Heat Pumps vs. Boilers: Which Heating System Is Right for Your Home?

You will have no doubt heard the debate between heat pumps and boilers by now.

But which heating system is right for your home?

If you’re a homeowner, you’ll constantly be looking for ways to reduce your energy bills and likely your carbon. So if the debate between heat pumps and boilers brought you here, read on for an evaluation of each to device which is right for you.

How Do Heat Pumps Work and Are They Cost-Effective?

Heat pumps extract heat from the air or ground and transfer it into your home. Unlike traditional boilers, which generate heat by burning gas or using electricity, heat pumps use a small amount of electricity to move existing heat from one place to another. Of course, this means they are more efficient and often produce 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.

Benefits of a heat pump:

Energy Efficient

Heat pumps can be up to 300–400% efficient compared to gas boilers, which are typically around 90% efficient.

Lower Carbon Emissions

Heat pumps significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially when powered by renewable energy because they use electricity rather than burning fossil fuels.

Lower Running Costs

While electricity can be more expensive than gas per unit, a heat pump's high efficiency often results in lower running costs over time.

Year-Round Use: Many heat pumps function as heating and cooling systems, and can even provide summer air conditioning.

But, they do come with their challenges:

Higher Upfront Costs

Installing a heat pump can be more expensive than a traditional boiler, typically ranging from £7,000 to £14,000.

Performance in Cold Weather

Modern heat pumps work well in most UK climates, but their efficiency can drop in extremely cold conditions.

Space Requirement

Some heat pump systems require outdoor units or more significant indoor components, which isn’t ideal for all homes.

Gas Boilers vs. Electric Heating

We all know gas boilers as the most common heating system in the UK, and they have been for decades. They’re pretty reliable and cost-effective in homes connected to the gas grid. But how do they compare to other heating options?

Gas Boilers

Pros:

Lower Initial Cost

A new gas boiler installation costs between £2,500 and £4,500, which is significantly lower than a heat pump.

Effective Heating

Gas boilers provide consistent and powerful heating, which makes them suitable for larger homes and families with high heat demand.

Availability & ease

Most UK homes are already set up for gas heating, which makes replacement straightforward.

Cons:

Higher Carbon Footprint

Gas is a fossil fuel, so it does contribute to climate change and makes gas boilers less sustainable.

Fluctuating Energy Prices

Gas prices are known to fluctuate, which ultimately can lead to unpredictable heating costs.

Government Phase-Out Plans

The UK government aims to phase out gas boilers in new homes by 2025, with further restrictions likely.

Electric Heating (including Heat Pumps)

Pros:

Lower Carbon Emissions

Electric heating can be powered by renewable sources so produces no direct emissions, therefore it’s the most sustainable option.

Fewer Maintenance Issues

Unlike gas boilers, electric heating systems have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance.

Future-Proof

With the government pushing towards electrification, switching to an electric system could be a long-term investment.

Cons:

Higher Running Costs

Electricity prices are typically higher than gas, making direct electric heating (just like storage heaters) expensive.

Potential Infrastructure Upgrades

Older homes may require electrical upgrades to support new electric heating systems.

Grants available & incentives to upgrade your heating system

To encourage the transition to low-carbon heating, the UK government offers several grants and incentives:

1. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): Offers grants of up to £7,500 towards installing an air-source or ground-source heat pump in England and Wales.

2. Energy Company Obligation (ECO4): This program provides funding for energy efficiency improvements, including heating upgrades, for low-income households.

3. Home Energy Scotland Grants and Loans: Offers financial assistance to Scottish homeowners looking to install renewable heating systems.

4. 0% VAT on Energy-Saving Materials: The UK government has scrapped VAT on heat pumps and other energy-efficient home improvements until 2027.

So, which heating system is right for you?

Choosing between a heat pump and a gas boiler depends on many factors such as your home’s needs, budget, and long-term goals.

A gas boiler may still be the best choice if you’re looking for a lower-cost, familiar option. But if you want an energy-efficient, low-carbon solution that will future-proof your home, a heat pump is worth considering, especially with the available government incentives.

Before making a decision, we do advise you get a professional assessment of your home’s heating needs and explore available grants to make the switch more affordable.