At Walsh Plumbing and Heating, our boiler installation specialists in Harrow are committed to keeping you informed about the latest regulations affecting your home heating. As we progress through 2025, several important regulatory changes are impacting gas boilers and home heating systems across the UK.
The Future Homes Standard and Gas Boilers
The Future Homes Standard represents a significant shift in the UK’s approach to home heating. While the complete ban on gas boilers in new builds was initially planned for 2025, the government has revised this timeline to 2035 for existing homes, giving homeowners more time to plan their transition to low-carbon heating alternatives.
However, this doesn’t mean you should delay considering your options. The regulations are gradually tightening, and being informed will help you make better decisions for your home heating needs.
Boiler Plus Standards Continue to Evolve
The Boiler Plus standards, first introduced in 2018, continue to evolve as part of the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. These standards mandate minimum efficiency requirements for gas boilers installed in England.
For 2025, all newly installed gas boilers must now achieve a minimum efficiency rating of 92% ErP. Additionally, all boiler installations must include time and temperature controls, and combi boilers must include at least one of the following energy-saving features:
- Load compensation
- Weather compensation
- Smart controls with automation and optimisation functions
- Flue gas heat recovery systems
Our heating engineers can advise on the most suitable options for your property, ensuring compliance with these regulations while maximising energy efficiency.
The Hydrogen-Ready Mandate
One of the most significant changes in 2025 is the requirement for all new gas boilers to be “hydrogen-ready.” This means they must be capable of running on a blend of up to 20% hydrogen with natural gas.
This regulation is part of the UK’s strategy to gradually reduce carbon emissions while utilising existing gas infrastructure. Hydrogen-ready boilers can be easily converted to run on 100% hydrogen in the future if the gas network is upgraded.
If you’re considering a new boiler installation, rest assured that all models we install now meet this requirement, future-proofing your home against upcoming changes in the gas supply.
Energy-Related Products (ErP) Directive Updates
The ErP Directive continues to push for greater energy efficiency in heating systems. The latest updates include:
- Stricter labelling requirements to help consumers identify the most efficient models
- Extended product scope to include more components of heating systems
- Enhanced market surveillance to ensure compliance
When purchasing a new boiler, look for the energy label which rates products from A+++ (most efficient) to G (least efficient). For gas boilers, the highest possible rating is currently A, with most modern condensing boilers achieving this rating.
Carbon Emissions Targets and Financial Incentives
The UK government has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To support this goal, several financial incentives are available to homeowners who adopt low-carbon heating solutions:
- The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grants toward the cost of heat pumps and biomass boilers
- The Home Energy Scotland Loan offers interest-free loans for energy efficiency improvements
- The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme provides support for low-income households
While gas boilers remain a practical solution for many homes today, these incentives make alternative technologies increasingly attractive financially. Our team can provide advice on whether these alternatives might be suitable for your property.
What These Regulations Mean for Your Home
If you currently have a functioning gas boiler, there’s no immediate requirement to replace it. However, when your existing boiler reaches the end of its life, you’ll need to ensure any replacement complies with the latest regulations.
For most homeowners, this means:
- Your next boiler will be more energy-efficient
- It will include advanced controls to optimise heating
- It will be hydrogen-ready for future fuel changes
As discussed in our blog about boiler lifespan, most modern boilers last between 10-15 years. If your current system is nearing this age, now might be the time to consider an upgrade to benefit from increased efficiency and ensure compliance with current regulations.
How Walsh Plumbing and Heating Can Help
Our team of Gas Safe registered engineers stays up-to-date with all regulatory changes affecting home heating systems. We can:
- Provide expert advice on the most suitable heating systems for your property
- Install hydrogen-ready boilers that comply with all current regulations
- Help you access available grants and incentives for heating upgrades
- Ensure all installations meet or exceed efficiency requirements
For homeowners in Harrow looking to upgrade their heating systems, our boiler installation specialists can provide a free consultation to discuss your options and ensure your home heating is fit for the future.
Contact Walsh Plumbing and Heating today to learn more about how the latest gas boiler regulations affect your home and what steps you can take to ensure compliance while maximising efficiency and comfort.
