Gas Boiler Ban: What UK Homeowners Need to Know

As the UK continues on its road to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, one of the hottest topics and changes is the gradual phasing out of gas boilers in homes and businesses. For many homeowners, this has raised several questions and concerns.

Most notably, Will I have to replace my boiler? When is the ban coming in? What are the alternatives?

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the gas boiler phasedown, providing the facts and the key takeaways you need to understand.

What is the Gas Boiler Ban?

What many are referring to as the ‘Gas Boiler Ban’, the phasedown of gas boilers in the UK, is part of the government's plan to stop the installation of new gas boilers in homes in order to meet its environmental targets related to net zero.

The most important thing to note here is that this only refers to new installations and does not mean that existing boilers will be impacted.

Here are the key dates:

• From 2025: New-build homes in England will no longer be allowed to install gas boilers, under the Future Homes Standard.
• By 2035: The aim is to end the sale of new gas boilers entirely (for all homes, not just new builds).

This means that over the next decade, the UK will gradually shift away from traditional gas heating systems, encouraging homeowners to explore greener alternatives.

Why is the Ban Happening?

While gas boilers currently heat the majority of homes in the UK, they also contribute significantly to the country's greenhouse gas emissions. The combustion of natural gas releases carbon dioxide (CO₂), a major contributor to global warming.

As such, the UK has given a legally binding commitment to achieve net zero by 2050, meaning that cutting emissions across the board must happen in order to stand any chance of meeting the ambitious goal.

Since heating accounts for around one-third of UK carbon emissions, transitioning to low-carbon heating technologies is crucial.

By encouraging the switch now, the government hopes to:

• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
• Lower household carbon footprints
• Build a more sustainable and energy-efficient housing stock for the future.

Who Will the Ban Affect?

Again, if you already have a gas boiler, you are unaffected at present, and as the rule stands, you will not be required to remove it or replace it.

Here’s who the ban affects:

• New-build homes (from 2025): Developers won’t be allowed to install gas boilers in newly constructed homes.
• All homeowners (from 2035): You won’t be able to buy a new gas boiler after this date. Instead, homes will be expected to transition to low-carbon systems when replacing their heating.

What About Landlords?

Landlords will be bound by the same legislation as regular homeowners, and after 2035, new boiler installations must be low-carbon, and energy efficiency standards are likely to become stricter over time.

Alternatives to Gas Boilers

So, what options will homeowners have when the time comes to replace their boiler? Fortunately, several alternatives are already available, and some are supported by government funding.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps work by extracting air from outside, and then converting it into heat to use in your home and to heat the home's water. In well-insulated homes, these systems are incredibly efficient and are backed by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, meaning homeowners in England and Wales can apply for £7,500 towards installation.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

A ground source heat pump works in a similar way to an air source heat pump, but instead draws heat from the ground via underground pipes.