It can be hard to choose between a heat pump or gas boiler, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of.

In essence, they are different technologies that heat your home in different ways, but the result is the same. Hot water and heating.

In this article, we’ll go through the main differences between a heat pump and a gas boiler, so that you can make an informed decision about which is right for your home.

What Is A Heat Pump Boiler?

You will likely know what a gas boiler is but what exactly is a heat pump boiler?

A heat pump boiler is a type of renewable energy appliance that uses the heat from the ground or air to generate heat for your home.

They are becoming increasingly popular as they are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option compared to traditional gas or oil boilers.

Heat Pumps vs Gas Boilers: What Are the Key Differences?

Replacing Your Boiler With a Heat Pump

In many cases a heat pump can replace your existing boiler, however, there are a few things to consider before making the switch.

You will need to have enough space outside for the heat pump. It needs to sit on a concrete base and have access to an electricity supply.

The heat pump will also need to be the right size for your property. If it’s too small it won’t be able to heat your home effectively and if it’s too big it will be less efficient.

You will also need to factor in the cost of installation, which can be more expensive than replacing a gas boiler.

What Is The Cost Of a Heat Pump?

A typical air-source heat pump installation according to The Energy Saving Trust will cost between £6000 and £8000, while a ground source heat pump installation will set you back anything from £10,000 to £18,000 depending on the amount of heating required.

Are they worth it?

Consider how much money you may earn through the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for an air source system, up to £9100 in cash per unit, and up to £27000 in total compensation if you install a ground source system – not to mention savings on gas.

Approx Cost To Move Your Boiler

As you can appreciate there is no exact answer to this question. It varies, but moving a boiler will cost between £250 and £500 and take 2 days to accomplish on average. Prepare for the cost top increase if your engineer needs to relocate piping or electrical work needs to be carried out.

Is Air Source Heating Expensive To Run?

When compared to using a gas boiler, no, air source heating is not expensive to run. A heat pump uses a refrigerant (either oil or gas) to change from heating to cooling. An air-source heat pump is different from an air source heat pump in that it requires less maintenance, but it can still be quite costly.

Heat pumps convert thermal energy into mechanical energy through the use of a compressor and condenser fan. The average yearly consumption of most homes in the United Kingdom is 12,000 kWh. At £0.13 per unit, it would cost you around £520 in annual heating expenses if you consume 4,000 kWh for £0.13 per unit.

Are Heat Pumps Cheaper Than Gas?

Yes, heat pumps are much cheaper than their gas alternatives. Natural gas is nearly four times cheaper, with an average cost of 4.17 pence per kWh paid. To put all those figures in context, the typical British home consumes around 12,000 kWh each year to heat itself. For a 4kW heat pump that consumes about 12,000 kWh per year, it would cost approximately £654.40 per year

Ground Source Heat Pump Vs Gas Boiler

Unlike a gas boiler system, a ground source heat pump has no flue or ventilation requirements, no condensate pipe to install, no further landlord gas safety checks, and minimal servicing upkeep.

A ground source heat pump is a more environmentally friendly option as it uses the earth’s natural heat to warm your property, rather than relying on fossil fuels.

The average running costs for a gas boiler are approximately £609 per year, while the running costs for a ground source heat pump are only £520 per year, making them much cheaper to run in the long term.

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a government program that pays a cashback subsidy of 20.89 pence per kilowatt-hour used for the first seven years of equipment operation.

To benefit from RHI in your home, each system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer.

So, if you’re looking for a more efficient and eco-friendly heating solution for your home, a ground source heat pump could be the perfect option for you.

Air Source Heat Pump Running Cost Vs Oil Boiler

The running cost of an air source heat pump is far lower than that of a kerosene or oil boiler. Although electricity is more expensive than oil, air source heat pumps create four times as much energy as they consume.

As a result, each unit (kWh) of electricity consumed by an air source heat pump produces four units of heat.

This means that the cost of running an air source heat pump is only a quarter of the cost of running an oil boiler.

In other words, if your oil boiler costs £100 per year to run, an air source heat pump would only cost £25 per year to produce the same amount of heat.

Hydrogen Boiler Vs Heat Pump

Hydrogen is a more efficient fuel than gas because the energy content of hydrogen is greater. As a result, only less hydrogen would be required to heat a home since it has more energy than gas.

When demand is high, this pressure on the network helps, as hydrogen usage might supply many homes compared with gas.

A hydrogen boiler emits – When burned, the only emission from a hydrogen boiler is water vapor.

This means that there would be no impact on air quality, which is a huge advantage over gas boilers that release harmful nitrogen oxides and particulates into the atmosphere.

Heat pumps are more efficient than hydrogen boilers – A heat pump extracts heat from the ground or air and uses it to heat your home.

The average efficiency of a heat pump is around 250%, meaning for every 1kW of electricity used, 2.5kW of heat is generated.

In comparison, the highest efficiency rating that a gas boiler can achieve is around 130%. This means that a heat pump could save you more money on your heating bills than a hydrogen boiler.

The initial cost of a heat pump is more expensive than a hydrogen boiler – The average cost of a heat pump is around £7,000, while the average cost of a hydrogen boiler is around £5,000.

However, the running costs of a heat pump are much lower than those of a hydrogen boiler. over its lifetime, a heat pump will save you more money than a hydrogen boiler.

Although the initial cost of a heat pump is higher than that of a hydrogen boiler, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make it the better choice.

If you’re looking for an efficient and eco-friendly heating solution for your home, a heat pump is the way to go.

Air Source Heat Pump Vs Air Conditioner

A heat pump can both heat and cool, but an air conditioner can only chill. The main difference between a heat pump and an air conditioner is that the latter cannot chiller.

During the winter months, when it’s cold outside, a heat pump is used to warm up rooms while simultaneously cooling them down.

A heat pump, on the other hand, can provide both heating and cooling by itself. In the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the air outside and uses it to heat your home.

In the summer, the process is reversed, and the heat pump extracts heat from your home and releases it into the air outside.

This makes heat pumps a more versatile and energy-efficient option than air conditioners, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular in recent years.

If you’re looking for an HVAC system that can provide both heating and cooling for your home, an air source heat pump is the way to go.

FAQs

What is the most environmentally friendly way to heat your home?

The most environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to heat your home is geothermal heating, according to Energy Star data. Geothermal systems use the earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool your home, which is much more efficient than using air source heat pumps or furnaces.

Are heat pumps a waste of money?

Heat Pumps can provide up to 60% savings on your heating bill, so they are not a waste of money. In fact, they are one of the most cost-effective ways to heat your home.

How much electricity does a gas combi boiler use?

Combination boilers only need a modest amount of power, but it is still required to complete many tasks. Display screens, illumination bulbs, and smart thermostats will all consume electricity to ensure that your home is heated and supplied with hot water.

Can a heat pump replace a gas boiler?

The heat pump, according to Vattenfall, may be used as a direct substitute for conventional gas boilers. It can reach temperatures of 60-80°C, which is comparable to many gas boilers’ capabilities.

Is it more efficient to keep the heat on?

According to Energy Savings Trust, the myth that you can save money by keeping your central heating on constantly low is a false hope. This is due in part to problems with home insulation. Even if you set the thermostat as low as it will go, heat will be leaking out through windows and doors if your house is old or drafty. The only way to save money in this situation is to invest in insulation.

What are the disadvantages of a heat pump?

The disadvantages of a heat pump include the following:

-They can be noisy

-They require a lot of maintenance

-They are not as efficient in very cold weather

-They can be expensive to install