Research conducted by Continental Underfloor for BEAMA’s independent campaign Ask for Underfloor has revealed 30 per cent of house hunters want underfloor heating in all or some rooms of their new property. A fifth of respondents would like underfloor heating in key rooms such as the bedroom, bathroom or kitchen – a 5 per cent increase to statistics released by Ask for Underfloor in January 2014.
The data supports further research carried out by Ask for Underfloor member Uponor, which found 75 per cent of installers believe underfloor heating will be a key heating solution for the latter part of 2015 into 2016.
Representatives from the Ask for Underfloor campaign, which is backed by BEAMA, believe the rising popularity is down to consumers becoming more aware of the far-reaching benefits of underfloor heating. Out of 2,000 respondents, 42 per cent of those who had underfloor heating said it helped to provide a better level of comfort than other heating sources, 37 per cent found it had contributed to lower energy bills and 32 per cent felt it provided a touch of affordable luxury in their home. One in 10 even said underfloor heating had improved their quality of life.
However, the research revealed there are still some misconceptions around underfloor heating which the industry needs to tackle. Over half (51 per cent) of respondents who don’t have underfloor heating said they think it would cost too much to buy, over a third (35 per cent) think it would be too disruptive to install and nearly a quarter (23 per cent) don’t think it would be suitable for their type of property.
“A lot of our members are reporting an increase in underfloor heating enquiries and sales, and it’s great to hear that installers are in agreement that it’s becoming an important heating solution,” commented Colin Timmins from BEAMA and the Ask for Underfloor campaign. “Statistics from the Construction Products Association show that growth in housebuilding will primarily be delivered by SME housebuilders as we move into 2016/2017, giving both suppliers and installers of underfloor heating systems a great opportunity.
“In order to maximise business in this area though, there is still some work the industry needs to do in order to dispel any myths surrounding underfloor heating. Specifiers, installers and suppliers alike need to communicate to their customers that thanks to product developments there is now a system suitable for almost any type of property and many – such as systems that lay over the top of the existing floor – are very straightforward and quick to install, with minimal mess or fuss. What’s more, with a system for a three-bedroom property costing from around £2,100 it can be an affordable way to update a home.
“With the construction industry continuing to improve, along with homeowners increasingly asking for underfloor heating, the rest of 2015 has the potential to be fruitful for suppliers and installers of underfloor heating. The challenge the industry faces is to carry on educating homeowners of the benefits of underfloor heating and ensure it is up to date with all the latest developments so it can provide customers with the very best products and services.”
For more information about underfloor heating and the Ask for Underfloor campaign, visit www.askforunderfloor.org.uk.
