Which? published a policy paper on 22 September 2025 setting out findings from two surveys on how UK homeowners approach boiler replacement, and what happens to their interest in low carbon heating when they research the options. The consumer body said failing to plan ahead doubles the risk of an emergency replacement1.
Three in four (75%) of that group had made no plans for replacing their system, and more than half (53%) of those whose system was already showing signs of wear and tear had made no preparations. Over two thirds (68%) said they had received no advice or guidance on replacing an older heating system1.
On heating choice, 76% of homeowners with older boilers said that if their boiler broke down tomorrow they would choose another gas boiler, while 15% said they would consider switching to a heat pump. The second survey covered 1,077 homeowners who had replaced or upgraded their heating system in the past two years. Among those who did some initial research, 44% said they actively considered a heat pump; within that group, 85% of those who came across heat pump information during their research said they would consider one1.
Which? also reported that emergency replacements carry practical costs. Homeowners making an emergency replacement were three times more likely to wait over a day for their heating to be restored, and these purchases were more likely to happen in the colder months. They were also less likely to schedule additional work that could save money over time1.
"Our research shows that failing to plan ahead doubles the risk of an emergency replacement"
| Finding | Figure |
|---|---|
| Homeowners with older systems (8+ years) with no replacement plans | 75% |
| Those with wear and tear and no preparations | 53% |
| Would choose another gas boiler if it broke down tomorrow | 76% |
| Would consider a heat pump in that situation | 15% |
| Received no advice on replacing an older system | 68% |
| Considered a heat pump after doing research | 44% |
| Considered a heat pump where information was seen (n=92) | 85% |
The paper states that home heating accounts for 18% of UK carbon emissions, and that only 2% of UK households own a heat pump. It cites the Climate Change Committee recommendation that half of UK homes will need to have switched to a low carbon heat pump by 2040 to meet net zero commitments1.
Why it matters for households
A boiler that fails without warning leaves a household buying heating in a hurry, with less time to compare heat pumps against boilers or to arrange extra work such as insulation or controls alongside the installation. The research links that time pressure to longer waits for heating to return and to purchases concentrated in winter. Planning ahead, by contrast, is associated with more of the choices being considered while the old system is still running, including whether to move to a heat pump rather than a replacement gas, oil or LPG boiler.
The consideration figures point to information as the variable that moves. Most homeowners with older systems said they would default to a like-for-like gas boiler, but among those who researched and encountered heat pump information, stated willingness to consider one rose to 85%. Which? notes that most of this group had received no guidance at all on replacing an ageing system, so the decision point often arrives without any prompt to look at alternatives.
What happens next
Which? said it will run an awareness campaign this autumn to support homeowners in planning ahead for the retirement of their boiler, with a second phase in spring when homeowners typically think about renovations. It said it will share the lessons from the campaign with the government and other stakeholders1.
"This Autumn, Which? will be running an awareness campaign to support homeowners to plan ahead for the retirement of their boiler"
No government response to the paper, and no date for any policy announcement, has been reported.