by Ben Perris, indoor climate solutions sales director for Wavin

The heating industry is changing. Energy and cost-conscious consumers demanding planet-friendlier homes, as well as the implementation of the Future Homes Standard (FHS) and Warm Homes Plan are each having significant influence on the ways that heating systems are specified and operated within homes – and with this comes a transition towards lower carbon heating.

As part of new regulation, the UK government is targeting more than 450,000 heat pump installations a year by 2030. However, many specifiers and developers will go above and beyond this, looking towards complementary systems that help ensure the home is designed to maximise its energy efficiency and place themselves as a spearhead of a changing industry.   

For installers, these changes are having a direct impact on day-to-day work. As heating systems become more sophisticated and performance expectations continue to rise, having the know-how to successfully install equipment is no longer enough. The best installers will be expected to show a good understanding of how these systems operate as a whole. 

An opportunity for installers to evolve

As the UK moves towards lower carbon heating through regulation such as the FHS and the Warm Homes Plan, underfloor heating (UFH) is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation. Its ability to operate efficiently at lower temperatures (35oC – 55oC) makes it a strong partner for heat pumps, helping systems perform effectively while supporting comfort in the home. Against that backdrop, understanding how to control these systems well becomes even more important. 

While control of individual rooms is essential for delivering both comfort and energy efficiency, installers must also consider how air source heat pumps (ASHPs) can operate most effectively. Heat pumps are most efficient when allowed to run in longer, more stable cycles, rather than short, frequent on-off patterns; these can reduce efficiency and accelerate wear. As heat pumps become the default heat source in homes, balancing precise room-by-room control with overall system efficiency will become an increasingly common challenge.

Simultaneously, consumer expectations are on the rise. Soaring energy bills and greater conscientiousness around sustainability are seeing consumers become more engaged with how their energy is used – meaning they’re increasingly expecting heating systems to provide flexibility, convenience and control. In fact, in a 2025 study conducted by Wavin, businesses stated that nearly three quarters (74%) of end-consumers were asking for sustainable installation solutions on their projects.

With the well-documented evolution of heating systems on the horizon, knowledge of controls is becoming an increasingly indispensable skill. The Centre for Sustainable Energy has also shown that poor user experience with heating controls can act as a barrier to the uptake of low-carbon systems, making it even more important for installers to confidently discuss and demonstrate zoning, system operation and ease of use. In doing so, they can offer something above and beyond the installation itself.

In a competitive market, this can help create additional value to developers and dramatically strengthen relationships with customers.

Functionality without compromising simplicity

There is a challenge here, however. Advanced technology designed to hit certain efficiency thresholds are good. But they must be intuitive and easy to use for the consumer, otherwise they become useless.

This is where solutions such as Wavin Sentio have a key role to play. Sentio provides intelligent room-by-room temperature control via a user-friendly smartphone app. The system enables precise zonal heating, allowing each room or area to be controlled independently, and therefore supporting more efficient system performance, improved comfort, and reduced energy consumption. Designed to be future ready, Sentio also incorporates an industry first, delayed start feature, ensuring maximum flow when heating is required, helping heat pumps operate to their optimal efficiency. With its intuitive interface and straightforward set-up, Sentio delivers advanced control without adding unnecessary complexity for either the installation or its day-to-day use.

Importantly, Sentio has been designed to integrate seamlessly with Wavin’s suite of heating and ventilation products. Through Sentio, users can independently control zone emitters like Wavin’s Comfia underfloor heating or Ventiza mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems. This joined-up approach can simplify installation and ongoing system management, all while providing the installer and consumer with the confidence that all elements within the system are designed to work in tandem with one another.

Technology is only one part of the equation

For many installers, the challenge will go beyond fitting newer, more advanced controls. It will be about finding time amongst their busy schedules to increase their expertise as systems and controls continue to evolve.

This is one of the key reasons behind the Wavin Installer Network (WIN). Designed to support heating professionals as the market evolves, WIN provides access to technical expertise, product guidance and training opportunities. This helps installers to overcome the learning curve that comes with industry-wide changes, giving them the opportunity to learn and communicate how these systems operate together with true confidence.

The direction of travel for installers in the industry is becoming increasingly clear. FHS requirements are bringing continued growth in low-temperature heating systems and rising consumer expectations around comfort and energy management are all increasing the importance of controls within modern heating design.

For installers, there is a real opportunity to enhance their craft by developing the skills, knowledge and support networks needed to understand the roles that smart controls will play in ensuring both government targets and consumer demands are satisfied equally.

To learn more about Wavin’s Sentio smart controls, visit: https://wavin.com/gb/s/C05_F018_S283/wavin-sentio-controls/p?o=false