Building experts estimate that low-carbon heat pumps and heat networks could add around £5,000 to the cost of a new build
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.
BOILERS and gas hobs will be banned in new-build homes in just six years, Chancellor Philip Hammond revealed today.
Instead, homes will have low-carbon heat pumps and heat networks - which can cost £5,000 more than traditional heating systems.
Last month, the Government's Committee on Climate Change unveiled the recommendations in its new report.
It said "no new homes should connect to the gas grid from 2025 at the latest".
Adding: "There are plans for 1.5million new UK homes by 2022. These new homes must be built to be low-carbon, energy and water efficient and climate resilient."
Today, Hammond said in his Spring Statement speech new standards "mandating the end of fossil fuel heating systems in new homes from 2025 delivering low carbon, and lower fuel bills too."
The government has not specified what will replace boilers and gas hobs.
The problem is that when gas is made, it releases carbon emissions into the environment, which in turn contribute towards global warming.
In the UK, the Government has a target to reduce carbon emissions by 80 per cent compared to 1990 levels by 2050.
SWITCHING energy suppliers could cut HUNDREDS of pounds off your bill. Here’s what you need to do.
A fiver will be paid into your bank account within four months of completing the switch. prepayment meter customer customers will receive a £5 Amazon voucher. Open to those 18 and over. UK residents only. Click here for full T&Cs.
But the committee slammed the Government for not doing enough to combat the issue. It says that around 4.5million homes now overheat, even in cool summers.
Baroness Brown, chair of the committee's adaptation committee, said: “This report confirms what we have long-suspected: UK homes are largely unprepared for climate change.
"The Government now has an opportunity to act. There must be compliance with stated building designs and standards. We need housing with low-carbon sources of heating.
"And we must finally grasp the challenge of improving our poor levels of home energy efficiency. As the climate continues to change, our homes are becoming increasingly uncomfortable and unsafe."
Trade body the Home Builders Federation - whose members account for 80 per cent of all new homes built in England and Wales - warns that these energy efficiency measures will bump up prices.
Building experts estimate that it could add around £5,000 to the cost of a new build.
This is because low carbon heating includes pricey underfloor heating and more costly, larger low grade heat radiators - the look of which may also put of home buyers.
A spokesperson said: “Developers have demonstrated a clear commitment to this agenda and new homes are considerably more energy efficient than older ones.
"But builders need to sell homes and so alternative energy sources have to be attractive to consumers and commercially viable.
"Gas boiler systems are currently the most attractive option for consumers and so what builders tend to install, and limitations remain with the alternatives available."
GETTING a new boiler typically costs £2,300 according to the Energy Saving Trust. But there are government schemes that can help with some or all of the cost.
The Government's Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme means that energy companies will replace old, inefficent boilers for low-income families either completely free of charge or with a big discount.
The rules to qualify for the scheme are quite complicated. You must own your own home or have the permission of your landlord.
You'll also need to meet certain income or benefit requirements.
For instance, you may qualify if you claim:
If you think you could qualify, you should call energy providers for a free assessment.
Here's how often you need to get your boiler serviced and who to call when there’s a problem.
But we've found that engineers are charging up to £3,200 MORE for the SAME boiler – here’s how you can save.
Meanwhile, boiler insurance has been branded as "worthless" as customers are left without heating or hot water.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at [email protected]
