Old Boiler Ban - Everything You Need to Know

Updated on

Last month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced some changes to government’s plans for the UK's legal obligation to reach Net Zero by 2050. Within those changes was the delay on the ban on new installations of gas, oil and LPG boilers. However, plans are still in place to implement this ban by 2035, leaving hundreds of thousands of UK homeowners facing a major change to their heating systems.

boiler-ban-overview
Last month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced some changes to government’s plans for the UK's legal obligation to reach Net Zero by 2050. Within those changes was the delay on the ban on new installations of gas, oil and LPG boilers. However, plans are still in place to implement this ban by 2035, leaving hundreds of thousands of UK homeowners facing a major change to their heating systems.

Recently, we conducted a survey to see how people felt about the delay to the ban - and how they felt about the upcoming changes. The majority of those asked were supportive of a delay to the ban - not least because of the confusion around alternative options, costs, and support available to install these greener alternatives. In fact, nearly half stated that they didn’t really understand whether the ban even affected them, or what the alternatives are.

On top of this, there is confusion around government grants, who are entitled to them, and how to apply. Our statistics showed that:

  • 71% of respondents don’t know how much replacing a boiler system costs
  • 48% don’t know if the ban even affects them
  • 61% don’t know what a heat pump is
  • 65% believe that the current financial incentives are not enough to make them switch
  • 69% homeowners support 10-year delay to boiler ban

Overall, our research paints a picture of a significant amount of homeowners who are confused by this whole subject - and who aren’t keen to make the switch to sustainable boilers. Yet there are many benefits to these systems when you dig a little deeper into the facts.

Heating expert Jack Coles said: “There’s a lot of confusion around the boiler ban and what options are available to UK homeowners. However, inevitably we will all need to move over to more sustainable systems in the future, so it’s a good time to do your research now. There are also grants available to encourage UK homeowners to switch systems, so take advantage of them while you can.”

We’ve put together a guide on the subject, to help UK homeowners understand the changes, their options, and whether they are entitled to grants.

##Summary of changes and how they affect you

  • The ban on the sale of new gas boilers in 2035 remains and the government will introduce new exemption for poorer households to update their systems.
  • UK homeowners who need to replace their boilers after 2035 will be banned from using LPG or oil boilers. This has been extended from the previous timeline, which would have seen the ban implemented in 2025.
  • All new homes built after 2035 can no longer install gas boilers and will have to use an alternative heating system.
  • Ground source heat pumps or other, greener, methods will need to be installed instead.
  • This policy will be means tested, so if your income is below the threshold you will not be required to upgrade your boiler even if it is after 2035. Details on this have not yet been announced.
  • From 23 October 2023, the grant level for air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps will increase from £5,000 (air source) and £6,000 (ground source) to £7,500.

##What if you have LPG or oil-based heating? Replacement gas, oil and LPG systems in all homes will be banned in 2035, meaning homeowners will be forced to install more sustainable systems. So when you need to replace your gas, LPG or oil central heating, you may want to consider one of the alternative options.

##Alternative options to gas, LPG and oil boilers

Costs to install

  • Ground source heat pumps £24,000 - £49,000
  • Air source heat pumps £7,000 - £13,000
  • Solar heating systems £3,000 - £5,000
  • Biomass boiler £4000 - £21,000
  • Electric £1500 - £2000 for the electric boiler plus standard £650 - £2150 for installation
  • Electric radiators £400-500 per room
  • Infrared heating panels £125 - £180 per panel

##Alternative options and installation explained

###Ground source heat pumps A ground source heat pump transfers heat from the ground outside your home to heat your radiators or underfloor heating. It can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your hot taps and showers.

Your home needs to have sufficient outdoor space to install the ground loop and pump. This will need to be accessible for a digger too, however, mini excavators can get through most gates. It is also possible to have a borehole installation, which reduces the need for large outdoor spaces, but can make installation more expensive.

This system is best suited for underfloor heating as opposed to radiators. You may also need a separate immersion heater for your water. Loft and wall insulation is advised before installation.

###Air source heat pumps This works in the same way as a ground source heat pump but transfers the heat from the air outside to heat your home.

These systems are much easier to install than a ground source heat pump, but still require some outdoor space. The air source heat pump itself will be installed outside the property on a flat concrete base. There should be no need for any external digging outside your property

It is important that the unit is sited somewhere where it will be subject to good airflow.

###Biomass boiler A renewable energy source that generates heat from burning organic matter, wood or plants. A stove in one room will burn the matter, which is then connected to the rest of your house to provide central heating and hot water. A biomass boiler can save you money compared to traditional heating methods, depending on the price of wood pellets.

Biomass boilers are larger than traditional gas or oil boilers, so it’s advisable to give it a dedicated room or large space. A fuel store will be needed near to the boiler to keep it running.

Deliveries of fuel to burn are normally made by trucks or lorries, so access will be required to enable convenient deliveries. You can opt for automated or manual systems. Manual systems are generally cheaper, but automated ones don’t require the labour of refuelling yourself as they take fuel automatically from a reserve.

###Electric boilers Electric boilers are becoming more popular in the UK. Not only is this system more carbon efficient, but it also has lower maintenance costs, can be more cost-effective, and is generally quieter. However, electric boilers aren’t as efficient or as green as a heat pump.

Roughly the same costs as a traditional gas boiler, minimal disruption is caused by the installation. However, some rewiring and new fuses may be required as you will be using significantly more electricity.

###Electric radiators This option gives you separate radiators in each room, rather than a central boiler. This can help make your home more energy efficient and reduce your carbon footprint. They are generally expensive to run but more affordable if they make use of solar energy generation and storage. They can also be used to flexibly heat individual rooms or supplement your main central heating.

Your old gas boiler will need to be removed along with your radiators which can be time-consuming and expensive. However, once this has been done it is a relatively simple process to install electrical radiators.

###Infrared heating Infrared heating is affordable and easy to install (once your old system has been removed) and offers excellent efficiency, as the energy it produces heats exactly the area that is required.

Infrared heaters or radiant heating panels use radiant heat to target exact areas of your home to heat, creating the same feeling when the sun comes out through the clouds.

Similar to electric radiators, your old boiler and radiators will need to be removed. The system can be expensive to run, but are more cost-effective if using solar energy or only heating the rooms required.

This system can be installed discreetly and form part of your home decor, speak to a local decorator to find out more.

###Solar heating systems Solar heating works by using the sun’s energy to heat and store hot water to be used in your home. Solar is energy efficient and a cost-saving option for supplying hot water, but can also contribute to central heating. Solar systems are unlikely to meet all your heating needs and should be seen more as a complementary option, alongside another sustainable system.

A traditional heating system can provide the energy required when the sun is not out, but if this system is LPG or oil and needs replacing after 2035, this will still need to be replaced with a sustainable system in line with the new guidelines.

Solar panels are often (but not always) installed on your roof. If that’s the case for your solar panel system, you’ll need professionals to come in to properly install them. Sometimes this may require scaffolding, but often this type of system can be fitted fast, with minimal disruption. Before you decide on this option, it might be worth consulting a surveyor to check if your roof is suitable or to suggest alternative sites.

##Grants Grants of up to 50 per cent of the cost (up to a maximum of £7500) will be provided to all households to replace old gas and oil boilers with ground or air source heating. These do not need to be repaid.

Option Grants available:

  • Ground source heat pumps: £7,500*
  • Air source heat pumps: £7,500*
  • Solar heating systems Some grants may be available through Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) scheme, designed for those on a low income
  • Biomass boiler £5,000
  • Electric boilers Some grants may be available through Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) scheme, designed for those on a low income
  • Electric radiators Some grants may be available through Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) scheme, designed for those on a low income

*From 23rd October 2023

Sources:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/boiler-upgrade-scheme-changes-to-grant-levels

https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme/what-you-can-get

https://www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation

##How do I apply for the boiler scheme?

###Check you are eligible You might be eligible for help if you live in private housing and get one of the following benefits:

  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Guarantee Credit
  • Pension Savings Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Child Benefit
  • Housing Benefit

You may also be eligible if you are a social housing tenant and your property meets the requirements below.

###Check your property is eligible If you own your house, it must have an energy efficiency rating of D, E, F or G to be eligible.

If you rent from a private landlord, the house must have an energy efficiency rating of E, F or G to be eligible. You must have the owner’s permission to do the work.

If you live in social housing that has an energy efficiency rating of E, F or G, you might be eligible for help with insulation or installing a heating system for the first time.

Use the energy performance certificate register to find your property’s energy efficiency rating, or ask your landlord or housing association.

###Contact suitable MCS-certified installers for a quote You should contact Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified installers for a quote.

###Confirm your eligibility with the installer The installer will check you and your property are eligible for the grant.

###Agree your quote Like any tradesperson you will need to accept a quote from an installer - you may want to get two to three quotes before agreeing to any.

###The installer will apply on your behalf via Ofgem You do not need to do anything once you have agreed on the quote - the installer will apply to Ofgem for the grant for you.

###The value of the grant will be taken off the final price If the total cost of the job is £20,000 and you have a grant of £7,500 approved, you will only pay £12,500. See how to apply.

*Ofgem and MCS may also require to visit your property to check your eligibility