Over half of consumers confused by government’s gas boiler phase outs, with 91% expecting installers to guide them
More than half (53%) of UK consumers say they find the government’s plan to phase out gas boilers confusing, with almost one in five (18%) unaware of the policies altogether, according to new research commissioned by Luthmore, the zero-emission alternative to the gas combi.
Despite the UK’s planned reduction and eventual elimination of gas, consumers are still highly reliant on it to keep their homes warm. The survey of over 1,000 households found that the majority (44%) of consumers are currently using a gas boiler to heat their homes, with another 29% relying on a gas combi.
Potentially thanks to this reliance on traditional heating methods, the research showcases consumer knowledge of the sustainable heating market as very limited. Over half of respondents (51%) described their understanding of sustainable heating options as either non-existent (7%) or minimal (44%), with just 4% rating their knowledge as excellent.
Awareness of heating alternatives among consumers varied sharply across demographics. While over two thirds (67%) have heard of heat pumps, just 13% have heard of battery-powered boilers. Both homeowners, and those on higher household incomes, show a general trend of being informed on modern heating alternatives than respondents in rented or social housing, or those with a lower household income.
However, despite this lack of knowledge, there is a clear openness to change from consumers. Over half (57%) of all households surveyed stated they would be ‘open’ to switching to a low-carbon heating solution, rising to two-thirds (67%) among both younger age groups and those with mortgages.
Central to the adoption of more sustainable heating options, is the crucial role installers play in the consumer buying decision. A clear nine in ten respondents stated that they expect their boiler installer to keep up to date on laws related to heating and housing and explain how these will likely affect them. Installers also remain the first port-of-call for any issues related to their boiler (40%), significantly ahead of the internet (28%) and housing providers (24%).
For Luthmore, the findings show just how central installers are to the UK’s heating transition. Founded by former Dyson engineers Craig Wilkinson and Martin Gutkowski, the company has developed a compact, battery-powered, zero-emissions boiler designed to deliver the same performance as a gas combi, but without the emissions. Producing 30kW of instant hot water and 10kW of reliable central heating, it fits into existing pipework and radiators. This plug-and-play approach to installation minimises training for installers and disruption on site for customers.
Will Jameson, commercial and corporate director at Luthmore, comments: “The heating sector is under pressure to decarbonise, but there’s been a gap between ambition and practical solutions. Installers don’t have time for extensive retraining or invasive new systems that are difficult to explain to customers.
“The Luthmore Boiler bridges that gap. It delivers the performance of a combi in a zero-emission format that’s simple to fit and simple to sell. By equipping the trade with hands-on training, practical resources and customer support, we’re helping installers feel confident in leading this transition.”
Luthmore is rolling out free half-day training sessions from late summer at its Chippenham HQ, giving installers the chance to get hands-on with the boiler and access technical support. The company is also developing an installer network that will benefit from lead generation, sales incentives and mobile demonstration units, ensuring engineers are not only trained but also supported to win new business as demand grows.
