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As the UK pushes towards its net zero targets, the way we heat our homes is changing quickly. Gas boilers have long been the standard, offering fast, affordable warmth, but with rising fuel prices, new government policies and concerns over harmful emissions mean their days are numbered. From 2025, new homes will no longer be fitted with gas boilers, and by 2035, replacements are expected to be phased out entirely.
The government has also explored hydrogen as a potential alternative, but progress has been slow. With very limited infrastructure, public resistance to trials, and ongoing debate about costs, hydrogen heating remains largely unproven for domestic use.
Hydrogen boilers are often presented as a direct replacement for gas. In theory, they could use the same pipework and deliver similar heating performance, however producing ‘green’ hydrogen (made from renewable electricity) is energy-intensive and currently expensive.
Pilot schemes in the UK, such as those in Fife and the North East, have faced delays and strong local opposition. There are also safety and storage concerns that make large-scale rollout challenging. For most households, hydrogen heating is still years away, with no guarantee it will ever become affordable or widely available.
Electric heating, by contract, is already widely available and rapidly advancing. ELKATHERM® modern electric radiators convert almost all the energy they use into heat, making them extremely efficient at the point of use.
When powered by renewable electricity, either through solar panels, a green tariff, or battery storage,ELKATHERM® electric heating becomes a very low carbon and sustainable solution. With no flues, pipework or boiler maintenance, installation is simple and disruption is minimal.
Gas is still cheaper per unit of energy than electricity, but that gap is narrowing. As carbon pricing and environmental levies continue to rise, gas will become less competitive. Electric heating can already compete when used with time-of-use tariffs, where energy is cheaper overnight or during off-peak periods.
Pairing a smart tariff with a home battery or Sunamp thermal store allows homeowners to heat their homes and water when prices are low, then use that stored energy during peak hours. Over time, this can make electric systems cheaper to run than traditional gas boilers.
Hydrogen, on the other hand, is currently not commercially available for households. Even if it becomes an option later this decade, early costs are expected to be high due to the expense of production and distribution.
Installing an electric heating system is far easier than replacing a boiler. There’s no need for annual servicing, flue checks or carbon monoxide alarms.
Each ELKATHERM® radiator works independently, allowing precise control room by room. This level of flexibility makes electric heating ideal for flats, extensions, listed buildings, and properties off the gas grid. For older homes upgrading from storage heaters, our modern smart ELKATHERM® radiators provide better control, faster response times and improved comfort.
Electric heating is currently the most reliable and future-proof option for UK homes. It integrates seamlessly with solar and battery technology, works with evolving smart tariffs, and aligns with the government’s decarbonisation goals.
While hydrogen remains a distant prospect and gas is being phased out, electric heating is already proven, accessible and scalable. ELKATHERM® is an investment that makes sense now, delivering efficient, low-maintenance heating that’s ready for the all-electric homes of the future.
