Underfloor heating looks to heat up in 2015
New research has revealed that underfloor heating is growing in popularity as homeowners become more aware of its far reaching benefits, making it set to be a key feature for 2015.
Almost a third (30%) of house hunters are actively looking for a property with underfloor heating in all or some rooms of their new property, according to a survey by Continental Underfloor for the independent campaign Ask for Underfloor*. A fifth of respondents would like underfloor heating in key rooms such as the bedroom, bathroom or kitchen – a 5% increase compared to statistics released by the campaign in January 2014.
Out of 2,000 respondents, 42% of those who had underfloor heating said it helped to provide a better level of comfort than other heating sources, 37% found it had contributed to lower energy bills and 32% felt it provided a touch of affordable luxury in their home. One in 10 even said underfloor heating had improved their quality of life.
The research highlighting the benefits and growing popularity of underfloor heating is further complimented by recent statistics released by Ask for Underfloor member Uponor, which found three quarters of installers believe it will be a key heating solution for 2015.
“It’s great to see that homeowners in the UK are increasingly appreciating the benefits of underfloor heating,” said Colin Timmins from BEAMA and the Ask for Underfloor campaign. “Underfloor heating really is the most effective way to heat your home and as a result can help you reduce your energy bills. Homeowners often feedback that it creates a comfortable and luxurious environment, but without incurring a huge initial outlay. In fact, with a system for a three-bedroom property costing from around £2,100, underfloor heating really is an affordable way to update a home.”
The research revealed some homeowners still have some misconceptions of underfloor heating. Over half (51%) of respondents who don’t have underfloor heating said they think it would cost too much to buy, over a third (35%) think it would be too disruptive to install and nearly a quarter (23%) don’t think it would be suitable for their type of property.
Colin continued: “Product developments mean there is now an underfloor heating system suitable for nearly any type of property. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning on modernising a period property, building an extension on an existing property or looking to a buy a newbuild – there will be a solution to meet your needs. With some systems, such as ones you simply lay over the top of your floor, you don’t even need to dig up the existing floor. You simply lay the system over the existing floor, add your chosen floor covering over the top and away you go.”
For more information about underfloor heating and the Ask for Underfloor campaign, visit askforunderfloor.org.uk.
