What Will Replace Gas Boilers in 2025? (Complete Guide to Homeowner)

With the UK government pushing to phase out fossil fuels and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, gas boilers will no longer be installed in new homes from 2025. As a result, homeowners and builders are asking the same question: what will replace gas boilers in 2025?

In this article, we explore the most viable, sustainable alternatives to gas boilers, including heat pumps, electric boilers, electric radiators, hydrogen boilers, and heat networks.

Are Gas Boilers Being Banned in the UK?

Yes. The UK Government has confirmed a ban on gas boilers in all new homes from 2025. This is part of the broader climate policy to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint, as home heating currently accounts for over 30% of all carbon emissions. While existing gas boilers won’t be banned immediately, a full phase-out is expected by the mid-2030s.

Top Alternatives to Gas Boilers in 2025

1. Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air—even in cold weather—and use it to warm your home through radiators or underfloor heating. They can also provide hot water when connected to a tank.

Pros:

• Efficient with a lifespan of up to 15 years
• Can use renewable electricity → lower carbon impact
• Eligible for government grants (e.g., Boiler Upgrade Scheme)

Cons:

• Expensive to install
• Noisy compressor units
• Requires well-insulated homes for best performance
• May need larger radiators to heat efficiently

Heat pumps work well in new, insulated homes, but may not suit older UK properties without significant insulation upgrades.

2. Electric Radiators

Electric radiators use convection and radiant heat to warm a room. Modern versions include ceramic cores or thermal fluids for better efficiency and heat retention.

Pros:

• 100% efficient at the point of use
• Easy to install (plug-and-play)
• Wi-Fi and app-controlled for smart scheduling
• No need for maintenance or annual servicing
• No carbon emissions at the point of use

Cons:

• Electricity costs are currently higher than gas (but this may shift soon)
• May require electrical system upgrades in older homes

A proven and reliable gas boiler alternative, especially for flats, rural homes, and properties without access to the gas grid.

3. Electric Boilers

Electric boilers heat water using electricity and work with existing wet radiator systems—making them ideal for boiler replacements.

Pros:

• Simple swap for a gas combi boiler
• No fuel or gas supply required
• Low maintenance, no servicing needed
• Can be powered by green electricity
• Quick heat-up and space-saving designs

Cons:

• May require 3-phase electricity for high-capacity models
• Running costs can be higher depending on electricity rates

Electric boilers are one of the most practical and scalable replacements for gas boilers in both new builds and retrofits.

4. Hydrogen Boilers

Hydrogen boilers would work similarly to gas boilers but burn hydrogen instead of natural gas.

Pros:

• Zero carbon emissions when using “green hydrogen”
• Could be retrofitted into existing gas boiler infrastructure

Cons:

• No commercially available 100% hydrogen boilers yet
• Green hydrogen is expensive and energy-intensive to produce
• Hydrogen is difficult to store and transport
• Safety concerns due to high flammability

Hydrogen heating is still experimental and unlikely to be a short-term replacement for gas boilers in the average UK home.

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5. Heat Networks (District Heating)

Heat networks distribute heat from a central plant to multiple homes through underground pipes.

Pros:

• Lower emissions if the heat source is renewable or waste energy
• No boiler is needed in each home
• Ideal for high-density housing developments

Cons:

• Only viable in urban areas
• Not widely available
• Heat loss can occur during transport
• Infrastructure is expensive and under development

Useful in cities and large housing schemes, but unlikely to become the standard for most UK households in the near term.

Conclusion

With the UK’s electricity grid becoming greener—over 40% of electricity now comes from renewables—switching to electric heating is a logical and sustainable step. Electric radiators and boilers are ready now, reliable, and far less complex than heat pumps or hydrogen systems.

For most UK homes, electric boilers and electric radiators are the most practical, efficient, and scalable solutions to replace gas boilers by 2025. They’re low maintenance, highly controllable, and compatible with clean electricity.

If you’re planning, now is the time to explore electric heating solutions. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or developer, switching to electric can reduce your carbon footprint—and your energy bills.