Heat Pump vs Gas Boilers: Which is Best?

While gas boilers have heated our homes for decades, a more eco-conscious society has led to the development of more sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions: enter the heat pump.

But are heat pumps better than gas boilers? Which costs more to install? And what are the key differences between the two?

This guide covers everything you need to know about deciding between heat pumps and gas boilers to warm your home – from lifespan and efficiency to total cost and energy savings.

Key Differences: Heat Pumps vs Gas Boilers

At first glance, both heat pumps and gas boilers aim to do the same job: heat your home and water.

However, the way they do it and the impact they have on your bank balance and the environment differ significantly.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air (air source) or the ground (ground source) and transferring it into your home.

They run entirely on electricity and are considered a low-carbon heating solution.

How Do Gas Boilers Work?

Gas boilers, on the other hand, burn natural gas (fossil fuels) to produce heat.

This process is fast and efficient, but it releases carbon dioxide and other emissions into the atmosphere, which are known to contribute to climate change.

So, What are the Main Differences Between the Two?

Energy Source: Which Is Greener?

While gas boilers use, and have always used, natural gas (fossil fuels) to heat up a home, heat pumps use electricity.

They can also be powered by renewables – making heat pumps a much greener choice.

Gas boilers, on the other hand, emit high levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into our atmosphere.

So, if the environment is one of your biggest concerns when choosing between heat pumps and boilers, heat pumps are a significantly greener choice.

Efficiency: Which Works Best?

While the environmentally sustainable award is going to heat pumps, which actually work best at heating your home?

In terms of efficiency, a heat pump is 300-400% efficient. This means that for every 1 unit of electricity, it can deliver 3-4 units of heat into your home.

On the other hand, gas boilers are 90-95% efficient, meaning if your boiler burns 100 units of gas energy, 90-95% of those units become heat. The extra 5-10% is lost due to waste heat.

Heat pumps provide gentle, consistent warmth, while gas boilers provide a quick, powerful heat at a higher temperature. Both are great at heating your home, but gas boilers can do it more quickly.

Installation & Use: Which is Easiest To Use?

In short, boilers are generally easier to install and to use than heat pumps.

Boilers have simple controls that we’re generally familiar with, making operating them a breeze, and are simple to install in existing homes with gas infrastructures.

Heat pumps, on the other hand, are a more complex installation and may require user adaptation to use, making their ease of use on the more moderate side.

Running Costs: Which is Cheaper?

Generally, heat pumps are considered to be more cost-effective than boilers.

Heat pumps can also run on a renewable tariff and, if the home is well-insulated, can significantly lower the energy costs.

However, gas boiler running costs vary hugely – it all depends on gas prices at the time, and what type of tariff you’re enrolled on.

Lifespan: Which is More Durable?

Heat pumps are also taking the prize here for the longest lifespan.

It’s recommended that heat pumps can last around 15-20+ years, which is almost double that of gas boilers, which generally last around 10-15 years.

Additionally, heat pumps require less maintenance than gas boilers, having fewer moving parts, while boilers require regular servicing to maintain their standards.

However, reliability-wise, both are pretty durable. Heat pumps may be less likely to break, but when they do, there are generally fewer trained engineers, so repairing may take a little longer.

Boilers, on the other hand, are equally as reliable with boiler maintenance, but if they do break down, they’re easier to repair, with a wealth of boiler technicians available often on the same day.

Initial Cost: Which Is More Expensive to Install?

While the running costs are generally lower for heat pumps than boilers, the initial cost of installing a heat pump is much higher.

A typical gas boiler installation costs £2,000 – £4,000, while an air source heat pump generally costs around £8,000 – £18,000 before grants.

However, with the UK’s £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme, many homeowners pay around £3,500 – £6,000 for a heat pump, bringing it closer to the price of a high-end boiler. Boilers, however, tend to have fewer subsidies available.

While heat pumps cost more initially, it’s good to remember that they can lead to lower energy bills and carbon emissions over time, making them a better long-term investment.

Choosing Between Heat Pumps vs Gas Boilers: Which is Best For Your Home?

In terms of which works best, it largely depends on your living situation and what you need from your heating.

For example, a poorly insulated home may require a gas boiler, as boilers provide quick bursts of high heat (but at a higher cost).

Meanwhile, a new-build or well-insulated home may prefer the use of a heat pump, which provides a steadier flow of heat, maintaining heat in a more environmentally conscious and cost-saving way.

If you’re looking to improve your carbon footprint, heat pumps are the best choice, while if you want easy installation, maintenance and usage, a gas boiler may be the way to go.

In short, everyone’s priorities are different. If you’re unsure about which is the best choice for your home, speak to a trusted heating specialist, like Liverpool Heating, for expert advice and support.

Install Heat Pumps or Gas Boilers with Liverpool Heating

At Liverpool Heating, we specialise in both heat pump and gas boiler installations.

Whether you’re upgrading to a sustainable heat pump or maintaining a reliable gas boiler, our expert team will guide you through every step – from assessing your property to selecting the ideal heating system – ensuring a smooth and hassle-free installation.

Committed to energy efficiency and customer satisfaction, we’re here to help you find the best heating solution for your home. Get in touch with Liverpool Heating today to explore your options.