The first half of this year has brought a series of significant regulatory updates to the UK’s HVACR sector. 2025 HVAC regulations, from refrigerant restrictions and planning reforms to new targets for low-carbon heating, reflect a growing push to decarbonise buildings and accelerate the transition towards more sustainable technologies.
For manufacturers, installers and consultants, adapting to this evolving landscape is essential. But so too is the ability to clearly and accurately communicate what these changes mean, in a way that builds trust with customers and stakeholders.
At PRG, we specialise in HVAC marketing, helping businesses translate complex regulation into meaningful messaging. Here, we outline some of the most important 2025 HVAC regulation and policy changes introduced so far and explore why they matter not just from a compliance perspective, but from a communications one too.
1. Phase-Down of High-GWP Refrigerants in Air Conditioning
A key regulation introduced in January 2025 is the ban on R410A in new single-split air conditioning systems containing less than 3 kg of refrigerant. This forms part of the UK’s ongoing effort to reduce the use of high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants and move towards lower-impact alternatives such as R32.
Your customers will want reassurance that their systems are compliant and future-ready, so that means reviewing product information, updating sales materials and equipping installers with accurate, easy-to-understand guidance. Clear communication here builds confidence and trust in a rapidly changing market.
2. Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the Potential for Expansion
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) continues to play a central role in supporting the UK’s transition to low-carbon heating. Currently, it offers grants of up to £7,500 for air source heat pumps and £6,000 for ground source heat pumps or eligible biomass systems, helping homeowners and small businesses offset the cost of replacing fossil fuel boilers.
In March 2025, application numbers reached record highs, and the government is now considering expanding the scheme to include other technologies such as heat batteries. If adopted, this would offer even greater flexibility in how properties can decarbonise their heating systems and further underline the scheme’s role in supporting innovation.
For HVAC brands, this presents a valuable communications opportunity. Explaining how customers can take advantage of available funding and staying ahead of possible expansions demonstrates market awareness and helps remove barriers to engagement.
3. Eased Planning Rules for Heat Pumps
In May 2025, the government removed the need for homeowners in England to secure planning permission to install a heat pump at least one metre from a neighbour’s property. The change is part of the government’s Warm Homes Plan and removes some of the previous complications that slowed down installations, especially in built-up areas. The maximum unit size has increased to 1.5m³ and detached homes can now install two units without requiring planning permission.
4. Noise Standards Updated (MCS 020)
The restrictions around heat pump installations no closer than one metre to a neighbour’s property were around noise pollution. Driven by the relaxation of planning permission, updated noise standards (MCS 020) have been introduced.
Specifically, MCS 020(a) for air source heat pumps, was released in March 2025 and offers a simplified sound level assessment of 37 dB LAeq, 5mins, replacing the previous 42 dB. This update aims to improve clarity and simplify compliance for installers, especially regarding permitted development installation.
5. Future Homes Standard Takes Effect
One of the big 2025 HVAC regulations means all new homes in England will need to meet the Future Homes Standard. This change requires homes to be fitted with low-carbon heating and a 75% to 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to homes built under previous regulations.
This has a direct impact on product selection for housebuilders and developers. It also presents a clear opportunity for manufacturers to reinforce the relevance of their low-carbon solutions in line with national targets.
6. Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM)
As of April 2025, boiler manufacturers must ensure that at least 6% of their total sales are heat pumps. The quota of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism will increase in future years, and financial penalties will apply to those who do not meet the target. This shift is expected to influence supply chains, marketing priorities and sales strategies across the heating sector.
7. EPC Changes and RdSAP 10
One of the most recent 2025 HVAC regulation updates comes in the form of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system being updated to introduce RdSAP 10, which took effect from 15th June 2025. Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP) is the simplified methodology used for producing EPCs. This updated version is designed to improve accuracy, better reflect how homes are used and help homeowners make informed decisions about energy efficiency.
These changes support more transparent property transactions and better-informed consumers. For brands, they also provide an opportunity to align messaging with verified performance, particularly if a product contributes to a stronger EPC rating.
Turning Regulation into Opportunity
These 2025 HVAC regulation and policy changes offer more than just technical direction; they open the door to strategic communication with your customers. Producing case studies that showcase early adoption, creating a timely press release to build awareness, developing practical sector-specific toolkits or white papers, or even building dedicated FAQ web pages to address common concerns – these are all simple but effective ways to support your customers.
Not only do they help build confidence and accelerate decision-making, but they can also generate new opportunities and boost your SEO performance.
