New research shows UK Underfloor Heating Market is growing steadily

According to a new report from AMA Research, after recovering well from the recession and the challenging economic conditions, the UK underfloor heating market has continued to grow steadily, with growth of 9% in 2014 and a further 4% in 2015, and now accounts for around 6.5% of the total UK heating market. Environmental concerns and rising energy bills have been partly responsible for driving demand, as well as wider acceptance of these more aspirational products.

Prospects for continued growth in the UK underfloor heating market remain positive, given optimism and recovery in the housing market, coupled with rising levels of consumer confidence and spending. 

Whilst the private non-residential sector is also showing signs of recovery, with potential for further business investment, the public sector remains severely constrained given reductions in public sector spending. 

Underfloor heating products are now widely marketed alongside renewable technologies and there is likely to be continued growth in this sector. Ease of installation continues to be an important issue in the construction sector, given a skills shortage and a need to reduce both build time and cost, and UFH systems can be installed in bathroom/kitchen PODS, as well as precast concrete flooring. By 2020 the market value for the underfloor heating market (UFH) is forecast to have increased by around 15% compared to the market size in 2015.

The underfloor heating (UFH) market is broadly classified into two product types; water-based, or hydronic UFH systems and electric UFH systems. Some projects may involve a mix of both types of systems, often known as a hybrid solution.

The domestic UFH sector, including new build activity by housebuilders, the self-build market and RMI / DIY retrofit projects in residential homes, accounts for the largest share of the market at manufacturers, though the use of UFH also remains strong in the non-domestic sector. Whilst large-scale health and education projects have declined, there are still opportunities in the care home, industrial, warehousing, leisure and entertainment, office and retail sectors. In terms of value, wet underfloor heating accounts for the largest share with electric UFH a relatively small market by value.

The distribution channel continues to be dominated by direct supply, with some manufacturers and other specialists offering a ‘supply and fit’ service. However, there has been growth in online sales of UFH in the domestic sector, as consumer awareness of the benefits has increased and products are becoming easier to install. UFH systems now form a staple part of the product portfolios of tile manufacturers, floor, kitchen and bathroom specialists, for example. However, as with other heating products, merchants and DIY multiples continue to play a significant role. In addition, many manufacturers continue to supply direct, through approved installers or contractors.

If you are interested in purchasing the full report and gaining detailed information on the following areas, please contact AMA Tel: +44 (0)1242 235724 or 
sales@amaresearch.co.uk

Key content covered:

• Underfloor heating market - size, structure, key trends and future prospects.
• Product sector review - market value, product mix, UFH controls etc. for;
• Water based UFH systems
• Electric UFH systems
• End use applications - self build/custom build housing, health & education, new housebuilding, public sector, domestic RMI and conservatories.
• Supply and distribution - main suppliers and key distribution channels.

Key areas of insight include:

• Market size and trend analysis for electric and water-based systems.
• Analysis of new build housing, refurbishment activity and non-domestic applications.
• Influence of the non-domestic sector, in particular the health and education sectors.
• Key supplier analysis and market shares.
• Analysis of distribution structure and channels, key trends and prospects.
• Review of influential standards and regulatory requirements.