Heat Pumps vs Gas Boilers: Which Is Better for Your Home?
Heat pumps are more efficient and produce fewer emissions, but gas boilers are cheaper to install and better suited to older, less insulated properties. Here is how to decide.
How do they work?
A gas boiler burns natural gas to heat water, which is then pumped through your radiators and taps. It is the most common heating system in the UK.
An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air (even in cold weather) and uses it to heat water. It runs on electricity and is typically 3-4 times more efficient than a gas boiler - for every 1kW of electricity it uses, it produces 3-4kW of heat.
Installation costs
- Gas boiler replacement: £1,800-£3,500
- Air source heat pump: £8,000-£15,000 (before grants)
- With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant: £500-£7,500
The upfront cost difference is significant, even with the £7,500 BUS grant.
Running costs
Heat pumps are cheaper to run per unit of heat produced because of their high efficiency. However, electricity costs more per kWh than gas. In a well-insulated home, a heat pump will typically cost about the same or slightly less to run than a gas boiler. In a poorly insulated home, the heat pump has to work harder and the cost advantage disappears.
Which suits your home?
A gas boiler is likely better if:
- Your home is not well insulated and you do not plan to insulate it
- You have standard radiators sized for a high-temperature system
- You want the lowest upfront cost
- You need high-flow hot water (a combi boiler gives instant hot water)
A heat pump is likely better if:
- Your home is well insulated (cavity walls, loft insulation, double glazing)
- You have or can fit larger radiators or underfloor heating (heat pumps work best at lower temperatures)
- You are building new or doing a major renovation
- You want to reduce your carbon footprint
Our honest advice
For most existing homes in Surrey that are not undergoing major renovation, a modern A-rated gas boiler is still the most practical and cost-effective option. If you are building new, extending, or renovating to a high standard, a heat pump makes more sense. We will assess your property and give you an honest recommendation based on what will actually work for you.
Need help with this?
Call us on 01932 943 009 or email info@hphsolutions.co.uk. We cover Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and London. Free quotes, no obligation.
