GAIA CLIMATE SOLUTIONS LTD
UNIT 4
BRICKFIELDS BUSINESS PARK
WOOLPIT
BURY ST EDMUNDS
SUFFOLK IP30 9QS
Tel: 01359 242400
Fax: projects@gaia.co.uk
Suppliers of: Electric Underfloor Heating, wet underfloor heating, frost protection, commercial underfloor heating, domestic underfloor heating
Here at Gaia, we’re a company with over 35 years’ experience offering total underfloor heating systems in commercial and residential properties across the UK and Ireland. We specialise in the design, supply and installation of both wet and electric systems as well as frost protection. Offering a wide range of underfloor heating solutions, our teams can advise and design the most suitable system for you, whether it’s a new build or refurbishment project; providing a professional service from initial project stage through to project completion.
We cover all projects from self-build, residential and commercial new builds, multiple apartment buildings, care and educational facilities.
We pride ourselves in building lasting relationships with customers who we continue to serve and celebrate in the success of the projects we deliver for them.
Our Systems: Electric Underfloor Heating / Wet Underfloor Heating / Frost Protection
Heat Pump Compatible: Please contact us for further information on how we can design the right system for you.
In an electric underfloor heating system, a series of wires are installed beneath or within your flooring as a means of heating the room.
The electric system you install will depend on the size of the room and how well insulated it is. What the flooring below is like, whether it’s insulated and the type of flooring you’ll have on top. Options include loose-fit wiring, flexible enough to fit into small or awkward spaces, electric cable systems, or heating mats you roll out to cover larger areas.
Electric floor heating can be added without breaking up the old floor when a property is renovated. It’s quick and easy to install, making a new build project quicker to complete.
With a wet underfloor heating system, a series of pipes connected to your boiler circulate warm water throughout the floor to heat the space, similar to radiators. Alternatively, you can connect the underfloor water pipes to a solar hydronic heating system, air-source or ground-source heat pump. The pipes will be connected to your heat source using a manifold (essentially a central system allowing all the pipes to work together). The bigger the system, the more pipes it will have and the more complex the manifold will be. The system will also be fitted to a thermostat (or thermostats, if you’re having more than one zone) so that you can regulate the temperature.
We have various systems for you to choose from depending on your projects needs. We offer the full Gaia system which fits perfectly into screed, aluminium plates or grooved overlay; and we also systems from top brands Polypipe, Emmeti, Omnie and Myson. As a result, whatever your project requirements, we have a system to suit your needs.
We offer a wide range of frost protection and ice and snow melting systems for your project. From providing safe walking areas and driving during winter times through to protecting buildings and pipes from frost damage – we have the solution. If you want to install a system with the peace of mind that it will last through harsh winter conditions, our frost protection systems are fit for the job.
Our frost protection and snow melting systems are used throughout the world regularly protecting to temperatures of -30 deg Celsius.
Training professionals on how to specify and install underfloor heating systems is an essential part of the service we provide.
We offer a variety of CPD material on Electric underfloor heating, Wet underfloor heating and Frost Protection systems, designed to improve your professional knowledge and skills. It’s a platform for us to share our expertise on each heating system.
Our systems are fitted in new developments and renovations all across the UK and Ireland.
Further information and product advice is available on the Gaia Climate Solutions Website.
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.
GAIA - Discover 5 hidden benefits of underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is widely recognised for the comfort and energy efficiency it provides – but there are actually a number of lesser-known benefits that make it an increasingly popular solution for residential and commercial projects alike.
Whilst providing warmth underfoot is its most obvious draw, underfloor heating brings long-term value in ways that aren’t always immediately visible, particularly when compared with traditional radiator-based systems.
As experts in underfloor heating, in our latest blog we’re exploring the hidden advantages of underfloor heating and how it can support better design, health and performance in your next project.
What are the hidden benefits of underfloor heating?
On top of consistent warmth, energy efficiency and long-term cost-effectiveness, underfloor heating has a number of hidden benefits which make it an effective heating system for many buildings.
These benefits include:
1. Design freedom
Underfloor heating gives you the luxury of space!
With no need for bulky radiators or wall-mounted units, underfloor heating frees up more floor and wall space.
Not only does this give architects and developers greater flexibility when designing buildings, but it gives homeowners more choice when it comes to room layouts, furniture placement and interior styling too.
This is particularly beneficial in open-plan living areas or rooms which feature obstacles, such as compact bathrooms with sinks and toilets or kitchen spaces with lots of cabinets or an island.
Plus, the lack of visible heating components also contributes to a cleaner aesthetic which is an increasingly popular design trend.
2. Better air quality
Unlike traditional radiator systems, underfloor heating can help to improve air quality indoors.
Radiators rely on convection to heat a space which means that air rises and falls to circulate the heat. This can disturb dust, allergens and airborne particles, distributing them throughout a room.
In contrast, underfloor heating creates gentle, radiant warmth which heats a room from the ground up. This reduces air movement, meaning that it doesn’t blow dust and allergens around.
For people with allergies or respiratory sensitivities like asthma, this can have health benefits. In addition, it contributes towards a cleaner environment which is ideal for homes – but particularly important for healthcare or educational facilities.
3. Enhanced safety
Underfloor heating can be a safer heating system, especially for homes with young children or pets.
Whilst radiators can have sharp edges and exposed hot surfaces, underfloor heating is completely hidden beneath the floor, minimising the risk of accidents, injuries or burns.
This makes it a safer choice for homes with young children, elderly residents, those with reduced mobility or pets.
Plus, for public buildings, schools and healthcare environments, this could also help with health and safety compliance and reducing the risk of accidental injury.
4. Less maintenance
Whilst many may not think about heating much after installation, many heating systems require regular maintenance. However, once installed, underfloor heating systems need minimal upkeep.
Electric systems in particular have no moving parts, so when designed and installed correctly, they offer long-term reliability.
Wet systems can be more complex as they are connected to other heat sources, but they also deliver dependable performance when fitted with quality components and controls.
This low-maintenance is especially appealing for busy households, landlords and facility managers looking to minimise repair callouts or heating downtime.
5. Future-proof investment
With energy standards becoming more stringent and a push from both homeowners and developers towards low-carbon solutions, underfloor heating is a smart long-term investment for the future.
It can not only help to enhance the energy efficiency and EPC rating of a property, but also adds long-term value and desirability to a property – whether it’s a high-specification new build or a carefully considered retrofit.
With more and more people wanting underfloor heating in their project, it’s increasingly becoming known as the heating system of the future.
Get expert underfloor heating support from Gaia
In addition to the well-known benefits of underfloor heating, architects, contractors, M&E consultants, builders and developers should also consider these hidden benefits when choosing the most ideal heating system for their project.
Here at Gaia, we design, supply and install underfloor heating for a wide range of projects across the UK – whether it’s a new-build development or a retrofit project.
With decades of experience and tailored guidance from our in-house team, we can offer expert support at every stage of the project.
Get in touch today to find out more.
