Login
01482 498660
Boiler or heat pump: Which is best for my home?
Choosing a new heating system is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. With the ongoing discussion around energy efficiency and future-proofing, many are now asking the question: boiler or heat pump? The choice between a familiar high-efficiency gas boiler and an air source heat pump is significant, and the right answer depends entirely on your property, budget, and long-term priorities.
Explore the differences between these technologies to help you make a confident and well-informed decision.
Understanding the core technologies
The difference between a gas boiler and an air source heat pump lies in how they generate heat.
A modern energy efficient gas boiler is a highly advanced piece of engineering. It works through combustion, burning natural gas to heat water, which is circulated to your radiators and hot water taps. Thanks to condensing technology, A-rated boilers are over 90% efficient, converting almost all the fuel they burn into usable heat. Learn more about boiler efficiency in our guide: How to make your boiler as energy efficient as possible.
If you decide a boiler is the right choice, our practical guide to getting a new gas boiler can help you with the next steps.
An air source heat pump works differently. Instead of burning fuel to create heat, it absorbs latent heat from the outside air, even on a cold day. Using a process similar to a refrigerator in reverse, it compresses this absorbed energy to raise its temperature and transfers it into the water for your heating system. It doesn’t create heat, but moves it from one place to another.
A direct comparison: heat pump vs gas boiler?
To decide which system is right for your home, compare several key factors:
Energy efficiency
This is where the technologies differ most. A new A-rated boiler is over 90% efficient. In contrast, an air source heat pump can operate at 300-400% efficiency. This is because for every 1 kilowatt of electricity it consumes to run the pump and compressor, it can transfer 3 to 4 kilowatts of heat into your home. From a pure performance standpoint, the heat pump is an exceptionally efficient technology.
Heat pump vs gas boiler running cost
Comparing running costs is more complex than just looking at efficiency. While a heat pump uses far less energy, the heat pump vs gas boiler running cost depends on the unit price of electricity versus gas. As electricity is currently more expensive per kilowatt-hour than gas, the overall running costs can be similar.
However, a heat pump can offer significant savings in a very well-insulated home. A qualified installer can provide a detailed running cost projection based on your home's heat loss.
Installation considerations
Boiler installation is a familiar process for any Gas Safe registered engineer. Replacing an old boiler with a new one, particularly a like-for-like model such as a combi boiler, can often be completed in 1-2 days.
An air source heat pump installation is more complex. It requires an outdoor unit, connected by pipework to an indoor unit and a hot water cylinder. If your home isn’t sufficiently insulated, this will need to be upgraded first. Because heat pumps run at a lower flow temperature, some of your existing radiators may need to be replaced with larger ones to ensure they can heat your rooms effectively.
Home suitability
A high-efficiency gas boiler, whether a combi, system, or heat-only model, is a versatile solution suitable for almost any property, regardless of its age or insulation levels.
An air source heat pump performs best in properties with a high level of thermal insulation. Because it delivers heat more gradually than a boiler, it’s crucial that your home can retain that heat. This suits modern, well-insulated homes or older properties with significant energy efficiency upgrades.
The hybrid solution: a third option
A hybrid system offers a compelling solution for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint but may have concerns about their property's suitability for a standalone heat pump.
An Ideal hybrid heat pump combines a smaller air source heat pump with a high-efficiency gas boiler. The system intelligently switches between the two, using the heat pump for most of the year and automatically calling on the boiler for backup during the coldest weather, ensuring you always have efficient and reliable heat.
Grants and financial support
Financial support is a primary consideration. The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) currently offers a £7,500 grant to help homeowners in England and Wales with the upfront cost of an air source heat pump.
Direct grants for gas boilers are less common, but schemes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) can sometimes support vulnerable households.
It’s always worth investigating what heating grants are available to homeowners to see what you may be eligible for.
Explore your heating options
The right choice depends on your home. Whether you’re considering the proven performance of a boiler or the future-facing efficiency of a heat pump, our range is engineered for quality and reliability.
Making the right choice for your property
The ‘boiler or heat pump?’ debate has no single correct answer. The best heating system is the one correctly specified for your property, budget, and energy needs. A modern gas boiler remains an excellent, cost-effective solution for most UK homes. An air source heat pump is an exceptionally efficient technology that offers significant carbon savings, provided your home is well-insulated enough to perform optimally.
Whatever path you choose, selecting a system from a trusted manufacturer guarantees quality engineering and dependable support, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
