What Does the Future Homes Standard Mean for Underfloor Heating?

The Future Homes Standard aims to slash carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to current emissions, and create net-zero housing. It changes the very way construction companies approach building new homes in many ways, including the methods by which it’s heated.

EasyFlow have been installing underfloor heating in Shropshire, the Midlands, Wales, and the North East of England for over 10 years. In this blog, we’ll go over what the Future Homes Standard is, the changes it makes to heating, and what the future of underfloor heating may look like.

What is the Future Homes Standard?

The Future Homes Standard is a new UK regulation that will require the construction industry to adopt new technologies and sustainable practices when building homes. New builds will be required to have low-carbon, energy-efficient heating, improved insulation and compatibility with EV charging and renewable energy generation.

Specifically, it will change Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations, which cover insulation, energy-efficient heating and ventilation, respectively. New homes will require all forms of insulation with higher R-values to reduce heat loss and thermal bridges where heat loss can occur. Low-carbon heat sources like solar water and heat pump installations will be required, and gas boilers will be phased out.

When Will the Future Homes Standard Be Enforced?

The new regulations are still undergoing final revisions and are expected to be published in 2026. It’s expected that the changes to Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations will be enforced in late 2026 to early 2027.

This should include a transitional period, where homes with planning and building permits requested before enforcement won’t need to be built to the new regulations. At the end of the transition, all new homes will require low-carbon heating.

Will the Future Homes Standard Affect Existing Homes?

It will apply to new homes or existing homes undergoing renovations covered by Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations. Older homes will not be required to conform if works do not cover heating, insulation, or ventilation.

How Does the New Standard Affect Heating?

The Future Homes Standard will phase out gas boilers and require a renewable compatible heat source, such as a biomass boiler or heat pump installation. Most low-carbon heat sources generally operate at lower flow temperatures (around 40-50°C) than gas boilers (up to 70-80°C).

This is a big change for radiator systems, which are designed to radiate heat from very hot water. With the new standard, radiators may be less efficient. Underfloor heating, however, works optimally at lower temperatures, providing comfortable, energy-efficient heating.

Furthermore, as there is a strong emphasis on building homes with renewable energy generation capability, heating systems that can benefit from this will be at a significant advantage.

Can Underfloor Heating Work With Solar Power?

Both wet and electric floor heating can work with solar power. Electric floor heating’s operational costs can be significantly reduced with energy generated from solar. Wet underfloor heating is compatible when paired with a heat pump installation.

Will Underfloor Heating be a Key Component of New Builds?

Underfloor heating, both wet and electric floor heating, is very likely to be standard for new build homes and renovations covered by Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations. Furthermore, underfloor heating efficiency will benefit from better floor insulation, low-carbon heat sources, and solar power mandated by the new standard.

EasyFlow can provide a full-service bespoke installation of wet and electric floor heating, from floor insulation to the screed and even the heat pump installation. Our designs are carefully engineered with CAD and calculations to ensure maximum heating efficiency.

Our underfloor heating’s intuitive design and heating principles make it energy-efficient heating that does not sacrifice the end user’s comfort. If you are considering developments with underfloor heating in Shropshire, Birmingham, Oxfordshire, Manchester, or further afield, get in touch with EasyFlow today.