Energy-efficient comfort through underfloor heating
Underfloor heating (UFH) is increasingly recognised as a high-performing alternative to traditional radiator systems in residential buildings. By circulating warm water through pipes embedded in the floor, UFH delivers consistent, low-temperature radiant heat across a room. When PB-1 piping is used, the system benefits from flexibility, excellent temperature and pressure resistance, and chemical resistance, all of which help ensure durable, efficient performance over time.
How underfloor heating works
Water in UFH systems is typically heated by a boiler, heat pump, or solar thermal system. Once distributed through a network of pipes below the floor, it radiates heat evenly across the room. This contrasts with radiators, which rely on convection and create localised heat near the unit, leading to uneven temperature distribution. The excellent chemical resistance of PB-1 helps prevent issues like corrosion or scale build-up in UFH systems, helping maintain performance and longevity.
Designed for low-energy homes
In response to stricter building regulations and growing demand for low-carbon homes, underfloor heating provides an effective solution. With heating responsible for around 60% of a home's total energy use, choosing a more efficient system is critical. Underfloor heating can improve the efficiency of heat pumps by up to 30% compared to radiators, resulting in lower energy bills and increased property value. When PB-1 pipes are used, their low thermal resistance, good operating temperature tolerance, and durability contribute to reliable energy-savings in use.
Benefits of radiant heat
Unlike convection systems, UFH radiates heat directly to people and objects. This results in a more natural and even warmth, typically allowing indoor temperatures to be set 1–2°C lower while maintaining comfort. This can reduce heat demand by 10–20%, cutting both energy use and emissions. PB-1 systems support this benefit: their best-in-class operation under lower flow temperatures helps maintain output without needing overly hot water, reinforcing energy savings.
Synergy with heat pumps
UFH is particularly compatible with low-temperature heating sources such as air source and ground source heat pumps. These systems perform best when delivering heat at lower flow temperatures—perfectly aligned with the operating range of underfloor heating. The wide surface area of UFH distributes heat slowly and evenly, easing the load on the heat pump and increasing system efficiency. The flexibility and temperature resistance of PB-1 piping makes it well-suited for pairing with heat pumps, helping to ensure long-term reliability.
Flexibility in design
Underfloor heating eliminates the need for radiators, giving architects and designers more freedom in room layouts. This supports open-plan living, improved aesthetics, and better use of space. It also enables larger windows and more natural light, helping to create modern, streamlined interiors. The flexibility of PB-1 pipe (able to bend to tighter radii, easy to install in variable layouts) significantly aids this design flexibility, especially in tight spaces or where pipes must navigate turns or be fitted between joists or in floor build-ups.
Lower operating temperatures
Wet underfloor heating systems generally operate between 30–45°C (electric systems at 40–50°C), while radiators often require temperatures above 60°C. With newer regulations such as Part L calling for lower flow temperatures in new buildings (around 45°C), radiator sizes need to increase significantly to deliver the same output—further reinforcing the advantages of UFH. PB-1 piping is rated for excellent temperature and pressure resistance (including long-term performance even at elevated temperatures), which helps deliver consistent performance under these lower flow temperature regimes.
Compatible with different floor finishes
Although tiled floors offer the most efficient heat transfer, UFH is compatible with a wide range of flooring materials, including carpet, provided that system design accounts for the thermal resistance of the chosen finish. This makes UFH suitable for installation throughout the entire home, including upstairs. The thermal and chemical stability of PB-1 supports a wide range of installation types, whether under solid screed, floating floors, or in suspended floor arrangements.
Efficient and low-maintenance
With fewer moving parts than traditional radiator-based systems, wet UFH systems often have lower maintenance requirements and reduced long-term costs. PB-1 piping systems offer "no corrosion or problems from scale build-up" and have excellent long-term reliability, which reduces maintenance burden on homeowners.
Controls matter
Achieving optimal performance from an underfloor heating system depends not only on correct specification—such as pipe layout, spacing, and floor build-up—but also on smart controls. These play a vital role in maximising efficiency, especially when paired with low-temperature heat sources like heat pumps. Using PB-1 piping enhances this setup: good pipe performance at relevant temperatures, ease of jointing, and flexibility mean the control strategy is less likely to be compromised by material limitations.
Want to know more about underfloor heating?
Find some interesting articles and links to useful tools by Wavin.
Energy-efficient comfort through underfloor heating
Underfloor heating (UFH) is increasingly recognised as a high-performing alternative to traditional radiator systems in residential buildings. By circulating warm water through pipes embedded in the floor, UFH delivers consistent, low-temperature radiant heat across a room. When PB-1 piping is used, the system benefits from flexibility, excellent temperature and pressure resistance, and chemical resistance, all of which help ensure durable, efficient performance over time.
How underfloor heating works
Water in UFH systems is typically heated by a boiler, heat pump, or solar thermal system. Once distributed through a network of pipes below the floor, it radiates heat evenly across the room. This contrasts with radiators, which rely on convection and create localised heat near the unit, leading to uneven temperature distribution. The excellent chemical resistance of PB-1 helps prevent issues like corrosion or scale build-up in UFH systems, helping maintain performance and longevity.
Designed for low-energy homes
In response to stricter building regulations and growing demand for low-carbon homes, underfloor heating provides an effective solution. With heating responsible for around 60% of a home's total energy use, choosing a more efficient system is critical. Underfloor heating can improve the efficiency of heat pumps by up to 30% compared to radiators, resulting in lower energy bills and increased property value. When PB-1 pipes are used, their low thermal resistance, good operating temperature tolerance, and durability contribute to reliable energy-savings in use.
Benefits of radiant heat
Unlike convection systems, UFH radiates heat directly to people and objects. This results in a more natural and even warmth, typically allowing indoor temperatures to be set 1–2°C lower while maintaining comfort. This can reduce heat demand by 10–20%, cutting both energy use and emissions. PB-1 systems support this benefit: their best-in-class operation under lower flow temperatures helps maintain output without needing overly hot water, reinforcing energy savings.
Synergy with heat pumps
UFH is particularly compatible with low-temperature heating sources such as air source and ground source heat pumps. These systems perform best when delivering heat at lower flow temperatures—perfectly aligned with the operating range of underfloor heating. The wide surface area of UFH distributes heat slowly and evenly, easing the load on the heat pump and increasing system efficiency. The flexibility and temperature resistance of PB-1 piping makes it well-suited for pairing with heat pumps, helping to ensure long-term reliability.
Flexibility in design
Underfloor heating eliminates the need for radiators, giving architects and designers more freedom in room layouts. This supports open-plan living, improved aesthetics, and better use of space. It also enables larger windows and more natural light, helping to create modern, streamlined interiors. The flexibility of PB-1 pipe (able to bend to tighter radii, easy to install in variable layouts) significantly aids this design flexibility, especially in tight spaces or where pipes must navigate turns or be fitted between joists or in floor build-ups.
Lower operating temperatures
Wet underfloor heating systems generally operate between 30–45°C (electric systems at 40–50°C), while radiators often require temperatures above 60°C. With newer regulations such as Part L calling for lower flow temperatures in new buildings (around 45°C), radiator sizes need to increase significantly to deliver the same output—further reinforcing the advantages of UFH. PB-1 piping is rated for excellent temperature and pressure resistance (including long-term performance even at elevated temperatures), which helps deliver consistent performance under these lower flow temperature regimes.
Compatible with different floor finishes
Although tiled floors offer the most efficient heat transfer, UFH is compatible with a wide range of flooring materials, including carpet, provided that system design accounts for the thermal resistance of the chosen finish. This makes UFH suitable for installation throughout the entire home, including upstairs. The thermal and chemical stability of PB-1 supports a wide range of installation types, whether under solid screed, floating floors, or in suspended floor arrangements.
Efficient and low-maintenance
With fewer moving parts than traditional radiator-based systems, wet UFH systems often have lower maintenance requirements and reduced long-term costs. PB-1 piping systems offer "no corrosion or problems from scale build-up" and have excellent long-term reliability, which reduces maintenance burden on homeowners.
Controls matter
Achieving optimal performance from an underfloor heating system depends not only on correct specification—such as pipe layout, spacing, and floor build-up—but also on smart controls. These play a vital role in maximising efficiency, especially when paired with low-temperature heat sources like heat pumps. Using PB-1 piping enhances this setup: good pipe performance at relevant temperatures, ease of jointing, and flexibility mean the control strategy is less likely to be compromised by material limitations.
Want to know more about underfloor heating?
Find some interesting articles and links to useful tools by Wavin.
