Current trends and growth in the underfloor heating market.

Contract Flooring Magazine asks Chris Ingram, Managing Director of Continental Underfloor Heating, what are the current trends and growth in the underfloor heating market?

There has been a huge surge in interest and growth in underfloor heating (UFH) sales over the past five years as knowledge of the benefits and ease with which UFH can be installed has grown.

UFH provides cost effective, comfortable, unobtrusive heating in millions of properties throughout Europe and is rapidly becoming a mainstream heating choice in the UK.

According to Chris Ingram, Managing Director of Continental Energy Systems, one of the UK's leading UFH suppliers, this rapid growth in the past few years is down to a number of factors.

For designers and specifiers looking to adhere to new, tighter energy efficiency regulations, underfloor heating is playing an increasingly significant role. The race to become energy efficient is a key driver for UFH sales, especially in new build markets as low carbon legislation is introduced. There is still massive growth potential and in the future new build will be the greatest growth area in UFH as further legislation is introduced and the pressure to achieve zero carbon buildings and homes intensifies. The installation cost of UFH in new build is comparable to a standard radiator system but it can provide 30% greater energy efficiency compared to traditional space heating.

Future growth in UFH sales will be powered by applications using alternative energy sources as they can achieve massive carbon savings, helping to meet renewable energy targets; a ground source heat pump, for example, can provide up to 100% of the energy needed for underfloor heating.

UFH with renewables such as ground or air source heat pumps, solar power and biomass boilers is an important area where there still needs to be more understanding. The low operating temperatures of UFH make it an ideal accompaniment to these technologies resulting in lower running costs and greater energy efficiencies. Increasingly consumers will be looking for a 'one-stop-shop' such as Continental Energy Systems where they can receive unbiased advice on linking renewable technologies with UFH.

Savvy consumers, influenced by the threat of climate change are seeking ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprint and are now influencing the choice of heating solution in their homes.

Rising gas and electricity prices are fuelling consumer driven demand for greater efficiency and UFH gives this. Low running costs make it very appealing, so too does the design freedom and the comfort factor.

Recent research has also identified that UFH was something that would attract potential purchasers to a house, with one in five respondents finding it the most appealing and unusual feature.

With regard to trends in types of UFH these are more difficult to identify as the type of UFH used will depend on the installation undertaken; new build, extension, refurbishment or renovation? Additionally, when installing UFH, it is important to consider any existing heating systems, the budget and degree of disruption, type of floor finish and the heat output required.

Warm water (wet) and electric underfloor heating are both popular. Installing electric UFH is less disruptive than a warm water system and more suitable for small scale - less than 20sq m - installations, like bathrooms. However, an electric system tends to be more expensive to run when compared with warm water UFH - as a general rule 30-40% more.

Warm water is ideal for installation in new build, complete renovations, extensions and large areas in general. It can be linked in to an existing radiator system and most effective when installed with alternatively energy sources such as geothermal and solar.

Ultimately the decision to select electric or warm water UFH is likely to be based on personal preference, the choice of floor covering and the type of building work being undertaken. The costs also have to be balanced to determine which system, in the long term, is the most cost effective option.

The versatility of UFH means that it can be used with a diverse range of flooring materials. Trends in types of materials with which UFH is installed is governed essentially by fashionable interiors, although materials chosen will have an impact on the heat output. As a general rule solid wood floors are the most difficult to use with underfloor heating. The difficulties arise from timber not being a homogenous material and reacting to changes in humidity. With this in mind, the plans drawn up must allow for this uncertainty. Timber must be specifically prepared to be used with underfloor heating. This is due to the way the timber is cut and the moisture level of the wood. It is important that timber floor suppliers are able to give advice on selecting the correct wood to use to their clients. The heat output of UFH systems in screeded floors is on average 100 W/m2; for timber floors it is generally 70W/m2.

As far as the future design of heat sources for UFH is concerned the predominant trend will continue to be delivering increased energy efficiency. New products coming to the market will broaden further the application of UFH thereby increasing its appeal and share of the UK heating market.

It would be premature to forecast the demise of the radiator but UFH's popularity is set to continue because of its compatibility with renewable energy sources, its desirability and affordability.