Gas Boiler Ban 2035: What Homeowners Need to Know

January 2026 Mend Your Home Future Heating

You've probably heard about the "gas boiler ban" – but what does it actually mean for you? Will you have to rip out your boiler? Can you still get a gas boiler now? This guide cuts through the confusion with practical guidance for homeowners in West Sussex and Surrey.

Last Updated: January 2026. Government policy on heating is subject to change. We'll update this page as new information becomes available.

What's Actually Happening?

The Key Facts:

2035: No NEW gas boilers can be installed in existing homes
New builds: Already banned from having gas boilers (since 2025)
Existing boilers: Can continue to be used and repaired after 2035
No forced removal: Nobody will make you remove a working gas boiler

You CAN Still:

Install a new gas boiler now (until 2035)
Keep your existing gas boiler after 2035
Repair your gas boiler after 2035
Service your gas boiler as normal
Use gas for cooking

After 2035:

Cannot install a NEW gas-only boiler
Replacement boilers must be low-carbon
Heat pumps or hydrogen-ready likely options
Exact rules may still change

What Does This Mean For You?

Depends When Your Boiler Needs Replacing:

Your boiler is 10+ years old (needs replacing soon)

Recommendation: You can still install a gas boiler now and it will serve you for 10-15 years. By then, heat pump technology will be more mature and likely cheaper. Consider a "hydrogen-ready" boiler for future flexibility.

Your boiler is 5-10 years old

Recommendation: Keep maintaining it. When it needs replacing (likely around 2030-2035), you'll have more options and clearer guidance on what to install.

Your boiler is less than 5 years old

Recommendation: Nothing to worry about right now. Keep it serviced annually. By the time you need a replacement, the landscape will be much clearer.

Planning a major renovation

Recommendation: Consider future-proofing with a heat pump now, especially if you're improving insulation anyway. Government grants may help with costs.

Your Options: Now and Future

Gas Boiler (Now)

Still the most cost-effective option for most homes until 2035.

Cost: £2,500-£5,200 installed
Pros: Proven, affordable, works in any home
Cons: May need replacing with low-carbon after 2035

Hydrogen-Ready Boiler

Gas boiler that can switch to hydrogen if the gas network converts.

Cost: Similar to standard gas boiler
Pros: Future flexibility, no major changes needed
Cons: Hydrogen network not guaranteed

Air Source Heat Pump

Electric heating that extracts heat from outside air.

Cost: £8,000-£15,000 installed
Pros: Low carbon, government grants available
Cons: Higher upfront cost, may need larger radiators

Hybrid System

Heat pump combined with gas boiler backup.

Cost: £5,000-£10,000 installed
Pros: Best of both worlds, works in any weather
Cons: More complex, needs space for both

Costs shown are on average for an average 3 bed home and will vary based on your specific situation.

Need Boiler Replacement Now?

We install gas boilers, hydrogen-ready boilers, and can advise on heat pumps for your home

Call: 07960 066300 Get a Quote

Government Grants & Support

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The government offers grants to help with the cost of heat pumps:

£7,500 towards an air source heat pump
£7,500 towards a ground source heat pump
Available for homes in England and Wales
Must be installed by MCS certified installer
Property must have EPC (no minimum rating required)

Grant amounts and eligibility may change. Check gov.uk for current details.

With the £7,500 grant, an air source heat pump can cost similar to a new boiler. It's worth getting quotes for both options to compare.

Is Your Home Heat Pump Ready?

Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes. Consider these factors:

Heat Pump Suitability Checklist:

Good Candidates:

Modern or well-insulated homes
Homes with underfloor heating
Larger radiators already fitted
Space for outdoor unit
Off-gas properties (no gas option anyway)

May Need Work First:

Older, poorly insulated homes
Small radiators throughout
No space for outdoor unit
Terraced houses (noise considerations)
Listed buildings (planning restrictions)

Our Practical Recommendation

What We Tell Our Customers:

Don't panic - You have until 2035 to install a gas boiler if you want to
If your boiler needs replacing now - A gas or hydrogen-ready boiler is still a sensible choice for most homes
Consider your home's suitability - Heat pumps aren't right for every property (yet)
Keep an eye on technology - Heat pumps are improving rapidly; what's expensive today may be affordable in 5 years
Improve insulation first - Whatever heating you choose, good insulation reduces bills
Get proper quotes - Compare gas boiler, hydrogen-ready, and heat pump options for your specific home

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be forced to remove my gas boiler? ▼

No. There are no plans to force people to remove working gas boilers. The 2035 ban only applies to installing NEW gas boilers. Your existing boiler can continue operating, being serviced, and repaired indefinitely.

Should I rush to get a gas boiler before 2035? ▼

Only if you need a new boiler anyway. There's no need to replace a working boiler early. If your boiler is approaching end of life (10-15 years old) and you're comfortable with gas, getting one now is perfectly sensible - it will last you well into the 2030s.

What's a hydrogen-ready boiler? ▼

A hydrogen-ready boiler can run on natural gas now, but can be converted to run on hydrogen in the future (if the gas network switches to hydrogen). It costs about the same as a standard gas boiler and provides future flexibility. However, it's not guaranteed that the gas network will convert to hydrogen - it's one possible future scenario.

Will heat pumps get cheaper? ▼

Almost certainly yes. As demand increases and technology matures, costs typically fall. The government is also pushing for heat pump costs to match gas boilers by 2030. Combined with grants, heat pumps are becoming more financially attractive each year.

What if I live in a flat? ▼

Heat pumps in flats are more challenging due to space and planning constraints. Solutions include communal heat pump systems or smaller individual units. The rules for flats may evolve differently. For now, gas boilers remain a practical option where permitted.

Get Expert Guidance

We can assess your home and recommend the best heating option for your situation - now and for the future

Call: 07960 066300 Boiler Installation