Changes in regulations. What awaits owners of gas boilers?

The European Union is introducing changes to the heating of buildings, which raise many questions among owners of gas boilers. The new regulations mainly focus on limiting the installation of new heating systems based on fossil fuels, such as natural gas, in favor of greener solutions. However, experts assure that there will be no obligation to dismantle existing gas boilers.

Gas boilers: current regulations and upcoming changes

Currently, owners of gas boilers can rest easy – unlike other heating systems, such as coal stoves, they do not emit suspended dust such as PM 2.5 or PM 10. By 2030, it will still be possible to install new gas boilers, although financial incentives such as such as subsidies, will cease to be available in 2025. The exception are hybrid installations that combine gas boilers with renewable energy sources (RES), such as heat pumps or solar collectors.

After 2030, in new buildings and those after full thermal modernization, it will be possible to install gas boilers only in combination with renewable energy sources. In existing buildings, it will still be possible to replace and repair gas boilers under the existing rules. Key changes will only apply to buildings that meet the zero-energy standard.

What fuels will power gas boilers in the future?

Already installed gas boilers can use renewable fuels in the future, such as:

• biomethane,

• synthetic methane,

• gas mixtures with hydrogen.

According to EU plans, by 2040 Europe will gradually move away from fossil fuels, but gas hybrid boilers will still have their place, especially as an element of heating systems supported by renewable energy sources.

Support programs and prospects for Poland

In Poland, gas boilers are very popular. Since the launch of the Clean Air program in 2018, 34.7% of all applications concerned the purchase of gas condensing boilers. According to the new regulations, financial support for their installation will end in 2025, but people who manage to obtain subsidies before this date will be able to use them until the end of 2027.

By 2050, all buildings in the European Union must become emission-free. However, the lifespan of gas installations of approximately 25 years gives owners time to adapt to changes. The gas industry is also introducing solutions enabling the continued use of boilers with modern biofuels.