Heat Pumps vs Modern Gas Boilers

Heat Pump Pros

Modern Gas Boiler Pros

• Potential savings - Heat pumps have generated a lot of buzz due to their potential to generate long term savings for prospective buyers. Heat pumps are extremely efficient in the production of heat energy, meaning a reduction in heating bills, saving prospective buyers what could turn out to be a significant amount of money each year.

• Very efficient - Modern gas boilers are extremely efficient with most having an ErP classification of A with an energy efficiency percentage in the 90s. Upgrading an older, antiquated boiler to a new efficient combi, could save a homeowner in the region of £400 a year (per Energy Savings Trust) 

• Reduces carbon emissions - The efficiency of a heat pump’s conversion rate and the fact it does not burn a fuel to operate, lowers a household's carbon emissions. This not only helps the planet, but also increases the safety of the home’s occupants.

• Cheap to run - Gas is one of the cheapest types of fuel available, ensuring low running costs for modern, efficient combi boilers. This is especially beneficial in these times of unprecedented energy prices.

• Long lifespan - On average the lifespan of a heat pump installation is around 15 years, some can however last up to 50 years!

• Abundant - modern combi and system boilers are extremely popular in the UK, meaning their parts are easily replaced should an issue occur.

• Can provide cooling air - When it’s hot outside, certain heat pumps are actually capable of reversing their operational process to perform like an air conditioning unit.

• Easy to install - modern gas boilers are a relatively easy install for a trained engineer, between 1-2 days is the average time for a new gas boiler, offering minimal disruption and property upheaval 

• Government help initiatives - The government introduced the boiler upgrade scheme. This £450 million initiative comes as part of the Heat and Buildings Strategy that offers a £6,000 reduction of the supply and installation of a ground source (£5000 for air source) heat pump for property owners in England and Wales.

• Low unit cost - modern gas boilers are comparatively cheap per unit, especially when compared to some heat pumps, with some models costing up to 20 times less!

Heat Pump Cons

Gas Boiler Cons

• High initial system cost  - Heat pumps demand a very high initial purchase price with some units costing upwards of £45,000! This can negate the idea of savings offered by installing a heat pump for many people.

• No cooling function - Gas boilers don’t have a cooling or air conditioning modality or setting

• Electricity cost - Electricity, as mentioned, is one of the most costly types of fuel available, especially when compared to gas.

• Not the most environmentally friendly - Gas boilers rely on the combustion of carbon based fuel, even though gas boilers have made great green strides, they are still not carbon neutral

• Not entirely carbon neutral - Despite being reliant upon electricity to function, heat pumps are not totally carbon neutral, this is because the process of producing the electricity can be quite a carbon intensive task.

• Servicing - Gas fuelled boilers can require a yearly inspection, known as servicing, not a legal requirement but an encouraged proactive measure.

• Not every property is suited for heat pumps - Some properties don’t have sufficient insulation to be an ideal heat pump location. Without considerable insulation, the heat generated from a pump would be lost. Loft and cavity wall insulation can bump up the cost of a heat pump installation considerably.