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Gas Boiler Ban
As your local experts in everything plumbing and heating, it’s our job to keep you in the know about anything that may affect your home. With concern for the climate crisis reaching an all-time high, and renewable alternatives to energy on everyone’s mind, questions are being asked regarding the future of home heating and gas boilers. Below we detail everything you need to know about the UK government’s ‘gas boiler ban’ and how it may affect you.
The vast majority of our UK homes rely on gas, in fact 8 out of 10 homes use gas boilers to fuel their central heating. Gas is, of course, a fossil fuel: this means that it releases carbon dioxide and contributes hugely to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Recognising the global problem, the UK has committed by law to reducing its carbon emissions to zero by 2050. The government has already begun detailing their plan to reduce emissions around the country. As part of this, new homes built onwards from 2025 will not have a gas boiler, and instead will use alternative sources of heat.
So is there a gas boiler ban?
A common misunderstanding circulating around this topic is that homeowners who have gas boilers must change them before 2025. We appreciate that many will be worried about this, however, this is not true. Under the government’s current plans, this ban only applies to boilers in new build homes from 2025 onwards. This means any new homes must be built with a non-gas heating system. At the moment there are no plans to phase out gas boilers in existing homes. So, if we’ve just installed a brand new, shiny boiler in your home, don’t worry! There is nothing you need to do. Equally, if you’re in the market to replace an existing gas boiler, you can do so with no problem.
Another misconception to come from this news is that people who still have gas boilers by 2025 will be fined or punished, as implied by a recent announcement made from the International Energy Agency (IEA). However this is just speculation and the government have not announced fines for homeowners.
Moving forward, as the government continues with their goal of getting to a carbon net-zero, it is likely that we may see encouragement in the form of incentivised schemes, to switch from gas to eco alternatives. Such alternatives could be a combination of heat pumps and hydrogen boilers.
Renewable alternatives to gas boilers
Heat pumps
Heat pumps are an alternative option the UK government are considering as a viable way to meet their climate change targets. Air source heat pumps move the heat from the air outside using a fan unit, and then extracted heat is condensed to produce hot water. Ground source heat pumps work differently, by extracting heat from the ground through pipes.
Technology has developed hugely in the last 20 years making renewable heating products far more reliable, efficient and affordable. Air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps & solar thermal all provide effective heating solutions for rural homes.
However systems such as these could have installation costs between £11,000 – £19,000. Due to their considerable cost and logistical factors, they may not be suitable for many homeowners. To see whether the type of home you live in could benefit from a heat pump, contact us for a no-obligation discussion.
Hydrogen Boilers
Leading boiler manufacturers Worcester Bosch have warned the UK “will not meet its climate change targets without a revolution in home heating”. While it’s not yet possible to buy or install a hydrogen boiler, these low carbon alternatives to gas may be the future of heating Britain.
Working in a similar way to gas boilers, a hydrogen boiler can heat the home with both natural gas and pure hydrogen. Due to its low-carbon benefits, leading boiler manufacturers Worcester Bosch and Baxi are championing a campaign to “mandate hydrogen-ready boilers for new installs by 2025”. According to Worcester Bosch, a UK first prototype has been made, and will mean existing heating systems can be utilised rather than replaced.
But ff you’re looking to install a new gas boiler now there’s good news. The entire Worcester Bosch range, plus some boilers from our other suppliers is able to run on a 20% hydrogen blend. This means, that when the government begins to increase the amount of ‘green gases’ into the UK gas grid, you can be confident that your new gas boiler will run for its lifetime without any additional changes required.
A 20% hydrogen-ready boiler will not behave any differently to a 100% gas boiler. You’ll benefit from the same amount of power, flexibility and rapid-warming that you see in most gas boilers.
How much will switching to renewable energy alternatives cost?
Despite its costs, renewable energy is becoming more accessible for many. The governments’ Boiler Upgrade scheme does what it says on the tin! Designed to encourage customers to welcome renewable heating systems into their homes, the project gives a grant of £5,000 for an air source heat pump or £6,000 for a ground source heat pump. Qualification criteria applies.
We offer a range of financial solutions here at Synergi SW, include flexible finance on 20% ready hydrogen boilers from Worcester Bosch. Read more about boiler finance here.
Where does all this leave us?
Home heating is a huge financial investment, which is why we wanted to put your mind at ease. Whilst the trending headlines ‘Gas boilers banned by 2025’ can seem daunting, the likelihood of this ban affecting you and your home is very slim. As the ban is only for newly built houses from 2025 and onwards, there is no action you need to take. So, rest assured Synergi SW boiler fans, you do not need to replace your gas boiler, unless you would like to make the switch to renewable energy sources.
Still have some questions on the gas boiler ban? That’s OK! Feel free to get in touch with our friendly team who will be able to talk to you about your boiler and options.
