WAVIN UNDERFLOOR HEATING & COOLING
Wavin Limited
Edlington Lane
Doncaster
SOUTH YORKSHIRE DN12 1BY
Tel: 01709 856200
Fax: ufh@wavin.co.uk
Suppliers of: underfloor heating systems commercial underfloor heating controls commercial underfloor heating systems
Wavin is one of the UK leaders in warm water underfloor heating and a major supplier to both the residential and commercial sectors.
We have underfloor heating solutions for new-build or renovation projects, with any floor construction or type of heat source, backed up by our complete project design service.
Wavin is a complete system that is product-based and provides the highest possible heating performance while being quick and easy to install.
Main Product Solutions:
Comfia Manifolds and Controls
Each project has different requirements, so Comfia UFH have a choice of manifolds for you to choose from. The unique Comfia manifold is easy to install and gives you unrivalled flexibility. Our range of standard, blending, and composite manifolds completes an unbroken circuit of quality in every Comfia system.
Comfia pipes and fittings
Here at Wavin Comfia, we insist on Polybutylene pipe in our systems due to its unrivalled installation properties, use, and sustainability. Polybutylene pipe is designed to last for the life of the building and carries an industry-leading 100-year guarantee. More flexible than other pipes, it offers excellent creep resistance, is non-corrosive, resists frost damage, and is unaffected by hard, soft, or aggressive water conditions.
Comfia Panels and Accessories
A range of underfloor panels and accessories that are compatible with different types and coverings.
Sentio Controls and Thermostats
Wavin has a range of Sentio Controls that you can choose from to make regulating your indoor climate easy. Sentio provides a range of underfloor heating controls from wired and wireless, to being able to control from outside of your home with the Sentio App.
District Heating Solutions:
Calefa District Heating
Wavin Calefa HIU sets new standards for domestic hot water and heating delivery in terms of responsiveness, efficiency, and ease of installation. All our models feature our unique bypass control making them the most efficient units on the market.
Wavin underfloor heating can provide a comprehensive design service, with all necessary materials, CAD installation drawings and instructions sent direct to site. Alternatively, we can supply underfloor heating components to installers who wish to undertake their own system designs. Wavin is a Full Member of The Underfloor Heating Manufacturer Association (UHMA).
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Wavin How Underfloor Heating Works and Its Benefits Over Radiators
Underfloor heating (UFH) is an advanced heating system that is gaining popularity in residential buildings due to its efficiency, comfort, and aesthetic advantages. Unlike traditional radiator-based systems, underfloor heating provides consistent warmth across a room by utilising pipes embedded beneath the floor surface. The water is heated by a boiler, heat pump, or solar thermal system and heat is distributed evenly across the room.
This report explains the working mechanism of underfloor heating and highlights its benefits over conventional radiators to help meet the requirements of modern buildings legislations. This is particularly important as 60% of a homes’ total energy consumption is through its heating demand.
In many cases, new homes are required to produce much less carbon than current homes. This means that many home owners will chooses to have their home heated via a heat pump
Underfloor heating will typically improve the efficiency of the heat pump by 30% over radiator systems. Underfloor heating will reduce consumers bills, improve comfort, and improve house saleability.
Specification of underfloor heating starts with the floor build up. Heat outputs vary depending on flow temperature, pipe size, spacing between pipes and floor build-up and smart controls help to make an efficient heat pump with underfloor heating system
Benefits over radiators
Unlike radiators, which despite their name are actually convection heaters and create localised heat near the unit; underfloor heating ensures uniform warmth throughout the room by radiating heat from the entire floor surface.
Underfloor heating (UFH) operates at lower temperatures (typically 30-45°C for wet systems and 40-50°C for electric systems) compared to radiators (which often require temperatures above 60°C). This improves efficiency and reduces energy consumption. The expectation is that radiators result in that UFH operates at 1-2ºC lower air temperature. This will result in a reduced heat demand of 10-20%, saving energy and reducing bills
Underfloor heating is particularly well-suited for use with heat pumps due to its ability to operate effectively at lower temperatures. Heat pumps, such as air source and ground source heat pumps, work most efficiently when supplying heat at lower flow temperatures, which aligns perfectly with the operating range of underfloor heating systems. The large surface area of UFH allows for gradual and consistent heat distribution, reducing the workload on the heat pump and enhancing overall energy efficiency. Additionally, combining UFH with heat pumps can significantly lower carbon emissions and running costs, making it an ideal solution for eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes.
The radiant heat from UFH rather than convection heat from radiators warms people and objects directly, preventing cold spots and providing a more comfortable indoor climate.
Traditional radiator sizing has been for 20ºC indoor, 70ºC flow temperature ∆T 50ºC. Part L indicates 45ºC flow temperature for new build, making the ∆T 25ºC; this doubles the required radiator size for the same output. Underfloor heating eliminates the need for bulky radiators leaving architects and designers greater flexibility in room layouts and furniture placement. This allows for more open-plan living spaces, improved aesthetics, and better utilisation of available square footage. Additionally, eliminating radiators enhances wall space, making it easier to install large windows, maximise natural light, and create a modern, streamlined interior. These advantages make UFH a preferred heating solution for contemporary home designs where efficiency, comfort, and visual appeal are key priorities.
Wet underfloor heating systems have fewer moving parts than traditional radiator-based systems, leading to reduced wear and maintenance costs over time.
Unlike radiators that circulate dust and allergens through convection, UFH minimizes air movement, making it a healthier option for allergy sufferers.
Benefits of radiant heating over convection heating
Underfloor heating primarily relies on radiant heat transfer, which offers several advantages over traditional radiators (convection-based heating systems).
More efficient heat transfer: Radiant heating directly warms objects and people, reducing heat loss compared to convection systems, which rely on warming the air.
Reduced heat stratification: Convection heating causes warm air to rise to the ceiling while leaving lower areas colder. Radiant heating maintains a more uniform temperature from floor to ceiling.
Better air quality: Since radiant heating does not rely on air circulation, it minimizes the spread of dust, allergens, and other airborne particles, improving indoor air quality.
Lower energy consumption: Because radiant heat is more effective at making a room feel warm at lower temperatures, less energy is required to maintain comfort, leading to lower heating bills.
Enhanced comfort: Radiant heat creates a more natural and comfortable warmth, similar to the heat from the sun, without the dry air effects often caused by convection heating.
Silent operation: Unlike radiators, which may produce noise due to water flow and expansion, underfloor heating operates silently, contributing to a more peaceful living environment.
It is misunderstood generally that UFH will only work with ‘tiled floors’. Whilst tiled floors provide the most efficient flooring for heat transfer, other floor covering can also be used to meet architectural requirements. If so, it should be included in the design calculation stage of the system allowing for application in all rooms in the house including upstairs where in some homes carpets are still preferred.
Underfloor heating is a highly efficient, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional radiators. Its ability to distribute heat evenly, improve energy efficiency, and offer health benefits makes it an attractive choice for homeowners. The system's compatibility with heat pumps further enhances its sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Additionally, its use of radiant heating provides significant advantages over convection heating, including better energy efficiency, improved air quality, and superior comfort.
For new build homes, the space-saving benefits of UFH allow for greater design flexibility and a modern, open-plan living experience. Although initial installation costs may be higher, the long-term savings and advantages in comfort and design make underfloor heating a worthwhile investment.
Working with a supplier who really understands underfloor heating and controls is an enabler to ensure you achieve carbon reductions. Please contact us to discuss your next project.
Wavin Maximising Energy Efficiency with Underfloor Heating
Insights from Energy House 2.0
In January 2023, Salford University opened its innovative Energy Lab 2.0 facility, consisting of two environmental chambers, each capable of accommodating two full sized detached houses. These demo homes can be used to simulate temperatures from -20ºC to +40ºC, from a range of sources such as wind, rain, snow, and solar radiation.
In October 2024, a report was published to show the performance of Future Homes, to the specification provided in partnership by Bellway Homes, Barratt Developments, and Saint Gobain. A variety of heat sources and emitters were tested at the energy Lab 2.0 at typical 5ºC and extreme -5ºC conditions.
At Wavin, we are dedicated to advancing sustainable, energy-efficient heating solutions and found this study particularly pertinent.
The findings reinforce the benefits of underfloor heating (UFH) as a modern, cost-effective, and energy-efficient alternative to traditional radiators.
The Case for Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating offers several significant advantages, particularly in energy efficiency, system performance, and cost savings. Key metrics from the study show:
• Superior Energy Efficiency: The System Energy Efficiency Indicator (SEEI) was 25% higher at 5ºC and 40% higher at -5ºC when UFH was installed on the ground floor compared to radiators, both using a monobloc ASHP at a constant heating pattern.
• Reduced Running Costs: UFH reduced running costs by 25% at 5ºC and 32% at -5ºC compared to radiators under the same conditions. For example, the daily heating cost with UFH was just £2.31 at 5ºC and £6.34 at -5ºC.
• Higher Coefficient of Performance (CoP): The monobloc ASHP achieved a CoP of 3.7 with UFH compared to 2.5 with radiators, representing a significant 1.2-point increase in efficiency at 5ºC.
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Why Underfloor Heating Excels
1. Homogeneous Heat Distribution: Unlike radiators, UFH ensures even heat dispersion across the floor, reducing cold spots and enhancing comfort.
2. Lower Hysteresis: UFH maintains a consistent temperature with minimal fluctuations, ensuring steady and efficient heating.
3. Cost-Effective and Low-Impact Installation: With straightforward installation requirements and minimal commissioning, UFH is a hassle-free solution for both new builds and retrofits.
4. Future-Ready Performance: High CoP values, especially under variable weather conditions, confirm UFH’s compatibility with sustainable heating technologies like ASHPs, making it an ideal choice for the Future Homes Standard.
A Greener, Smarter Heating Solution
The findings from Energy House 2.0 underscore that underfloor heating is the most efficient heating solution for ground floors, particularly at external temperatures of +5ºC and -5ºC. Its energy-saving potential, high system efficiency, and cost advantages make it a sustainable and practical choice for homeowners and developers alike.
At Wavin, we are proud to support innovative heating solutions that deliver comfort, efficiency, and environmental benefits. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an existing property, underfloor heating is a smart investment in a sustainable future.
Read the full report via Wavin website or contact:
Tel: +44 800 0380088
E-mail: customerservice.uk@wavin.com
Explore Wavin’s range of underfloor heating solutions and learn how we can help you design for efficiency and comfort.
