The i newspaper has reported Ministers plan to scrap a rule that would stop people replacing their existing boilers after 2035.  The article can be seen here, and in summary says that the recent developments regarding gas boilers and heat pumps reflect an evolving approach to balancing environmental goals with practicality and affordability. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

Summary of Key Points

  1. Gas Boiler Policy Shift:
    • New-build properties: Gas boilers will effectively be banned due to stringent green standards under a forthcoming “warm homes plan.”
    • Existing homes: The planned outright ban on replacing gas boilers with new ones by 2035 is reportedly being scrapped.
  2. Focus on Heat Pumps:
    • Labour’s approach: Instead of a ban, Labour plans to incentivise homeowners to transition to heat pumps when replacing old boilers.
    • Subsidy extension: The £7,500 subsidy for heat pumps is expected to be extended to encourage adoption.
  3. Heat Pump Adoption:
    • Progress so far: Over the past five years, 113,555 government-supported heat pumps have been installed across the UK.
    • Efficiency vs Cost-effectiveness:
      • Heat pumps are more energy-efficient but rely on electricity, which remains costlier than gas in both raw energy prices and standing charges.
      • Average annual costs for heating and hot water:
        • Ground source heat pump: £806 (just £9 cheaper than a gas boiler).
        • Air source heat pump: £1,001 (significantly higher than a gas boiler).
  4. Challenges in Private Rental Sector:
    • Analysis by epIMS suggests that heat pumps may not be the most effective solution for improving EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings in private rentals, highlighting affordability concerns.

Implications

  • Homeowners: Greater flexibility in choosing heating systems post-2035, but rising incentives may still push many toward heat pumps.
  • Landlords: Heat pump adoption could remain slow in rental properties unless costs decrease or subsidies are tailored to this market.
  • Environment: The scrapping of the gas boiler ban may slow decarbonisation efforts, but it could ease public resistance and financial burden.