The rumour mill has been buzzing with talk that underfloor heating is going to be banned in the UK. But is there any truth to the gossip?
While not every home has underfloor heating, it is an increasingly popular choice for those looking for even heat and clear walls. While wet underfloor heating tends to only be installed as part of a new build or extension project, electric underfloor heating is much easier to install in an existing home.
But under new Government rules, some electric underfloor heating systems could be removed from sale. This is everything we know so far.
Is underfloor heating going to be banned in the UK?
No, underfloor heating isn’t going to be banned in the UK. Rumours of a ban instead stem from Government proposals to ensure that inefficient heating systems are phased out.
Stricter energy efficiency standards that the Government wants to introduce will mean that electric underfloor heating systems that are deemed inefficient will no longer be available to buy. This will only impact new products and not those already installed in homes, with inefficient models phased out by 2027.
As part of it’s wider initiatives around energy security and Net Zero targets, the Government is proposing to update the minimum energy performance standard for local space heaters, like electric underfloor heating as well as things like electric radiators and towel rails as well as gas stoves and radiant heaters.
‘Homeowners shouldn’t be alarmed by headlines suggesting that underfloor heating, heated towel rails or gas fires are set to be banned,’ explains John Klee, heating technology expert at BestHeating. ‘The proposals currently being discussed relate to the efficiency standards that new heating products must meet before they can be sold in the UK, rather than the systems already installed in people’s homes.
‘The aim is to encourage the development of more energy-efficient products, often through improved controls such as thermostats and timers, helping households reduce energy consumption and lower running costs over time.’
According to the consultation document on the new rules, electric space heating in domestic properties accounted for 4% of all electricity demand in the UK in 2024. ‘It is therefore essential to make sure these local space heaters are as energy efficient as possible,’ the Government says.
Under the proposals, Ecodesign regulations for local space heaters in the UK will be updated to be in line with the EU. That means that higher performance requirements must be reached before the products can be sold in the UK.
The proposals also introduce requirements for these products to come with controls and low-power modes to help people use them more efficiently and reduce unnecessary energy wastage.
Furthermore, the proposals introduce ‘right to repair’ measures, which mean manufacturers will need to supply spare parts, like controls, thermostats and heating elements, for a minimum of 10 years. This is to cut waste and emissions from manufacturing and disposal.
As a result of these measures, almost half (48%) of electric underfloor heating systems currently available will be removed from sale.
What about wet underfloor heating?
Wet underfloor heating isn’t going to be banned either, as Matthew Powell, founder of WarmZilla, explains: ‘What’s happening is a wider shift in building regulations and net zero policy that affects how heating systems are designed and installed, especially in new builds. Recent proposals and commentary have included tighter efficiency rules and a push away from high carbon heating systems, but underfloor heating itself is not being targeted for removal.
‘In fact, underfloor heating is generally considered a compatible low temperature heating method that works well with heat pumps, which are being encouraged as part of the UK’s transition to lower carbon homes. Some confusion comes from discussions around Future Homes Standard rules and efficiency requirements that favour low temperature systems, but this is about improving performance standards, not banning UFH.’
What does this mean for those who want or have electric underfloor heating?
If you are thinking about installing electric underfloor heating at home, then it’s worth asking your chosen retailer or installer about the most energy efficient option. Inefficient models will be phased out over the next six months, so you won’t be able to buy them.
The new rules will mean that any electric underfloor heating system you buy will be more energy efficient, and therefore, will have a positive effect on your energy bills.
However, it also means that you may have to pay more to buy the electric underfloor heating in the first place. ‘The immediate impact will be on the upfront cost for heating appliances, with manufacturer efforts to create more innovative and energy-efficient designs likely to result in increased costs being passed on to consumers, with fewer budget-friendly options remaining on the market,’ says Anton Neike, Energy Expert and CEO at Taupia. ‘However, the Government argues households will be better off in the long term through lower running costs.
‘On the other hand, once more efficient underfloor heating systems with smarter controls become more readily available, running costs may become more predictable for consumers who’ll have more control over how much their system is used.’
If you already have electric underfloor heating, you won’t be impacted by the changes until you want to replace your existing system. ‘When it comes time to upgrade, homeowners may benefit from newer systems that incorporate enhanced efficiency features and smarter controls,’ adds John Klee. ‘However, for now, those with existing installations can continue using them as normal, confident that these proposals are focused on future product standards rather than current heating systems.’
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