6 May 2025
5 minute read
Written by:
Regina Onorato
Content Designer
Heat pumps vs. gas boilers: Which is the right choice for you?
Gas boilers have been the go-to for home heating since the 1950s. But heating technology has moved on. With rising energy costs and the push for cleaner, more affordable heating, more homeowners are switching to heat pumps.
So, how do heat pumps and boilers compare? Let's break it down – upfront costs, efficiency, performance, and long-term savings – so you can make the best choice for your home.
What’s the difference between boilers and heat pumps?
Boilers burn gas to heat water. That water flows through your radiators to warm your home. It’s what most UK homes still use, but it’s powered by fossil fuels and wastes a lot of energy.
Heat pumps work differently. They pull warmth from a renewable source, like air, ground or water, to heat your home instead.
The most common kind, the air to water heat pump, transfers energy from the air outside to heat your water. No burning. Just clean, efficient heating powered by the air and a little bit of electricity. And when that electricity comes from renewables, your heating can be 100% carbon-emission-free. Read more about how heat pumps work.
What are the pros and cons of heat pumps vs. boilers?
Not all heating systems are created equal. Here's how heat pumps and gas boilers compare on things that really matter, like cost, carbon emissions and long-term savings. These are the reasons more people are making the switch.
| Factor | Boilers | The Aira Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 80-90% | 300-500% |
| Carbon emissions | High | Low to zero (if powered by clean energy tariff) |
| Costs | Lower upfront, but higher operational costs | Higher upfront, but lower operational costs |
| Installation | 1-2 days | 2-4 days |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 20-25 years |
| Maintenance | Annual servicing required | Minimal maintenance |
Cost & running cost comparison
Gas boilers are cheaper to install. But that’s where the savings stop. Their running costs are tied to gas prices, which are always rising.
Heat pumps cost more upfront, but they’re far more efficient, so you spend less over time. Want to see how it could add up for your home? Try our heat pump cost calculator.
- The average gas boiler user spends about £1068 per year (excluding maintenance costs)
- With a heat pump, it’s more like £840 per year, depending on insulation and electricity costs
- And with a £7,500 government grant, the switch is more affordable than you might think
Cost & efficiency comparison between heat pumps and boilers
When it comes to heating your home, every detail matters. Here's how gas boilers and heat pumps compare across the board: install time, running costs, and impact on the planet.
And when you look at the full picture, the smart choice becomes clear.
| Feature | Boilers | The Aira Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | £2,000 - £6,000 | £6,800 - £11,000 (after government grant) |
| Installation time | 1-2 days | 2-5 days |
| Running cost | About £1,500/year (including maintenance, insurance and servicing) | About £920/year (including maintenance & combined with clean energy tariff) |
| Efficiency (COP) | 85-90% | 300-500% |
| Environmental impact | High CO₂ emissions | Low carbon footprint |
| Energy source | Gas, oil | Electricity and renewables |
UK grants and heating regulations – What you need to know
The UK is moving away from fossil fuel heating. And helping homeowners move with it.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): £7,500 off an air-to-water heat pump in England or Wales
- Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan: £7,500 grant and £7,500 interest free loan for Scottish homeowners
- Gas boiler phase-out: While there was an initial plan to ban gas boilers in new builds from 2025 under the Future Homes Standard, the government has shifted to implementing stringent energy efficiency standards for new constructions.
- ECO4 support: Help for low-income households to upgrade insulation and heating
Learn more about the boiler upgrade scheme or how Aira can help you with your heat pump grant.
Which system is best for different types of homes?
Every home is different. What works in one might not be ideal in another. But here’s a quick overview to help you figure out if a heat pump could work for yours:
| Home scenario | Recommended system | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Older, poorly insulated home | Gas boiler (or insulate first) | Heat pumps are less effective in draughty homes unless insulation is upgraded |
| Well-insulated modern home | Heat pump | Efficient performance at low temperatures and long-term savings |
| Home with solar panels | Heat pump | Can use your own renewable electricity for maximum savings |
| Planning to sell or move soon | Heat pump | Heat pumps can increase the value of your home |
| Long-term homeowner prioritising sustainability | Heat pump | Lower running costs and reduced carbon emissions over time |
How does a heat pump replace a boiler?
A heat pump can take the place of your boiler, but a few smart adjustments may be needed.
Because heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures, homes with good insulation, underfloor heating or larger radiators tend to get the best results. That’s why we carry out a free home energy assessment and technical survey, checking everything from insulation to heat loss. It means your system works exactly as it should, from day one.
Which system is more environmentally friendly?
Heat pumps are simply better for the planet. Boilers burn gas. That means emissions.
Heat pumps don’t. And when powered by a clean energy tariff, they can cut your home heating carbon emissions by up to 100%.
Additionally, heat pumps integrate seamlessly with solar panels, further reducing your impact on the planet and your energy costs.
Reliability & dependence
Performance in cold weather
Think heat pumps can’t handle the cold? Think again. Modern heat pumps perform efficiently even in colder climates with sub-zero temperatures. The Aira Heat Pump, for example, runs efficiently down to -25°C. That’s colder than any UK winter.
Gas boilers keep up too, but they rely on burning fossil fuels. With a heat pump, you stay warm without the carbon cost.
Servicing & parts availability
- Boilers need regular servicing and repair. Especially over time.
- Heat pumps? Just the occassional filter checks and quick system lookover. For the Aira Heat Pump, we recommend a maintenance visit every two years.
Energy security
- Boilers are dependent on gas availability and market fluctuations.
- Heat pumps run on electricity, which can be sourced from the grid or renewable energy systems.
The bottom line
A heat pump is a cleaner, smarter way to heat your home. Yes, it usually costs more upfront, but it saves you more in the long run, all while shrinking your carbon footprint.
Thinking of switching? Or just want to see if it’s right for you? Request a quote and book your free home energy assessment with Aira.
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