With some sensationalist headlines suggesting that electric underfloor heating, and other electric heating options like heated towel rails and certain radiators could be banned under new UK legislation, we’ll separate the facts from the myths surrounding the impending changes.
Many homeowners have expressed understandable worry that existing heating systems will need to be replaced, and future home improvement plans reimagined. The reality is less dramatic, and this article will explain the actual proposals made by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), including which products may be affected, if your current heating system is at risk, and what the intended changes could mean when buying new heating products moving forwards.
Are certain heating products being banned?
The quick answer is no. The UK government has not announced a ban on underfloor heating, electric heated towel rails, electric radiators or any other heating system for that matter.
What is being discussed currently is a consultation related to updated energy efficiency standards for specific heating products available in Great Britain. The consultation was completed in May 2026, and any future changes are applicable to new products entering the market, as opposed to heating systems already installed in people’s homes.
Essentially, if you already have an electric underfloor heating system, electric heated towel rail or electric radiators, there are currently no proposals that require you to remove, replace or stop using them.
What has been proposed by the DESNZ?
A consultation entitled ‘Updating standards for local space heating products’ by DESNZ has sparked much of the initial panic and debate around required home heating changes.
This proposal explored an update of UK eco-design requirements for local space heaters, with the intention of aligning them more closely with existing European Union regulations.
Closing on May 20th, 2026, the consultation has led to an ongoing government review of responses before a decision is reached about proceeding with updated legislation. If any changes are to be introduced, they are expected to be phased in from 2027 onwards.
It should be stressed that at the time of writing, this is not yet law, with no final regulations being implemented.
Why are heating product bans being discussed?
A lot of confusion has emerged from media coverage including terminology around ‘electric heating being banned,’ ‘underfloor heating restrictions,’ and ‘government crackdown on heating products’, for instance.
These descriptions oversimplify what is involved in the proposal. Crucially, the consultation is focused on enhancing the minimum energy performance standards for new products that are to be sold in future; there is no will or suggestion to target the removal of existing systems from homes.
In a similar way that previous efficiency regulations saw less efficient lightbulbs and household appliances phase out over time, the key goal is to improve the performance standards of future heating products entering the market.
Which heating products could be affected by new regulations?
The consultation explores a variety of categories of local space heating products. These are inclusive of:
Electric radiators
Electric radiators and panel heaters used as room heating solutions.
Heated towel rails
Heated towel rails, importantly, are considered as an independent product category within the proposals, in recognition of their unique dual-purpose functionality for heating a bathroom space and drying towels.
Electric underfloor heating
Electric underfloor heating systems are included within the scope of proposed efficiency upgrades.
Storage heaters
Electric storage heaters could be affected by future minimum performance standards stepping up.
Gas fires and gas-powered local heaters
Specific gas-fired heating products also featured in the consultation scope.
Is my heating system now illegal?
Not at all. This is by far the most common concern people are looking for the answer to online.
No matter if you own any of the products listed above, there are absolutely no proposals requiring homeowners to stop using or remove existing installations in UK households. Instead, the consultation addresses future product standards for new products yet to be manufactured and sold.
If new regulations are introduced eventually, they will apply to manufacturers, importers and retailers supplying new products. Vitally, this wouldn’t render existing heating systems illegal, or even affect them or their use in any way.
What might change for new heating products?
Better minimum efficiency standards at point of use
New heating products could need to meet stricter energy performance requirements.
Improved heating controls
Future heating products may require more sophisticated smart control systems, such as digital thermostats, programmable timers, occupancy detection, smart scheduling features and open-window detection. Ultimately, these measures are put forth with the intent to help users manage energy consumption more effectively.
Removal of less efficient products
Certain products with lower performance capabilities could no longer meet the minimum future standards, and gradually disappear from sale as a result.
Why are these changes being considered?
The UK government’s stated objectives place a focus on three key areas.
Energy efficiency improvements
Home heating remains one of the largest contributors to household energy use, especially as it pertains to the unpredictable UK weather climate.
Products that can operate 100% efficiently at the point of use can help to cut energy waste significantly.
Reduced running costs
Enhanced heating controls and improved efficiency standards could help households manage energy use more effectively.
Alignment with existing European standards
The main goal of the consultation is to bring Great Britain’s regulations closer to existing EU eco-design requirements, reducing complexity for manufacturers operating across multiple markets.
Importantly, the proposals are not targeted at any single specific heating technology or product category. Instead, there is a focus on product performance standards overall.
What do homeowners need to do now?
For most homeowners, virtually nothing. Don’t panic; nothing is changing imminently, and there is currently no requirement whatsoever to replace functioning heating systems. That said, there are a few measures that can generally be undertaken to ensure your heating is working as efficiently as possible at the point of use.
Review your heating controls
Modern heating controls often provide deeper benefits than replacing a perfectly functional heat source.
To make the most of your heating system and ensure it works in the most efficient manner possible, consider an investment in smart thermostats, zoned heating controls and smart TRVs. These features are the kind of elements that could become requirements for new products if legislation passes in future.
Only heat up rooms when required
Zoned heating remains one of the very most effective ways to reduce wasted energy levels.
Contrastingly to heating up the whole home, zoned heating enables you to focus only on occupied spaces and alter temperatures in line with usage patterns.
Improve insulation
Even heating systems that work efficiently cannot compensate for below-par insulation within a home. By addressing draughts, window seals, and ensuring wall and loft insulation is at a proper standard, you can often enjoy better benefits than you would by simply replacing heating products.
What to look for when investing in home heating
If you’re looking to upgrade your heating system at this time, it’s well worth prioritising long-term performance features that will likely be recommended or required as and when new legislation arrives.
Select the correct size
An undersized or oversized radiator or alternative heating device can vastly negate comfort and efficiency levels. Our BTU Calculator can assist in working out the correct heat output requirements for a specific room.
Make smart controls a priority
Look to prioritise effective smart controls such as programmable timers, digital thermostats, smart connectivity and app cohesion, and zoned control capabilities where possible.
Match the product to the space
Different heating solutions are best suited to different spaces, which is worth bearing in mind when investing in new heating devices for your home.
For instance, heated towel rails rate an excellent choice for bathrooms, whilst electric radiators are an ideal option for flexible room-by-room heating. Underfloor heating, meanwhile, can offer discreet warmth in areas where wall space is at a premium.
The best solution is always dependent on the room’s size, insulation levels and usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heated towel rails being banned?
No. There is no ban on heated towel rails. Government proposals relate to future efficiency standards for products that are yet to be sold on the market, as opposed to existing installations.
Is electric underfloor heating being banned?
No. Electric underfloor heating remains legal and there are no proposals requiring homeowners to remove existing systems.
Will I have to replace my electric radiator?
No. Existing electric radiators are unaffected by the consultation proposals that are currently under consideration.
When could any changes happen?
The consultation closed in May 2026. If new regulations are adopted and approved, they are expected to be introduced gradually from 2027 onwards.
Why is the government reviewing heating product standards?
The aim is to improve minimum energy performance standards in the UK, support better heating controls and align Great Britain’s regulations more closely with existing European eco-design requirements.
Should I delay buying a new heated towel rail?
Not necessarily. Current products remain legal to purchase and install. Future regulations, if adopted, are expected to focus on performance standards for new products entering the market rather than preventing the use of existing heating technologies or devices.
Understanding heating legislation with BestHeating
Despite some furore stemming from some somewhat sensationalist headlines, electric heating systems such as underfloor heating, heated towel rails and radiators are not being banned.
The government consultation centred around updating energy performance standards for heating products to be sold in Great Britain in the future, with any adjustments likely to be phased in from 2027 and applicable to new products rather than existing installations.
For UK homeowners, the most sensible approach to heating upgrades is to focus on practical alterations that will deliver instant advantages – choosing properly sized heating devices, using effective smart controls, heating rooms intelligently and enhancing insulation levels where possible.
Of course, when significant changes are proposed within the heating industry, BestHeating will be on hand to provide clear, evidence-based guidance to help homeowners separate fact from fiction, and continue to get the most out of their heating systems.
John is a Research Specialist for the Best Heating Advice Centre, where for over nine years he has dedicated himself to demystifying home heating for our customers. He specialises in creating clear, data-driven guides and how-to articles by collaborating directly with our team of certified heating experts and product engineers.
His work, built on a foundation of journalistic research, has helped millions of readers make confident and informed decisions about their home heating. When he’s not breaking down the heat output differentials from radiators to heated towel rails, John fancies himself as a fine football and music connoisseur.
