The UK’s strategy for home heating is changing dramatically, and many homeowners are left wondering about the fate of their gas boilers, as recent events have caused significant uncertainty regarding when precisely gas boilers are to be replaced, with government policy changing and unfolding across 2024 and into 2025.
In its sensational policy U-turn unveiled in January 2025, the Labour government has officially dropped the planned ban on gas boilers due in 2035. This massive U-turn means that residents will no longer be subject to a mandatory requirement to upgrade to low-carbon boilers when their current ones reach the end of their life.
The action is a marked departure from previous Conservative government plans, which had originally set their sights on an 80% reduction in gas boiler installations by 2035. This blog will cover the topic in detail so that you can make a better decision when choosing a new heating system for your home. We will also explore available funding and how you can use it to create a warmer, more comfortable living space for less.
New Build Homes
While existing homes have been spared the gas boiler ban, new builds have their own rules! The Future Homes Standard, which will take full effect in 2025, will instead ban gas boilers from new-build homes.
The new rules place new builds under strict energy efficiency requirements that cannot be met by gas boilers. The requirements include 75-80% less carbon emissions compared to current standards, clean heating systems that are not fossil fuel boilers, coupling with renewable energy sources like solar panels, and extremely high energy efficiency of building materials.
Heat pumps and district heating will become the norm for heating all new build homes from 2025 onwards, as they offer the efficiency levels required by the new building regulations.
Government Incentives Schemes
1. ECO4 Scheme for Low-Income Households
The ECO4 scheme focuses on low-income households, providing much needed support to those who need it to help install energy efficiency upgrades; it provides funding of up to £15,000 for complete heating system replacement, with more available should your home need any more upgrades including insulation, smart control systems and radiators. The initiative helps vulnerable households with high energy bills and inefficient heating to live like their better off counterparts, with heating recognized as being an essential commodity.
Fill in our 1-minute eligibility form and check if you qualify for the ECO4 scheme.
2. Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Although the government abandoned the gas boiler ban, it continues to promote low-carbon heating using the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). The scheme currently offers better grants:
- £7,500 for air source heat pumps
- £7,500 for ground source heat pumps
- £5,000 for biomass boilers
The plan has been substantially expanded through additional funding, with £295 million in finance available in the 2025-2026 financial year. This is the government’s policy of voluntary take-up rather than compulsive conversions. Â
Existing Gas Boilers – What This Means for You
If you’ve already got a working gas boiler, you can continue to use it indefinitely. There are no plans for forced retrofit removal of existing systems, and even if your boiler ever does need replacing, you can still get a new gas boiler fitted after 2035. Homeowners should, however, consider a few things when planning ahead, especially with government incentives to fit heat pumps which won’t last forever. Replacing gas boilers can also prove to be more expensive in the future as components become more expensive, and while gas is currently cheaper to utilize than electricity, carbon systems can make the cost of natural gas higher in the future.
The gas boiler market remains open, with manufacturers continuing to make more efficient ones. Current regulations require each new gas boiler to be “hydrogen-ready,” capable of running on up to 20% hydrogen blended with natural gas. This requirement places gas boilers in the position to transition easily to future fuel shifts.
Alternative Heating Options
Heat Pumps:
Heat pumps have emerged as the primary alternative to gas boilers, with their main advantages being:
- High efficiency! They are three times more efficient than gas boilers
- Lower running costs! Particularly when electricity costs decline relative to gas
- Future-proof technology!
- Government support! Substantial funding available.
There are other options available for homeowners:
- Hybrid systems: Heat pumps and gas boilers combined to ensure maximum efficiency
- Biomass boilers: Suitable for rural homes off gas supply
- Electric boilers: For small home with optimum insulation
Conclusion
The drop of the 2035 gas boiler ban provides UK homeowners with more freedom when it comes to heating choice. Although new buildings are progressing towards low-carbon heating from 2025, current homeowners can carry on using gas boilers as long as they desire. The substantial government funding available through the ECO4 scheme and BUS provides an excellent opportunity to switch to cleaner and more efficient heating systems. Heat pumps in particular have long-term benefits in terms of lower fuel bills, reduced carbon emissions, and technology that will continue to be in use for years to come.
The smart choice is to make an informed choice based on your property’s individual needs, your budget, and your future plans. If you qualify under the ECO4 scheme, our free survey can help bring the best solutions for your home, with our advisors always ready to assist you in making the best decision for you and your home. Many homes have saved more than £550 under installations carried out by us and funded under the ECO4 scheme. Our specialists will guide you through the application process and assist you in gaining all of the support to which you are entitled. Do not hesitate and fill in our simple 1-minute eligibility form today and transform your home into a warm and healthy living environment.
