GAIA - What are the rules and regulations affecting underfloor heating?
When installing underfloor heating into a building – whether it’s a residential new-build or a commercial refurbishment – it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations that guide design, installation and product safety.
From legal requirements under Building Regulations, to best practice guidance from industry bodies, these standards not only ensure compliance but also help with better system performance and long-term energy savings.
Here at Gaia, we’re the UK’s underfloor heating partner of choice, providing expert design, supply and installation for both residential and commercial projects. This means we’re well versed in all of the standards and regulations which affect underfloor heating!
So, we’ve put together a handy guide which covers all the key rules and regulations affecting the installation and use of underfloor heating in the UK.
Building Regulations
Part L
Part L – or Document L – of UK Building Regulations relates to the conservation of fuel and power.
Its main focus is improving the energy efficiency of buildings, outlining that any new dwellings should produce 31% fewer CO2 emissions than was previously acceptable, while commercial buildings must produce 27% fewer.
This came into place in June 2022 and was intended to be a stepping stone to the Future Homes Standard which is set to be introduced in 2025.
The regulations outline that U-values should be met to ensure energy waste and heat loss is minimal, which includes adequate insulation and ‘smart’ thermostats and controls which help reduce energy wastage.
On top of this, under Part L, the maximum flow temperature of heating systems must now be 55˚C in order to reduce carbon emissions. As underfloor heating typically runs at around 35˚C – 45˚C, this makes it an ideal heating system for complying with Part L regulations.
Part O
Part O – or Approved Document O – relates to minimising the risk of overheating.
Focusing on new residential buildings, it intends to make sure that solar heat is reduced and any excess heat from inside can be removed, for the purpose of ensuring indoor environments remain comfortable and safe for occupants.
This includes designing buildings so that sunlight and solar heat are managed through window placement and the use of shades, as well as sufficient ventilation, whether that’s windows that can be opened or mechanical ventilation systems – all of which should be taken into consideration when designing and installing the most suitable underfloor heating system for a space.
Standards
Future Homes Standard
The Future Homes Standard is a key element of the UK government’s plan to meet Net Zero targets by 2050.
It aims to reduce carbon emissions from new homes even further, building on the prior updates to Part L. Under the Future Homes Standard, new-builds in the UK should produce 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than was acceptable under previous rules.
Designed to ensure new homes are built ‘zero carbon-ready’ from the start, it is set to increase the reliance on low-carbon heating – with systems like underfloor heating – as well as promote better insulation and more energy-efficient windows and doors, such as those with triple glazing.
This means underfloor heating is an ideal solution for heating homes under the Future Homes Standard.
Wet Underfloor Heating is low temperature and can be paired with heat pumps, whilst Electric Underfloor Heating is an alternative low carbon heating solution that can be paired with other renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels (PV) and battery storage.
BS EN 1264 [1-5]
BS EN 1264 outlines a series of guidelines for ensuring thermal comfort when it comes to heating systems that are installed beneath or embedded in a surface.
There are five parts to the standard which offer guidance on design and sizing, covering water-based systems – like wet underfloor heating – which are installed in residential, commercial and industrial spaces. All product manufacturers should provide guidance which adheres to BS EN 1264.
It outlines what the maximum comfortable temperature should be underfoot and details recommended thermal output and insulation.
Best practice and guidance
Whilst the following are not legal requirements, there are a number of best practice suggestions from industry bodies which affect underfloor heating, including:
CIBSE
Following increased use of underfloor heating throughout the UK, CIBSE – the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers – created a guide to be used alongside manufacturers’ instructions for best practice underfloor heating design and installation procedures.
‘HVUH Underfloor Heating Design & Installation Guide’ covers fundamental principles, floor structures and finishes, heat loss calculations, layouts, controls and more.
BEAMA
BEAMA is the trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure and systems in the UK, representing a sector worth £14 billion.
They provide expertise and independent influence in a range of key industry areas, including product safety, performance and energy efficiency.
Based on a UK government white paper covering the importance of electrification in meeting net zero goals, BEAMA’s recent campaign – Accelerating Electrification – aims to encourage businesses to get involved in the journey towards electrification, with one goal being to establish a low carbon, smart and flexible energy system.
Underfloor heating is perfectly aligned with electrification goals. Electric underfloor heating is powered solely by an electricity supply, and wet underfloor heating can be paired with electric heat pumps in place of gas boilers.
Here at Gaia, we are a member of BEAMA and support their Accelerating Electrification campaign.
Need underfloor heating support?
Whether it’s complying with Building Regulations, preparing for the Future Homes Standard or following best practice guidance, understanding the regulations and standards affecting underfloor heating is more important than ever.
From energy-efficient product choices to fully compliant system design and installation, here at Gaia, we ensure every project meets current standards – and is future-ready too.
If you’re planning a project with underfloor heating and need expert support navigating the latest regulations with it comes to design, supply and installation, our team is here to help.
Get in touch today to find out more.