The UK government has proposed plans to phase out installation of new natural gas boilers in UK homes by 2035. The ban will affect all homes, landlords and homeowners who need to replace their gas boiler from 2035 onwards.
The boiler ban is part of the government’s push to cut carbon emissions from homes and meet net zero climate targets. Home heating accounts for around 15% of the UK’s total emissions, so moving away from gas is seen as vital.
For those whose gas boilers need replacing before 2035, the main alternatives are heat pumps or hydrogen boilers.
Both come with upfront challenges. Heat pumps have high upfront costs, often £10,000+, and homes usually require insulation upgrades to achieve efficiency. Hydrogen heating is still in very early trial stages and widespread availability is uncertain.
Impact on the Heating Industry
For heating engineers and plumbers, the shift away from gas boilers raises big questions around retraining and upskilling. Most heating professionals are heavily specialised in gas boiler installation and maintenance, so a move to heat pumps will require extensive additional training.
There are also concerns around how suitable heat pumps are for widespread use, especially in older, poorly insulated homes. Achieving efficiency could be difficult, and rapid mass training of installers risks improper installations which could damage the reputation of renewable technology.
More financial support for retraining schemes, and clear standards around heat pump system design will be crucial for tradespeople. Many may need to diversify their services to remain competitive post-2035.
Support for the Boiler Ban
Despite industry concerns, polls show the majority of the public actually support moves to phase out gas boilers. A recent survey found that 69% of UK homeowners back the government’s plan to delay the off-grid gas boiler ban until 2035.
This shows an appetite for change amongst the public, likely driven by growing awareness around climate issues. For many consumers, the prospect of reducing home emissions is appealing.
While the boiler ban poses challenges, for renewable heating specialists it may prove to accelerate business opportunities. Government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering grants for heat pump installations, could also drive demand.
For some in the industry, the ban signals a growing market and new openings if they can equip themselves with the skills and knowledge to deliver low carbon solutions successfully.
Tradesman Talk
How do you feel about the gas boiler ban in light of the planned phase out by 2035? Are you looking to retrain to work with renewable heating systems? Or are you concerned about how your business will adapt?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to share this post using the social links.
Until next time, make sure it’s Tradesman Saver.
