Why Switch?
Gas boilers reside in 85% of UK homes, so why should you switch to an alternative? Click on the options below to learn why you should make the switch to a low-carbon heating solution.
Climate
Change
Incentives
Save
Money
Legislation
Climate Change
Climate change is having devasting consequences on our planet, from increasing frequency of weather extremes, to the mass extinction of species. Greenhouse gases emitted by humans have resulted in global warming. Consequently, 193 countries agreed to limit global warming to within 1.5oC of pre-industrial average temperatures. In 2020, average temperatures had already risen to 1.2oC above pre-industrial levels. To meet the goal of limiting global warming, we need to cut our carbon emissions substantially.
One of the most significant ways you can cut your emissions is by changing how you heat your home.
In the UK, the largest source of annual CO2 emissions is heating (37%), of which gas boilers are the primary contributor, providing space and water heating for 85% of homes.
Incentives
Low-carbon heating technologies are in their infancy, meaning they are currently more expensive than traditional gas boilers for many homeowners. Consequently, the UK government offers incentives for switching to low-carbon heating technologies.
Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme
The current incentive scheme on offer is the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentives (RHI) scheme, but this ends on the 31st of March 2022. Heating technologies eligible for the RHI are:
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Biomass Boilers
- Evacuated Tube Collectors
- Flat Plate Collectors
For more information, including eligibility, a payment calculator, and how to apply, visit the government website.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Launching in spring 2022, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) replaces the RHI, offering upfront capital grants to support low-carbon heating technologies. Open to properties located in England and Wales, the BUS aims to encourage homeowners to switch from conventional gas boilers to a more environmentally friendly alternative. Heating technologies eligible for upfront capital grants through the BUS are:
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Biomass Boilers (in some circumstances)
Save Money
While low-carbon heating technologies are typically far more expensive to install, they can be cheaper to run. If you install solar panels to power the heating technology, excess generation can be used to power your home. Any excess could also be sold to the UK's electricity grid. Over the lifetime of the system, a low-carbon heating alternative's net present cost can be lower than a gas boiler's, and may even generate a net income.
Legislation
As part of the UK government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the installation of gas boilers in new homes will be banned from 2025.
Furthermore, the government expects to phase out gas boilers in existing homes by 2035, through the offering of grants and incentives to homeowners for switching to low-carbon heating appliances.
