You may have heard recently that there’s been another change to gas boiler policies in the UK.
Until recently, the UK was to phase out gas boilers in new build homes by 2025 and ban them completely from new homes by 2033.
This, however, has now been extended to 2035.
What was the original gas boiler ban plan?
The UK government has been asking homeowners to switch their traditional gas boilers to heat pumps as a more environmentally friendly option. Originally they were offering a grant of £5,000 although this has now been increased to £6,500.
The uptake for this has apparently been fairly slow which could be a reason for the change in deadline.
What is a heat pump?
In the shortest possible terms, 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 and in some cases also provide hot running water.
How does a heat pump benefit home owners?
Heat pumps are renowned for their energy efficiency, resulting in significant savings on heating costs compared to traditional gas boiler systems. They achieve high energy efficiency ratios, leading to lower utility bills and reduced carbon emissions. Essentially, although heat pumps can have a large initial outlay, there are savings to be had.
Landlords could also benefit from heat pumps as another way to entice tenants to rent their homes. During the current cost of living crisis, any reduction in household bills for tenants can be seen as a positive thing.
If you’re considering applying for a grant, you can do so on the government website.
What will these new announcements mean for home owners?
Firstly, if you were considering making your home more energy efficient then you now save even more money with a larger grant. You can apply for this via the government website.
Secondly, if your boiler needs to be replaced imminently then you should still have the choice as to go for a lower cost traditional system or a more expensive eat pump. This could be a big plus if you’re feeling the pinch with rising mortgage costs.
Thirdly, if you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, this could be an attractive selling point. We would advise though to do your calculations to ensure the profits made on selling your home outweigh the cost of a heat pump. Benwell Daykin can help with advising you how much your property is worth. Just call 0115 990 2007 to get a free property valuation.
If you’re wondering what option to choose, contact Benwell Daykin in Ruddington who will be able to offer some advice based on your situation.
