UK Gas Boiler Ban 2035 Scrapped: What You Need To Know

The UK government has recently scrapped the 2035 ban on gas boilers in new housebuilding standards, reversing previous plans set by the Conservative government. 

Originally, the plan was to phase out gas heating by banning the sale of new gas boilers after 2035, similar to the oil boiler ban. 

This would require homeowners to turn to heat pumps or other environmentally friendly heating solutions. 

There will now be no requirement to replace existing gas boilers with environmentally friendly alternatives, and people will not have to remove gas boilers from their homes.

With this change, there’s still plenty to consider when it comes to how we heat our homes moving forward. In this post, we’ll help you get clued up on all there is to know about this ban, why it was happening in the first place, and how you can prepare your home for future sustainability changes made by the Government. 

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What was the gas boiler ban?

The gas boiler ban is part of the UK government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from homes, which play a significant role in climate change. 

In 2021, the National Housing Federation reported that homes in the UK emit more CO₂ than cars, which brought attention to the significant environmental impact of home heating. 

Gas heating alone accounted for 18% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, with the average gas boiler responsible for more CO₂-equivalent emissions in a year than taking seven transatlantic flights. 

To address this, the government originally set a 2025 deadline to ban gas boilers in new builds. This plan later evolved, proposing a full 2035 ban on all new gas boiler installations. 

However, the government has now scrapped the entire plan, confirming that the upcoming future homes standard (FHS) will not include a ban on gas boilers. 

Why was it happening in the first place?

The initial push for a gas boiler ban was part of the government’s efforts to meet its net-zero target by 2050, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and to zero by 2050. 

With a significant portion of these emissions coming from fossil fuels used in cars and home heating, the gas boiler ban was seen as a necessary step toward reducing the UK’s carbon footprint. 

What are the alternatives to gas boilers?

There are alternatives out there if you’re looking to switch to more sustainable alternatives to gas boilers. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grants to help reduce the cost of installation. 

At McRoberts Plumbing & Heating, we can help direct you to the best possible options for your home, alongside installation, repair, and servicing. 

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are the most popular alternative to boilers. There are two main types: air source and ground source heat pumps. 

Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air, while ground source pumps pull heat from the ground. Both are great for reducing your reliance on fossil fuels. Initial costs can be high, but government grants are available and it can work out as a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Infrared Panels

For homes with poor insulation or specific areas that are hard to heat, infrared heating panels are a good choice. Instead of warming the air, these panels heat objects and surfaces directly. They can be used in place of a gas boiler or as a supplement to existing heating systems. Installation costs vary.

Hydrogen Boilers

Hydrogen boilers are a cleaner alternative by using hydrogen instead of natural gas. They operate in much the same way as traditional gas boilers. Though still in the development phase, hydrogen boilers are expected to cost similarly to current gas boilers.

District Heat Networks

District heat networks are an interesting and sustainable heating solution that could become more prevalent in the coming years. These networks deliver heat from a central source through a system of insulated underground pipes to multiple buildings. 

Though not yet widespread, they are worth looking out for in your local community. As the technology expands, it could be a viable alternative for reducing the need for individual boilers.

Looking to get your gas boiler serviced?

No matter the ongoing discussions about gas boiler bans, regular maintenance for your existing gas boiler remains important.

By choosing our professional boiler servicing, you can ensure your system runs efficiently, prolonging its lifespan and preventing costly repairs down the line. We’ll do our best to keep you in the loop with government bans and changes too. 

We offer boiler care packages, giving you peace of mind with unlimited call-outs, fast response times, and no hidden repair fees. 

Reach out to McRoberts Plumbing and Heating today with any questions or if you’re considering a new heating system.