UK Homeowners Get More Time: Gas Boiler Ban Update 2035

Rishi Sunak Announcement on Boilers & Heat Pumps

With Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent announcement, we’re reminded of the pivotal role gas boilers still play in our nation's homes.

The original plan was to phase out gas boilers in new homes by 2025 and ban them entirely by 2033. However, the timeline has now been extended to 2035. 

Why Modern Gas Boilers Are Still King

At iHeat, we've always believed in modern gas boilers' efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

There's never been a better time for those considering an upgrade or replacement. With the extended timeline, homeowners can confidently invest in state-of-the-art gas boilers, ensuring efficient heating for years.

The transition to sustainable alternatives is inevitable, but the road there should be practical and economical. 

iHeat is dedicated to guiding our customers every step of the way. Look no further than our team for cutting-edge gas boilers and unmatched expertise.

Combi Boilers

Combi boilers, or combination boilers, are the most popular choice for domestic heating in the UK. These versatile boilers provide both central heating and hot water directly from the boiler, eliminating the need for a separate hot water cylinder or storage tanks. They are particularly suitable for smaller homes with limited space for additional components.

Gas combi boilers are the most common type, but oil combi boilers are also available. Some advantages of combi boilers include:

• Energy efficiency: They only heat the water you use, which can help to reduce your energy bills.

• Compact size: With no need for a separate water cylinder or tanks, they are perfect for homes with limited space.

• Faster hot water: Since the water is heated directly within the boiler, you get hot water almost immediately.

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System Boilers

System boilers are another popular option in the UK. These boilers work together with a hot water cylinder to store and provide hot water when needed. Unlike heat only boilers, system boilers have most of the major components built-in, making them more compact than traditional setups. They are well-suited for larger homes with multiple bathrooms and higher hot water demand.

Gas system boilers are widely available, with oil system boilers providing an alternative for those without access to mains gas. Some benefits of system boilers include:

• High hot water pressure: As the hot water cylinder is separate, system boilers can provide a strong, consistent flow of hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously.

• Compatible with solar thermal systems: For homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint, system boilers can be easily connected to solar panels.

• Easier installation: The built-in components simplify the installation process compared to heat only boilers.

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Heat Only Boilers

Heat only boilers, also known as regular, traditional, or conventional boilers, require a separate hot water cylinder and cold water storage tank. This setup is more common in older properties and may be less energy-efficient than the other options. However, heat only boilers can be a viable choice when updating an existing heating system.

Both gas and oil heat only boilers are available on the market. The main advantages of heat only boilers are:

• Compatibility with older systems: When replacing an existing boiler in an older property, heat only boilers can usually connect seamlessly to the existing plumbing and heating system.

• High hot water capacity: The separate hot water cylinder can store large volumes of hot water, making it ideal for larger households with high hot water demand.

• Reliable: Heat only boilers typically have fewer components, which can reduce the chances of breakdowns and increase their lifespan.

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The Benefits of an 'A' Rated New Boiler

In recent times, homeowners have recognised the advantages of installing an 'A' rated new boiler. These modern boilers, unlike older boilers, offer a multitude of benefits, encompassing energy efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced heating performance.

For starters, an 'A' rated boiler operates with 90% or more efficiency, while a G-rated counterpart only achieves around 65% efficiency. This disparity means that upgrading to a modern boiler can result in significant energy and monetary savings. 

An 'A' rated boiler could even save you up to £840 annually on your energy bills.

The direct correlation between a boiler’s age and its efficiency is clear to see in the newer systems’ ErP, so it may be worth upgrading your model to an energy efficient boiler.

Check out our handy guide on the most energy efficient boilers.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

Recognising the pivotal role that heat pumps can play in decarbonising the UK, the government has strengthened its support through the BUS boiler upgrade scheme. 

However, the UK Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme has fallen short of its ambitious target to replace a significant number of boilers with taxpayer-subsidised heat pumps.

The scheme was allocated a budget of £150 million to fund 30,000 heat pump installations in its first year. However, recent figures from Ofgem reveal that in the first 12 months, fewer than 10,000 households received a £5,000 subsidy voucher, resulting in £90 million of unspent budget being returned to the Treasury.

Originally designed to assist homeowners in bearing the cost of transitioning to new heating sources, this scheme has recently received a substantial boost via an increased financial incentive for homeowners, The funding has been increased by 50%, now offering grants of up to £7,500.

What this essentially translates to is a significant reduction in the initial financial burden that homeowners might face when considering the switch. 

What is a Heat Pump and How Do They Work?

A heat pump transfers captured heat from the air outside to the inside of a property, this is then used to fuel the property’s central or underfloor heating (in some cases provide hot running water also).

Heat energy is present everywhere, including outside, heat flows naturally from a warmer place to a colder place, to heat a home however, heat energy would need to do the opposite, flow from a colder to a warmer place.

Here’s how it happens.

As the pressure of a gas increases, so does its temperature, and in turn the temperature decreases with a drop in pressure.

The gas used in the heat pump process is called a refrigerant, and is compressed by electricity to raise the pressure and temperature, as the refrigerant's heat is transferred to a property via the heat exchanger, it cools down a tad. 

The refrigerant then expands so it cools further, the resultant low temperature gas is now cold enough to absorb more heat from outside and begin the process again.

The heat that has been deposited in the heat exchanger in the process mentioned above would traditionally occur via a central heating system. 

Energy Efficiency

Heat pumps are renowned for their energy efficiency, resulting in significant savings on heating and cooling costs compared to traditional systems. They achieve high energy efficiency ratios (EER) and coefficient of performance (COP) ratings, leading to lower utility bills and reduced carbon emissions.

Environmental Friendliness

Heat pumps harness renewable energy sources, such as ambient air, ground, or water, reducing the carbon footprint associated with home heating and cooling. By choosing a heat pump, you contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Versatility

Heat pumps can efficiently heat and cool your home, providing comfort throughout the year. With a simple adjustment, they can switch between heating and cooling modes, eliminating the need for separate systems and ensuring optimal comfort regardless of the season.

Durability Heat pumps generally have a longer lifespan than traditional heating systems, leading to reduced maintenance and replacement costs. Properly maintained heat pumps can operate efficiently for 15-20 years, providing reliable heating and cooling for an extended period.

Increased Home Value

Installing a heat pump can increase the value of your property, as energy-efficient solutions are highly sought after in today's real estate market. The long-term savings, environmental benefits, and comfort advantages associated with heat pumps make your home more desirable to potential buyers.

Air-Source Heat Pumps 

These extract heat from the outside air and can be categorised into air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps. Air-to-air heat pumps transfer heat to the indoor air through a fan coil unit, providing direct heating and cooling. 

They are suitable for homes with existing ductwork or those looking for a cost-effective solution. Air-to-water heat pumps transfer heat to a water-based distribution system, such as underfloor heating or radiators, offering efficient heating throughout the home. They are particularly beneficial for homes without ductwork and can be integrated with existing hydronic systems.

Ground-Source Heat Pumps (Geothermal)

These extract heat from the ground through buried pipes. Ground-source heat pumps offer high efficiency due to the relatively constant temperature of the ground, providing consistent heating and cooling performance. While installation costs are higher, they offer long-term energy savings and reduce dependence on external air temperatures.

When Is a Gas Boiler a Better option?

While a heat pump may in some certain circumstances offer better options for home hating, in the majority of UK cases a new gas boiler may symbolise the most effective and financially considerate method of heating your home.

Cold Climate

In regions with extremely cold winters, where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, a gas boiler may provide more efficient and reliable home heating. Gas boilers can deliver a high heat output even in severe cold conditions, ensuring consistent warmth in you home.

Existing Gas Infrastructure

If your home already has a secure and efficient gas connection, it may be more cost effective to proceed with this type of set up. This eliminates the need for additional electrical modifications that also need to be considered for a heat pump switch.

Lower Initial Cost

Gas boilers generally have lower initial upfront costs compared to heat pumps, therefore if you have a smaller budget or simply prefer the more affordable option, a gas boiler can be the more obvious solution.

Advantages of Both Heat Pumps & Modern Gas Boilers

Disadvantages of Both Heat Pumps & Modern Gas Boilers

New Boiler Costs

Boilers can be a daunting purchase for many people as they’re an appliance with a lot of responsibility, providing heat for you and your family is something you want to get right. Boilers aren’t exactly a quickly disposable item either, potentially lasting you a decade.

Boiler costs can be split into two segments: the first is the actual boiler itself (unit price), and the second is the cost of the boiler being installed (set up) in your property by an expert engineer. 

Here at iHeat, we want to remove all of this undue stress and make the decision making process of upgrading to a new central heating system, as easy as possible.

Boiler costs can vary depending on a number of factors including their brand, model, fuel, output, warranty, labour and installation type. Typically a new boiler will cost between £1,845 and £3,500, below is a list of average boiler installations offered by iHeat.

Boiler Cost Guide Prices

Some location factors that can influence the price of your new boiler

You will be given a specific quote from the boiler installation company based on:

The type of home you have (i.e. terraced, semi-detached, etc.)

• How many bedrooms you have

• How many bathrooms you have

• Your postcode and specific location

Hybrid Heat Pump: The best of both worlds

Alpha E-TEC Hybrid Heat Pump

The Alpha E-Tec Hybrid heat pump is a heating solution that its manufacturers claim to be both a gateway into renewable heating, while never compromising on the reliability provided from a traditional gas boiler.

Key Features:

This boiler is a highly efficient and modern combi and can run off traditional mains gas or LPG (ideal for off-grid properties).

Alpha have designed this boiler to be installed without the requirement of an airing cupboard for housing, making this type of install extremely simple for a Gas Safe registered engineer.

An Alpha E-Tec Hybrid can be fully synchronised with modern and convenient smart tech controls, allowing for instant and efficient temperature regulation. 

A small temperature control dial is included with the installation, simple to use and portable to a bedside table, kitchen side top or coffee table next to a sofa, meaning you can warm up your home from wherever you like.

The E-Tec boiler uses a feature called ‘outdoor temperature and demand’ to monitor and adjust flow temperature. Sensors on the outdoor heat pump will detect low temperatures and switch your heating on to combat the cold, including radiators in any room you require!

The heat pump will switch on at a certain temperature removing unnecessary strain from your boiler, a highly cost effective route as energy and gas tariffs are analysed in order to ascertain the most efficient and financially responsible way to heat your home.

Your current energy consumption data is put into the Alpha software and smartphone app to produce the best possible heating strategy for you, and any time your needs or bills change you can filter in new data to re-calibrate your plan.

Alpha studied annual energy usage and have determined 60% of the year the heat pump will be the most financially viable heating option, allowing for huge potential savings on your gas bill as heat pumps run on electricity.