UK Warming Up to Underfloor Heating

AMA Research have published an updated report covering the "Underfloor Heating Market UK 2007”.The report is comprehensive, informed and up-to-date and represents an invaluable aid to sales and marketing professionals involved in the industry.  Available to purchase for £625 this report analyses the UK market for underfloor heating products and is based on a combination of primary and secondary research. The report analyses the sector in terms of market size, key sector trends, product mixes, key suppliers and distribution channels.

The underfloor heating market is valued at around £80m and has shown rapid growth since the start of the decade when it was worth less than £10m. A number of different factors have driven market growth in both the domestic and non domestic sectors and have driven specification for both electric and warm water systems.

Self build housing was the first sector to adopt the widespread use of underfloor heating in the domestic market, with many new dwellings constructed with a focus on being eco friendly and energy efficient. However, as this sector becomes gradually saturated, other markets have emerged to provide growth. Low interest rates which sparked a wave of RMI activity in the early to middle part of the decade have seen installations of new kitchens, conservatories and bathrooms increase and although interest rates have risen, these sectors are still providing a healthy level of growth to the underfloor market. This has been aided somewhat by the development of electric kits suitable for both RMI and retrofit applications and specifically for ceramic tiles, although the availability of these through mainstream DIY distribution channels is still low.

In new build applications, products are still being used mainly within luxury housing and apartments, although this is beginning to trickle down to some medium specification dwellings and represents a potential growth area in the medium term future. Additionally there is some evidence of products being specified in social housing, although again at present this has largely been witnessed in higher specification developments.

Increased spending in health and education, which are the two major end use markets for underfloor heating products in the non domestic sector has provided growth in the last 2 years. Schools in particular look to be an area where there is potential for future growth, with many new constructions specifying underfloor heating products and high levels of government spending guaranteed for the medium term future.

Government targets on carbon emissions and energy consumption have benefited the market in recent years and will aid further growth, with underfloor heating systems able to reduce fuel cost by up to 30%.

Warm water systems remain the more popular product although electric systems have seen a rise in demand in recent years buoyed by increased specification for RMI and retrofit projects. However, Part P legislation may affect installation in the domestic market, with the need of a qualified electrician to install all but the simplest of electrical products.

There remains a high level of suppliers within the market which could lead to price competition until the market matures, while distribution through major DIY outlets and merchants remains low. Instead, direct sales, contractors and specialist suppliers are all prominent in the supply and distribution of underfloor heating products.

AMA Research’s “Underfloor Heating Market – UK 2007” report is available in hard copy or electronic format for £625 and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 0871 3103450.

List of Companies Mentioned

Wirsbo, Warmafloor, Osma, Rettig, Devi, Speedfit, John Guest, Enerfoil, David Robbens, Nu-heat, Velta, Pipe 2000, Myson, Floor Heating Systems, Floor Heatech, , Invisible Heating, Systems,, IPPEC, , Florad, Rehau, Hepworth, Isocrete, Isowarm,, Pedarson Heating,, Polypipe, Strada, Warmalux, RUH(S), Polyplumb, Uponor Housing Solutions Limited Unipipe, Discounted Heating Co, Eco Hometec (UK), Evenheat UK Ltd, Floorwarming (UK) Ltd, Global Trace Heating Ltd, Hilton Croft Ltd, Invisible Heating Systems (UK) Ltd (IHS), Paragon Systems, Pedarson Heating, Penguin Europe Ltd, Plumb World, Rayotec Ltd, Strada Radiant Systems Ltd:, Scandanavian UFH Henco, Supawarm Underfloor Heating, Thermal Reflections Limited, hermalfloor Underfloor Heating Systems Ltd, Tog Systems Ltd, Tris-Sols (Formerly Chaps Reflex), Touchheat, Underfloor Heating Services (SW) Ltd, Begetube UK Ltd, Uponor, Housing Solutions Ltd – Wirsbo, anderson Floorwarming ltd , UFH Installations , D Winchester, Deane Knight , Ecotherm Underfloor Heating , GH Installations , Phil Rogerson ltd , Hydrec (UK) , Parker Hating ltd , Lee Mick ltd , Thermo-floor, Palmer (plg & htg) , Williams and King ltd Frome, Royalle underfloor Heating supplies , Paragon systems (scotland) ltd , E Mitchell , D G Rooney , Strada Radiant Systems , Saint Gobain group (Jewson), Wolseley, Travis Perkins, BSS , Grafton, Harcros, Graham, PTS (Plumbing Trade Supplies, Tricom, Jacksons., Crosslings, Rawle Gammon & Baker, John Nicholls, B Danby & Co, HPS (Heating Plumbing Supplies), United Merchants plc, Associated Heating Equipment Distributors, Topps Tiles.