Gaia predicts more opportunities for underfloor heating

July 31, 2024

Underfloor heating experts – Gaia – are expecting to install even more underfloor heating in new-build developments as the new Chancellor announces plans to “get Britain building again.”

Following Labour’s win at the UK general election, Starmer’s government is reintroducing housebuilding targets, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiling their plan to build 1.5 million homes in England over the next five years.

With underfloor heating already an increasingly popular choice for new-builds, these changes will inevitably create more opportunities for underfloor heating installations.

“With 1.5 million new-build homes on the way, we’re predicting that even more developers will choose to install underfloor heating as the energy efficient heating system for their projects – particularly as these homes will be built in adherence with recently changed Part L regulations and the upcoming Future Homes Standard,” states Steven Rooney, Director of Gaia Underfloor Heating.

As of June 2022, Part L Building Regulations outline that all new-build homes must produce 31% fewer carbon emissions than was previously acceptable, to help meet the UK’s 2050 Net Zero targets.

This was an interim step towards the Future Homes Standard – due to be implemented in 2025 – which declares carbon emissions should be reduced even further, to 75-80% fewer than previously accepted.

Industry experts have identified underfloor heating as a key solution to low carbon heating for future new-build homes, due to its energy efficiency and low operating temperature.

“Underfloor heating runs at around 35°C, whereas a radiator and boiler systems runs at around 70°C. This means underfloor heating is very energy efficient – up to 30% more so than radiators! Plus, it can be paired with heat pumps, another low carbon heating solution, therefore making it the ideal, future-proof option for the proposed new-build homes,” adds Steven.

Gaia have extensive experience designing, supplying and installing underfloor heating for large-scale residential projects. The team is 50 members strong with 35 years’ experience, providing a quality service from project conception to completion.

They have worked with a number of developers across the UK, including Taylor Wimpey, Berkeley Group and Hambridge Homes.

“We’re proud to have worked with so many leading developers. These housebuilding targets will certainly be positive news for them – and for the underfloor heating market too. We’re looking forward to continuing to be the underfloor heating partner of choice and installing even more underfloor heating systems as Britain gets building again!” concludes Steven.

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