New research released during Gas Safety Week finds that over half of Brits are open to owning a hydrogen boiler – but despite 90% knowing they are more sustainable than existing natural gas units, most (51%) would rather someone else try one first.

The survey's findings also reveal that seven out of ten homeowners (71%) are influenced by the sustainable credentials of a hydrogen boiler when considering having one installed in their home. 

As well as their greener environmental credentials, another advantage of a hydrogen boiler is the cost compared to that of other energy efficient technologies. A £6,400 cost difference with an electric heat pump was a strong incentive to sway over half of Brits (51%) towards opting for hydrogen as their future home heating solution.

However, whilst the intentions are good, more education is needed still as a significant 59% of respondents do not feel they know enough about the emerging green technology to make a decision about buying one.

Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication & Product Management at Worcester Bosch, commented: “With around 24 million homes on the gas grid, hydrogen boilers will be a key player in the technology mix for decarbonising our homes.

“However, if Government targets are going to be reached and we as a nation are to ‘go green’ in our homes, it is clear from these stats that more education and reassurance around hydrogen gas is needed.

“Knowing that over 50% are accepting of hydrogen, it is a big wake-up call that we all need to debunk concerns for the remaining 42% who have doubts– which comes from further education – and move forward to a greener future. There have been several really successful trials in the UK confirming the safe application of hydrogen gas, so it’s now on all of us as a nation to open our minds and homes to the concept of a hydrogen future.”

The survey was comprised of 2,023 UK homeowners and renters, who were each asked a series of multiple choice questions.