Heat pump or gas boiler: which is right for you?
Replacing a boiler is a big decision. Here’s how a heat pump compares with a gas boiler, so you can decide what suits your home.
How they work
A gas boiler burns gas to make heat. A heat pump moves heat that already exists in the outside air into your home, using electricity to do it. Because it moves heat rather than making it, a heat pump typically delivers around three units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses.
Comfort and warmth
Boilers heat radiators quickly to high temperatures. Heat pumps run at lower temperatures for longer, giving a steady, even warmth. When a heat pump is sized properly for your home, it keeps you warm through a UK winter.
Running costs
Running costs depend on your home’s insulation, how the system is designed and your electricity tariff. Some energy suppliers offer tariffs designed for heat pumps. A good installer will explain what to expect for your home rather than quoting a generic figure.
Installation
A heat pump installation usually involves an outdoor unit, a hot water cylinder and sometimes larger radiators in a few rooms. Most installations take a few days. A boiler swap is quicker, but you are tied to fossil fuel prices for another 10 to 15 years.
Grants and support
In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 towards an air or ground source heat pump, and some off-gas-grid homes replacing oil or LPG heating can currently get more. Installation also qualifies for 0% VAT until 31 March 2027. Your installer applies for the grant and takes it off your quote. Hybrid systems are not eligible.
Which is right for you?
A heat pump is often a strong choice if your home is reasonably insulated, you have outdoor space for the unit and room for a hot water cylinder. If your home loses heat quickly, improving insulation first can mean a smaller, cheaper system.