FHS & Panel Radiators

Homes subject to the incoming Future Homes Standard may still be able to specify electric panel heaters, but only for the provision of space heating and where other energy efficiency and generation measures have already been adopted.

We await the publication of the final FHS in the autumn, however at the time of writing the following conclusions can be drawn:

• Hot water will increasingly represent the dominant regulated energy demand in homes. In most cases this must be generated by a high efficiency source (e.g. heat pumps). Direct immersion will not comply;
• PV panels will become a requirement for most buildings, as announced by the government recently. This will improve the DPER (primary energy) rating, potentially making it easier to accommodate electric panel heaters. Maximising use of PV generation within the home will further assist;
• However, the 2023 FHS consultation proposed an increase in the PE factor for grid electricity to 1.969 kWh/kWh delivered, a 31% increase over the Part L 2021 value. This makes accommodation of electric panel heating more difficult;
• Energy efficiency measures (strong fabric measures, airtightness and heat recovery) which go beyond the FHS compliance minimums will make it easier to apply electric panel heaters. This is particularly important for larger homes, where space heating represents a larger proportion of total energy demand.
• Separate planning requirements may also apply, which could require performance which goes beyond FHS compliance. In these cases, panel heaters may not be possible.

Clarity on the accommodation of electric panel heaters will arrive when SAP 10.3 assessment software is available, and with the final publication of the FHS.