Water Heating Industry - Social Influences and Drivers

Social factors that can influence and drive the UK water heating industry includes:

• Changes in consumer buying habits and product trends
• Lifestyle factors
• Variations in population demographics

Factors and figures mentioned below are directly from our 2021-2025 Water Heating Market report. 

View our 2023-2027 edition of this report here.

Buying and Researching Water Heaters Online

 The growth of online browsing and research has led to a more informed customer than previously known. With many consumers now undertaking a lot of research into the availability and pricing of certain water heating products.

Plumbing installers have also been influenced by the growth in the online channel, particularly during periods of lockdown. In addition, social media reviews and forums can heavily drive influence when purchasing products.

Water Heating Industry Trends

One key product trend in the water heating industry is the increasing demand for mains pressurised unvented cylinders, particularly in larger homes that require a plentiful supply of hot water.

With the increasing use of high-performance showers in UK homes, consumers are demanding high pressure water delivery.

Renewable Products

With an increasing use of renewables, there is also a greater demand for cylinders that can use alternative sources of heat energy such as heat pumps and solar thermal or PV.

This will increasingly be the case with the UK drive towards carbon net zero emissions.

Water Heating System Types

There are also changes in demand for the type of water heating systems used in homes and businesses.

For example the growth in demand for underfloor heating, which now accounts for almost 8% share of the heating market by value in 2021.

Water-based UFH systems are particularly compatible with low-carbon home heating solutions used alongside a compatible renewable hot water cylinder.

Lifestyle Changing Water Heating Industry

Changes in lifestyle factors such as working from home as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic will also have an impact on demand.

For example, boiling water heaters and instantaneous heaters may see some decline, with offices being key end-use areas for these products.