GAIA - The UK gas boiler ban – what you need to know
As the UK moves ever closer to its commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050, discussion of a gas boiler ban has permeated the industry.
Whilst a gas boiler ban was initially proposed for 2035, the change in government has altered these plans again, leaving some people unclear on the new guidelines.
As leaders in the heating industry – with 35 years’ experience designing, supplying and installing underfloor heating for clients across the UK – we have taken a look at what you need to know about the gas boiler ban.
What is the gas boiler ban?
According to EDF Energy, almost a third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to heating, with 95% of UK homes being centrally heated and most relying on gas or oil-fired boilers.
To reduce this – and meet the UK’s Net Zero target by 2050– the previous Conservative government introduced a plan to ban gas boilers in new-builds as part of the Future Homes Standard, an initiative set to come into play in 2025.
The Future Homes Standard outlined that all new-builds must be delivered ‘zero-carbon ready’ by using low-carbon heating systems and producing 75-80% fewer carbon emissions. This rendered gas boilers unsuitable for installation in new homes.
This was followed by a ban on the sale of new gas boilers by 2035. Whilst removing working gas boilers would not be required, those replacing a broken gas boiler would have to use a different method to heat their home instead, subsequently phasing gas boilers out.
However, in January 2025, the new Labour government decided not to go ahead with the gas boiler ban by 2035. Instead, they will financially incentivise people to choose alternative low-carbon heating solutions, such as heat pumps, solar panels or underfloor heating.
However, with the Future Homes Standard set to be implemented this year, gas boilers will still be deemed unsuitable for new homes…
How will the gas boiler ban affect my project?
If you’re undertaking a retrofit project, gas boilers can remain in the home. The Warm Homes Plan outlines that the government will not force the removal of a working boiler.
However, with Net Zero targets looming and the heating industry turning to more sustainable options, you may wish to future-proof by installing a more low-carbon heating solution.
If you’re involved in building a new home – whether you’re a developer, architect, contractor, M&E consultant or builder – you will need to ensure your project adheres to the Future Homes Standard.
This means you will not be able to install a gas boiler and will instead need to source low-carbon heating, such as electric underfloor heating, wet underfloor heating, air-source or ground-source heat pumps or solar panels.
Whilst there is still work to do to ensure the switch to greener alternatives is easier and more cost effective, there have already been a number of changes which have made a difference.
The government scrapped the ‘one-metre rule’ which prevented heat pumps from being installed too close to a neighbouring property without planning permission. This means it’s no longer necessary to acquire planning permission to fit a heat pump, making installation much simpler.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme was introduced in April 2022 to make installing heat pumps more affordable. The scheme provides grants of up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing a heat pump, with the aim of making the costs of sustainable heating similar to those of a gas boiler.
Plus, the Warm Home Plan outlines that the government will work alongside the industry to further reduce the costs of installing heat pumps.
BEAMA – the leading trade body for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure and systems in the UK – have created the Accelerating Electrification campaign.
It aims to foster sustainable growth and investment within the UK electrical supply chain, as well as show how electric solutions can help deliver the government’s low carbon growth strategy and decarbonise the nation’s energy, heat and transport infrastructure.
What are the alternatives to gas boiler heating?
There are a number of suitable low-carbon, future-proof alternatives to gas boiler heating, including:
Underfloor heating
There are two main types of underfloor heating – wet and electric.
Electric underfloor heating is powered entirely by electricity. It involves electrical mats or cables which are installed beneath the floor, warming a room from the ground up.
Wet underfloor heating consists of a network of flexible pipes installed beneath the floor. The pipe system circulates warm water which heats the floor above it. Traditionally, wet underfloor heating was connected to a gas boiler, but it can now be paired with a heat pump for an even more low-carbon, energy-efficient heating solution.
Both wet and electric underfloor heating systems are considered to be around 30% more energy efficient than a traditional radiator and boiler system. They run at a significantly lower temperature of around 35°C, whilst radiators run at around 70°C. This lower operating temperature means it is quicker to heat up, using less energy to produce the same, if not better, warmth.
Heat pumps
Heat pumps are being championed by the government as a key alternative to gas boilers.
They take heat from the air or ground and transform it into warmth for a building. There are two main types of heat pump: air source heat pumps, which extract heat from the outside air, and ground source heat pumps, which take heat from pipes within the ground.
Heat pumps are a renewable and sustainable energy source, and are considered to deliver around three to four times more heat energy than the electrical energy they use, making them very efficient.
With the Future Homes Standard on the way, we’re expecting the popularity of heat pumps to grow – especially when paired with underfloor heating.
Looking for underfloor heating?
If you’re seeking underfloor heating for your project, our helpful team are always on hand to help.
We work with developers, architects, contractors, M&E consultants and builders across the UK and Ireland, designing, supplying, commissioning and installing underfloor heating for their projects.
With our extensive industry knowledge and expertise, we can help you find the right heating product for your project.
Get in touch today to find out more.