Gaia predicts new trends in underfloor heating in 2023
2022 saw a number of key developments in underfloor heating, including the introduction of new Part L building regulations and a shift in favour of electric over gas, to name just a few. However, 2023 is on the horizon and following the eventfulness of the last twelve months, many people are looking ahead to the new year. Therefore we have taken a look at the trends in underfloor heating predicted for 2023.
As leading suppliers and installers of underfloor heating, here at Gaia we’ve turned our thoughts to 2023 and taken a look at what could be in store for underfloor heating.
Cost cutting in a cost-of-living crisis
2022 saw an unprecedented rise in wholesale gas and electricity prices, leading to expensive heating bills for households across the UK.
Energy prices are set to increase yet again in January 2023, meaning consumers will continue to search for ways to reduce their usage and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Underfloor heating is known for its energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It runs at a lower temperature than a traditional radiator and boiler system, using less energy to create the same heat.
Plus, with smart thermostats which help to monitor usage, energy wastage can be controlled to help save money on bills.
The continuation of Part L
In 2022, the UK government has made significant changes to the Part L Building Regulations through their Future Homes Standard plan.
In order to meet Net Zero targets, the government outlined that all new-build homes must produce 31% fewer carbon emissions than was previously acceptable, while commercial buildings must produce 27% fewer.
Also, the Future Homes Standard plan outlines that by 2025, CO2 emissions should be reduced even further so they are 75-80% lower than was previously acceptable.
The changes have already had a significant effect on the underfloor heating market as the new energy efficiency rules placed underfloor heating at the top of the list for compliant heating methods for low-carbon homes.
With the number of zero-carbon ready homes likely to increase even further in 2023, we predict the demand for underfloor heating will continue to rise too.
A focus on renewable energy
Using renewable energy – such as solar power and wind power – has become more important in recent years, particularly as we get ever closer to the target of reaching Net Zero by 2050.
Over 40% of the UK’s electricity is currently generated by renewable sources, with the International Energy Agency predicting that renewable energy will overtake coal by as early as 2025.
The UK government has outlined plans to switch to heavy reliance on renewable energy in their white paper ‘Powering Our Net Zero Future’. They identified electricity generated by renewable sources as key to the move away from fossil fuels.
So, we’re expecting to see underfloor heating – especially electric systems – increasingly paired with renewable energy in 2023.
Increased interest in heat pumps
Heat pumps have certainly taken the underfloor heating industry by storm in 2022.
Designed to take heat from an external source – ground, air or water – and transform it into warmth for a building, heat pumps are a renewable and sustainable energy source.
As part of the goal to reach Net Zero, it is expected that there will be no new gas boilers sold after 2025 and heat pumps are predicted to be the most favourable replacement.
Plus, they can be used with both electric and wet underfloor heating and help save even more money on heating bills.
As consumers continue to move away from gas boilers and towards low-carbon heating methods to save on heating bills, we’re expecting heat pumps to become even more popular in 2023.
Growth of smart temperature controls
In recent years, smart thermostats have become a popular choice among underfloor heating users.
With features such as WiFi connection or an app for regulating the temperature from another device, smart thermostats are a simple way to control underfloor heating.
In 2023, we’re predicting that the market for smart thermostats will increase even further.
This is predominantly because smart thermostats have a number of energy-saving features which can help consumers save money on their bills. For example, an ‘open window detection’ feature turns the heating off when it’s not needed and reduces wastage by around 12%.
More and more people are also interested in a smart home where technology controls elements of a house, including the heating, lighting and more.
Whichever the reason for consumers’ desire for ‘smart’ controls, we’re expecting demand for them to significantly grow next year.
2023 is already looking set to be a successful year for the underfloor heating industry.
Demand for underfloor heating will significantly increase due to the energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of both wet and electric systems, as well as their suitability for a Net Zero future.
Plus, specific products are set to soar as heat pumps and smart thermostats become increasingly desirable to consumers.
Gaia can help with your underfloor heating needs
With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, here at Gaia, we design, supply and install both wet and dry underfloor heating systems.
We are multi award-winning specialists with an expert team who work with architects, contractors, M&E consultants, builders and developers across the country.
Whether you’re working on a new-build or renovation, a self-build or commercial project, we will deliver the very best underfloor heating solutions for your needs.