The boiler ban will mostly impact property developers involved in the construction of new-build homes, meaning that from 2025, they won't be able to install gas boilers in their residential developments.

Developers will now need to adapt to this new regulation and ensure that their projects comply with the requirements set by the Government. This change presents an opportunity for property developers to embrace sustainable and energy-efficient solutions in their projects, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.

The ban on gas boilers means we need to start thinking about new ways to heat our homes. One good option are air source heat pumps (ASHPs). ASHPs are electrically powered and take heat from the air outside and use it to warm up the inside of a house, similar to how a fridge works but in reverse. By doing this they can provides 3 or 4 kilowatt-hours of heating for every kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed. ASHPs work most efficiently when the whole central heating system has been carefully designed for the property it's installed in, and of course ensuring the home is as well insulated as it can be.

In the case of new build properties, heating engineers and architects working to current building regulations ensures that homes are comfortable to live in, and efficient to heat.

If you're replacing an existing heating system, then be aware that for ASHPs to be efficient they need a different approach to heating your home. The hot water they circulate to your radiators won't be as hot as with a gas boiler. This means you will need larger radiators to ensure your home's kept to a comfortable temperature. You might even want to consider installing underfloor heating which works very well with ASHPs. It's also important that you pick the right supplier when you decide to switch to an ASHP, to ensure that your new heating system is tailored to the needs of your home. 

You might also want to consider using other technologies alongside your air source heat pump, like solar panels, to be even more energy efficient.

In most cases your home can be fitted with an air source heat pump, which would replace your traditional gas boiler, electric storage heaters or direct electric heating. However, there's a few things to bear in mind.

• To access the Government’s Boiler Upgrade scheme (BUS) grant you'll need a valid Energy Performance Certificate for your home.

• Before installing an ASHP you should ensure that your home is as well insulated as possible. 

• You'll probably need to replace some or even all of your radiators with larger models.

• If you currently have radiator pipe work of less that 15mm diameter then it'll probably need to be replaced.

• If you currently have a combi boiler you'll need a hot water cylinder installed. If you already have a cylinder it'll need to be replaced with one that's compatible with an ASHP.  

As far as replacing your boiler in the future, air source heat pumps are a great choice, but there's other options too, depending on your needs and the type of property you have.

Ground source heat pumps are super efficient, but they need enough outdoor space and cost more to install. Biomass boilers use natural materials as fuel, but they need regular upkeep and a steady supply of fuel.

Sometimes, it's a good idea to combine different renewable technologies for the best results. For example, you can use solar power along with an air source heat pump to reduce your reliance on the grid even more.

So in the years ahead it's now even more important for builders and homeowners to think about these different choices, like how much they cost, how much space they need, and what the local rules are. By doing that, they can make the best decision for their own situation. When you pair your solar panels with solar battery storage, you're utilising even more of the power you generate.