deadline, there is more and more emphasis on using renewable power over traditional fuels like gas, oil and coal.
Electric underfloor heating is ideal for pairing with renewables, like solar panels, making it an even more suitable heating system for our net zero future.
Meeting new legislation requirements
In addition to outlining intentions to move away from fossil fuels, the UK government has implemented legislation to back this up.
As part of the Future Homes Standard, all new-build homes and commercial buildings will have to be fitted with low carbon, low temperature and energy efficient heating by 2025. And, in preparation for this, the government has already implemented an interim step.
Since June 2022, all new-build properties must produce 31% fewer carbon emissions than was acceptable under previous standards, while commercial buildings must produce 27% fewer.
While these changes are only for new-build projects at present, as we get closer to 2050, these measures are very likely to be implemented for retrofit projects on existing buildings too.
This legislation has had a significant impact on the future of the heating industry. While new regulations don’t officially ban boilers, they do make them unsuitable for future heating. And, it has been suggested that a ‘phasing out’ and eventual ban on gas boilers is imminent.
Unlike a traditional gas boiler and radiator system, electric underfloor heating is a future-proof heating system which meets the requirements of both current and forthcoming regulations.
This is due to its low operating temperature and energy efficiency. Regulations state that the maximum flow temperature of heating systems must now be 55˚C in order to reduce carbon emissions. Electric underfloor heating typically runs at around 35˚C – 45˚C.
Also, electric underfloor heating can use 15-40% less energy than a conventional boiler and radiator system while also producing a consistent heat which is just as, if not more, effective.
Not only does electric underfloor heating satisfy the government’s focus on electricity as key to meeting net zero targets, but it suits new and upcoming legislation too, making it the perfect future-proof heating solution.
So, installing electric underfloor heating – and stocking it for trade customers – is the ideal way to future-proof.
Amber Underfloor Heating can help!
Here at Amber, we can help you future-proof with electric underfloor heating.
Backed by over 30 years’ experience, we are the UK and Ireland’s leading supplier of electric underfloor heating to the trade, reaching tradespeople through our comprehensive network of stockists.
We supply highly efficient, effective and durable electric underfloor heating systems through wholesalers, distributers and kitchen, bathroom and tile showrooms.
Alongside our unique and comprehensive range of Amber branded products, we are also the leading supplier of DEVI products in the UK and Ireland.
For more information about our extensive electric underfloor heating range – or becoming an Amber reseller – get in touch today.
