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These days many of us take the greener approach to reduce the environmental impact each and every person makes. The quest for a greener future however is being taken up a notch with the government’s collaboration with the International Energy Agency (IEA) aiming to push us ever closer to net-zero emissions.
Along with the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, there’s another proposed change that will affect our everyday lives and it’s due to happen much sooner. From 2025, there could potentially be new laws that will prevent the sale of new fossil fuel boilers, including gas and oil boilers. But what does this mean for you?
Fossil fuels, such as coal, crude oil and natural gas, have a major impact on the environment at every stage of their extraction, transportation, processing and use.
Fossil fuels cause the degradation of land, in fact, huge areas have to be scraped or blasted away to expose naturally occurring fossil fuel stores. Water pollution is also rife; the harmful chemicals associated with extraction and processing mix with freshwater to cause marine contamination and destruction.
The air gets contaminated too, with the production, transportation and use of fossil fuels emitting harmful greenhouse gases. The greenhouse effect directly damages the ozone layer, which means more of the sun’s rays can reach the earth to warm the surface and speed up climate change.
In response to the damage caused by fossil fuels and dwindling resources, the IEA has advised that no new fossil fuel boilers should be sold from 2025. This guidance is expected to mean that new laws will be enforced by the UK government.
Contrary to popular belief, there are a number of alternatives to gas and oil boilers. The heat pump is the recommended fossil fuel free alternative.
Heat pumps use just a tiny amount of electricity to absorb and convert warmth from the air or ground. Think of it as a refrigeration system but in reverse! Heat pumps have proven to be extremely effective and efficient. They also cater to seasonal requirements, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The cost of heat pump installation is high but the energy bill savings and eco credentials make a lot of sense. Other fossil fuel free alternatives include infrared heating panels, solar thermal panels, and biomass boilers and stoves.
To discover the best alternatives to a gas boiler, call on our experts. Find a local plumber today to discuss your options.