Knowledge hub

The UK is committed to meeting net zero emissions by 2050. Part of the solution is reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and promoting clean energy sources. 

In the world of housebuilding, this means the number of gas boilers being installed in new builds is reducing. This page further explains the green transition. 

Are gas boilers banned from new buildings? 

In Scotland, the New Build Heat Standard went live in April 2024. Under this law, new buildings cannot be fitted with gas or oil boilers. In England and Wales, there is no such law, so gas boilers can be installed as long as emission targets in Building Regulations are met. 

Why does my new home have a heat pump? 

As the UK transitions away from fossil fuel heating systems, developers are now increasing installations of heat pumps on new housing estates. Heat pumps are far more efficient than gas boilers, create much lower levels of carbon emissions, and generate no nitrous oxide (Nox) emissions on site. 

Do I have to replace my gas boiler with a heat pump? 

No. There is no legislation in place to force this type of action. In the coming years, Government initiatives will encourage us to replace gas boilers with green heating alternatives when it is time to naturally replace them. 

Can I install a hydrogen boiler? 

Research projects are ongoing in the UK to test the viability of heating systems that run on a mix of hydrogen and gas. As it stands today, hydrogen-ready boilers are available, but the UK gas supply does not contain hydrogen, and there is no national roll-out in the pipeline, pardon the pun. 

Can I install a new gas boiler in my home? 

Yes, if you are replacing an old or broken gas boiler. Current Building Regulations state that a new heating system should not generate higher emissions, or be less efficient, than the heating system being replaced. This means it is unlikely you’ll be able to replace an electric system with a fossil fuel boiler. 

Will a heat pump improve my EPC rating?

Under the current system, homes with gas boilers achieve similar EPC ratings to those with heat pumps. This quirk is because EPCs are linked to assumed running costs. The house with a heat pump will use less energy, but the cost of electricity is higher than gas. These two factors cancel each other out. 

Why does my new house have a gas boiler? 

In England and Wales, it is acceptable for homes built to current Building Regulations to have a gas boiler installed. Developers often need to offset this by also installing solar panels. In Scotland, homes built since April 2024 cannot use gas boilers. This applies to the date the building site was registered, so if the Developer submitted before this deadline, they are still able to install a gas heating system.