The consultation seeks views on a range of topics, including proposals to improve boiler and heating system efficiency through improvements to minimum standards, and the potential role of gas boiler-electric heat pump hybrids in heat decarbonisation in the 2020s and 2030s.

It also proposes a mandate from 2026 that all newly-installed gas boilers are ‘hydrogen-ready’, despite the consultation document stating "there is no guarantee that any hydrogen-ready boilers will ultimately be converted to run on hydrogen gas".

Some of the other key proposals in the consultation include:

  • To introduce revised requirements for controls installed with boilers, to ensure boilers and controls are communicating in order to modulate boiler output and to deliver lower flow temperatures
  • To address boiler oversizing in combination boilers through wider modulation ranges, allowing them to efficiently meet the space heating demands of homes throughout the heating season
  • To apply the new standards to all boiler types
  • To improve heating system design and maintenance requirements 
  • To gather evidence on the ways to better record real world boiler performance and information provided to the consumer.

BEIS says these proposals aim to reduce domestic gas consumption, thereby lowering consumer bills and carbon emissions, improving energy security, and preparing for the transition to low carbon heating.

Commenting on the publication, Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Services at Worcester Bosch, said: “We’re delighted to see the long-awaited publication of the ‘Improving boiler standards and efficiency’ consultation from BEIS. This has been promised for several months so it is very welcomed.

“We’re specifically encouraged that BEIS have taken a system-first approach, not just appliance. They cover controls, correct maintenance and tackling boiler oversizing, instead of simply what appliance should generate heat.

“Rest assured we will be responding to the consultation and supporting where we can. We urge installers, manufacturers and consumers to do the same. This consultation is a sign we are moving in the right direction to increase efficiency and reduce emissions in the way we heat our homes, and together we can help further this progress.”

The department is seeking views from consumers, installers, manufacturers, and wider industry. To read the consultation in full and respond, click here.