UK Government to Ban New Gas Boiler Installations by 2030s

The UK government has been taking steps for quite some time to move away from fossil fuels and tackle climate change. In the recent December 2020 energy white paper, they set out new measures which included switching home heating to lower carbon alternatives. This effectively will ban new gas boiler installations by 2023 and require homeowners to choose an alternative. This has been brought forward from the initial plan of 2025.

Initiatives to make a difference

The ‘Powering Our Next Zero Future’ white paper detailed the government’s plans to tackle climate change in the UK over the coming years. They have set out a range of initiatives including ensuring new homes built from 2025 are zero-carbon ready.

They also plan to increase the voluntary installation of heat pumps from 30,000 a year to 600,000 a year by 2028. The government’s current renewable heat incentive (RHI) is in place to encourage people to make the switch to renewable heating.

Phasing out gas boilers

The main issue with gas boilers is that they burn natural gas and so carbon dioxide is released as a by-product. According to reports, heating accounts for the highest proportion of carbon emissions from UK households.

From the mid-2030s onwards, it will no longer be possible to replace a gas boiler with a similar model. Of course, those with an existing gas boiler will be permitted to use it, until it needs to be replaced in the future.

While this won’t come into effect for at least another decade, homeowners should be aware of the risks associated with installing a new gas boiler now. As they become less common, parts will be harder to locate and this could affect repairs in the future.

What’s the alternative?

The UK government’s plan to phase out new gas boiler installations comes with some recommendations of alternative options for homeowners. Low-carbon heating systems or appliances that can be converted to use clean fuel are recommended for a clean future.

Air source heat pumps have been a popular option for UK homeowners for a while and they will continue to be as we move away from gas boilers. Air source heat pumps are up to 350% more efficient than a fossil fuel boiler and they can help to reduce your carbon footprint.

Additionally, they can last between 15 to 20 years and require very little maintenance over the years. Many homeowners already have heat pumps installed in their home, but this number is expected to soar as gas boilers are replaced in favour of more energy-efficient options.

CMS Surveyors Can Help

If you are thinking about replacing your gas, lpg and oil boiler this year, you could benefit from getting ahead of the curve and installing an air source heat pump instead. The government has various schemes in place to encourage homeowners to go green. You may be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme which could award you up to £1,586 per year for 7 years.

CMS Surveyors can help you find the perfect home heating solution and can check if you are eligible for any government funding. Get in touch with our team today and we’ll help you get your home set up for the future!