Boilers
Boilers & central heating
Combi vs system vs regular, the repair-or-replace question, and what's actually been announced about the end of new gas boilers.
Reading order — beginner first
Combi vs system vs regular boiler — which one suits your home
About 80% of UK boiler sales are combis — they heat water on demand and need no separate cylinder. System boilers suit homes with multiple bathrooms or where simultaneous hot-water demand is common. Regular (heat-only) boilers fit older properties with existing hot-water cylinders and cold-water tanks. Bedroom count, bathroom count, and simultaneous-use patterns drive the call.
Should you repair or replace your boiler?
Roughly 30% of 'replace my boiler' enquiries are actually repair or system-flush jobs. If your boiler is under 12 years old, A-rated, and the issue is a single faulty part, replacement is rarely the cheaper answer. A £350–£550 power-flush plus a smart thermostat will often outperform a fresh install for years.
The end of new gas boilers in the UK — what's actually been announced
There's no immediate ban on new gas boiler installs in existing UK homes. The 2035 target announced under the previous government was relaxed; from 2025 the Future Homes Standard tightens new-build rules but leaves retrofit largely unaffected. Direction of travel matters for resale value, but no one knows the exact date.