When are gas boilers being phased out? The UK gas boiler ban explained

Understanding the gas boiler ban

Gas boilers have been a staple in UK homes for decades, providing reliable heating and hot water. However, a significant change is on the horizon. You may have heard about the UK gas boiler ban and understandably, you might feel confused or concerned about what this means for you and your home. In this comprehensive guide, our experts at Padly delve into the details of the gas boiler ban, by addressing key questions you may have in order to offer you reassurance and peace of mind.

Why are gas boilers being phased out?

The primary reason behind phasing out gas boilers is the UK government's plans to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Research by the National Housing Federation states that homes in England contribute more to carbon emissions than cars, emitting 58.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to the emissions of 28 million cars. The government has set ambitious targets to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. Phasing out gas boilers is a crucial step towards achieving these targets, as they are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

When are gas boilers being phased out?

The timeline for phasing out gas boilers in the UK is unclear, however there are key milestones:

Gas boiler ban in newly built homes - 2025:

• The Future Homes Standard, set to come into effect in 2025, mandates that new-build homes can only install energy-efficient heating systems. This means that all new homes built after 2025 will have an alternative heating system. It is important to note that the gas boiler ban doesn't apply to properties that were built before 2025, so the homes we already live in are exempt from this policy.

Potential ban on all gas boilers - 2035 or beyond:

• The UK government's Heat and Buildings Strategy, expresses their ambition to stop new boilers from being installed in all homes by 2035. This means low-carbon alternatives will be installed whenever a gas boiler replacement is required. Again, it is important to state that this cut off year is only a suggestion and has not been made official. There have been discussions of potentially extending this timeline to 2040 due to concerns about affordability.
• For pre-existing homes with gas or oil boilers, there is already the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in place. This started in April 2022 and is a government incentive scheme to encourage people to swap their fossil fuel-based heating systems for new, low-carbon, and more energy efficient alternatives.

What can I replace my gas boiler with?

The UK government is actively promoting low-carbon alternatives to replace gas boilers. Our experts have shared below some viable options:

Heat pumps

Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the surrounding environment such as the air or ground, and then converts this energy to heat your home or provide hot water. There are two main types of heat pumps:

• Air source heat pumps: These systems work by absorbing heat from the outdoor air and then using a refrigeration cycle to intensify and transfer that heat into your home, providing efficient heating and hot water.
• Ground source heat pumps: Ideal for newly built homes, these systems utilise and extract the natural heat from the ground. They circulate fluid through underground pipes to absorb heat from the earth, and then use a heat exchanger to transfer that heat to your home, making them an efficient and sustainable heating solution.

In terms of cost, heat pumps can involve a substantial upfront payment however, they have low running and maintenance costs which can lead to significant energy bill savings in the long run. For more information regarding heat pumps, check out our Heat Pumps vs Gas Boilers blog.

Hydrogen boilers

Whilst Hydrogen boilers haven't actually been fully developed yet, they could replace gas boilers in the future. The UK government is considering a phased introduction of hydrogen boilers, starting with a 20% hydrogen blend in the mains gas supply by 2028. While gas boilers currently use natural gas as their fuel source, hydrogen boilers would use hydrogen, a cleaner and more environmentally friendly fuel. These boilers are designed to have a similar function and cost to gas boilers, making them a promising option for reducing carbon emissions in home heating while maintaining familiar heating technology.

Our A-rated boilers

If you are thinking about replacing your gas boiler now or in the near future, consider one of our A-rated efficiency boilers. These boilers are designed for optimum efficiency and will contribute to reducing your carbon footprint as well as your energy bills. Here at Padly, we offer a vast range of A-rated boilers in different types and models from the UK's most trusted brands, so you will be able to find the perfect match for your home. Why wait? Get a new boiler fixed price quote today!

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The UK gas boiler ban is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. While the timeline for phasing out gas boilers is not set in stone, it's clear that change is coming. To take action, consider exploring low-carbon alternatives like heat pumps, hydrogen boilers (in the near future), or one of our A-rated efficiency boilers. By making a sustainable choice today, you can contribute to a greener future for our planet.

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