Should Gas Boilers Really be Banned in New Homes by 2025?

Reports from the Committee on Climate Change in recent weeks have concluded that homes should be heated using low-carbon energy instead.

According to the committee, using low-carbon alternatives to create efficient household heating should become a necessity in new homes within the next six years. They recommend no new houses or flats should be connected to the gas grid by 2025.

Concerns have also been raised in regards to existing properties and their longevity for the future due to recent stalling in attempts to reduce greenhouse gases. The unpredictability of climate change due to global warming will also increase the risk of inefficient properties overheating and flooding in the future. It is therefore vital to ensure existing homes are adapted with retrofit gas free alternatives to cope with potentially more extreme weather conditions.

Closing the performance gap between design standards in when fitting the best performing and efficient central heating could save new build properties £70-£260 a year on energy bills.

The UK government has committed to significantly reduce emissions by choosing greener and cleaner alternatives. However, as individuals we all need to make a conscious effort to switch to energy efficient living. This includes finding alternative appliances within the home that don't require gas for power. From electric boilers to other choices such as sustainable energy sources are the future of household efficiency.

Are electric boilers suitable alternatives?

Electric boilers work under a similar principle as traditional gas boilers; however instead of requiring fuel to heat the water in a central heating system it uses electricity. Also available as an electric combi boiler, these heating systems offer great space economy as they combine the water heater and central heating boiler into one unit. Unlike gas boilers, electric alternatives are 100% efficient!

Installation is simple and cost effective due to their compact and light construction, and because they are powered by electricity they don’t require a flue or fuel supply. An electric boiler can therefore be sited anywhere within the property which makes them ideal for homes that don’t have the extra space for storing an oil tank. The electric central heating boiler is also suitable for properties which have no access to mains gas supply or experience gas boiler restrictions.

The size of the property and the heating requirements will determine what kilowatt output is needed. The lower kW boilers are cheaper to buy and have considerably lower running costs, however these may not be as efficient as larger models. Electric boilers are not suitable for homes of a larger size or properties with high demands for hot water. This is due to the limitations in the amount of water that can be heated at any one time.

“Find which heating system is right for your home with our guide to electric vs gas heating for homes.”