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Flexibility built in: one boiler, two fuels


Greg Banham, commercial director for Navien UK, explores why boilers with built-in compatibility for both natural gas and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) have become more relevant and explains how they give installers and merchants a practical way to manage in these times of uncertainty


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very installer has felt the frustration of turning up to a job and realising something isn’t quite right. Whether it’s the wrong unit,


the wrong fuel type, or a last-minute change that means another trip back to the merchant, not only do these situations cost time; they eat into margins and disrupt already packed schedules. At the same time, the wider energy landscape is


becoming more unpredictable. Rising costs, supply concerns, and changing customer expectations are all adding pressure to the job. In such an environment, installers aren’t just looking for reliable boilers; they’re looking for products that give them fl exibility when things don’t go to plan. It is clear to see that the current global situation has highlighted the importance of energy security, fl exibility, and supply resilience when choosing natural gas or LPG. And the knock-on eff ect is that installers now need products to be more fl exible than ever, merchants want to feel less stock risk, and end users want to know that they won’t be left waiting for work to be completed. The solution to settling these concerns is a boiler


that off ers total fl exibility, works with natural gas or LPG and is ready for any application.


Why are dual-fuel boilers relevant now?


Today’s energy environment has promoted fl exibility to an essential status, rather than a mere ‘nice to have’ in the plumbing and heating industry. Global instability and supply fl uctuations have not only made clear the importance of having options when it comes to fuel sources but also increased the value of having access to both natural gas and LPG when it comes to providing greater security and adaptability. Natural gas remains the primary choice for many UK homes due to its established infrastructure


26 July 2026


and reliable supply network, which is supported by multiple international sources. It is often described as a ‘bridge fuel’ as it continues to ensure consistent heating and power even during periods of instability. LPG, on the other hand, provides an important alternative as it can be transported and stored easily, which makes it very practical during supply disruptions. It is also ideal for off -grid locations, areas where independence from fi xed networks is needed or as a backup solution. It can also be used on new build developments where natural gas hasn’t been brought into the area yet. Often, developers will convert show homes to LPG for SAP testing and while selling the plots, only converting to natural gas once it is in the area. For installers, this creates real-world scenarios


where adaptability is crucial. If a property is not yet connected to the gas grid, or if timelines shift unexpectedly, then LPG may be the only viable option. Thus, having a boiler that can handle both situations is a safety net that removes uncertainty and keeps projects moving past unexpected changes.


Understanding the role of the installer


Navien recognises that the role of the installer is under scrutiny. Expectations are higher than ever before; jobs must be completed faster, fi rst-time fi x rates must be achieved, and customers want more


effi cient solutions for less. Likewise, merchants are under pressure to streamline stockholding by carrying multiple versions of essentially the same boiler – split by fuel type – which adds complexity, increases the risk of errors with orders and creates excess inventory, tying up capital. Merchants are seeing fi rsthand that simplicity


sells, with installers wanting products that make their lives easier when working on-site and can reduce the need for decision-making. They, like Navien, know that when it comes to choosing products, installers will question how straightforward the installation will be, whether additional parts are needed and even how the product will perform in real-world conditions. Fuel type is another consideration for installers, especially when it means carrying diff erent models around or making fi rm decisions before arriving on-site. Ultimately, installers are resistant to anything


that could slow down their schedule or complicate the job, a factor that also makes them resistant to change. However, if a product is known to work, easy to fi t, and doesn’t create call-backs for them, then it is likely to be the right product.


Fuss-free fl exibility


Taking all of this into account, Navien has developed the NCB300 – an entry-level high-effi ciency condensing boiler – designed to remove friction


Above: Greg Banham, commercial director for Navien UK


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