Boiler Statistics & Trends (UK & Beyond)

Boiler Statistics & Trends (UK & Beyond)

Exploring the current boiler statistics in the UK and anticipating their evolution in the upcoming years is a compelling venture. Let's delve into the present state of affairs and forecast the anticipated changes in the boiler landscape.

Gas boilers have long been the prevalent choice for domestic heating in the UK. However, the tides of change appear to be on the horizon.

With the government's ambitious target of achieving net zero by 2050, a substantial transformation in domestic heating methods is imminent.

The question beckons: has this anticipated revolution already commenced?

Join us in this article as we delve into pivotal boiler statistics and the emergent trends shaping the market landscape.

We'll explore the ongoing shift and the nascent developments that signal a departure from the traditional reliance on gas boilers.

Key Boiler Statistics: 

  • According to official government figures, home heating accounts for around 14% of the UK’s carbon emissions.

  • According to the Commission on Climate Change, the UK has around 23 million gas boilers.

  • According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average gas boiler costs (including thermostatic radiator valves) around £4,000. 

  • Around 80% of homes have a combi boiler

  • Around 78% of homes use a type of gas central heating. 

  • According to the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) boiler sales increased by 40% between 2020 and 2021. 

  • According to Global Market Insights, the UK residential boiler market is expected to grow by over 2% by 2024.

  • A 24 kWh gas boiler will cost an estimated £1.65 an hour to run (based on average gas prices as of October 2023). 

Now let's explore the boiler statistics in a little more detail...

UK Boiler Market Statistics 

According to the latest data released by the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), 675,000 domestic boilers were sold in the UK in 2021.

This marks a significant 41% surge compared to the previous year, where 476,000 units were sold in 2020.

Of the domestic boilers sold, a staggering 80% were combination boilers (or combi boilers). 

Boiler Market Projections 

Amid the growing focus on achieving net zero emissions and the imperative shift towards decarbonising heat, understanding the prospective trajectory of the boiler market over the next decade is a pivotal point of interest.

Insights from various reputable sources provide intriguing forecasts:

Business research from Facts and Factors indicates that the UK boiler market is poised to exhibit a robust growth trajectory, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% between 2021-2026.

Global Market Insights reports that the European Residential Boiler Market, valued at over USD 5 billion in 2017, anticipates annual installations to surpass 6 million units by 2024.

Specifically, the UK residential boiler market is expected to grow by over 2% by 2024.

Allied Market Research highlights the global residential boiler market's impressive expansion, indicating a substantial rise from a $8.1 billion valuation in 2019 to an anticipated $12.3 billion by 2027. This growth trajectory signifies a compelling compound annual growth rate of 5.8% from 2020 to 2027.

These projections underscore a significant and consistent growth pattern, reflecting the evolving landscape and increasing demand within the boiler market on both regional and global scales.

Related reading: 

Boiler Running Costs UK 

Understanding the average cost of running a boiler in the UK depends on various factors such as daily usage, current energy prices, and the type of fuel utilised as well as the size or power output of the boiler being used (measured in Kilowatts). 

Predominantly, gas boilers are widely used in the UK. According to official government statistics, the average annual energy consumption for a boiler is around 13,600 kWh.

Comparing fuel costs, the current price of electricity is notably higher than that of gas. For instance, as of October 2023, government figures indicate an average cost of 27.35p per kWh for electricity and 6.89p per kWh for gas.

Given these figures, running a 24 kW boiler for one hour, at a cost of 6.89 pence per kWh for gas, would amount to approximately 165.36 pence or £1.65.

The overall expenses of operating a boiler are influenced by factors like usage patterns, energy prices, and the specific efficiency of the boiler.

Understanding these elements helps in estimating the running costs but keep in mind that actual costs may vary based on individual circumstances and fluctuating energy prices.

Average Boiler Costs in the UK 

Currently, there is a lack of reliable, universally reported data available to ascertain an authentic average for boiler installation costs in the UK.

However, insights from the Energy Saving Trust suggest that the typical cost of a gas boiler installation, inclusive of thermostatic radiator valves, tends to hover around £4,000 on average.

While individual boiler models can be acquired for as little as £500, it's important to note that this price doesn't encompass gas-safe installation or additional extras.

The ultimate expense of a new boiler hinges on various factors, including:

  • The cost of boiler replacement is determined by factors such as the preferred brand and model.

  • The type of boiler being installed—whether it's a combi, system, or regular boiler.

  • The size of the boiler.

  • Potential expenses if relocation of the boiler is required.

  • Labour costs are based on your geographic area.

  • Potential costs associated with switching from one boiler type to another (e.g., transitioning from a system to a combi boiler).

  • Additional costs for extra features like smart controls, premium magnetic filters, or upgraded radiators.

However, a straightforward combi swap remains the most favoured option and generally tends to be the least expensive among the choices available.

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