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0333 305 6880Last updated: 10th October, 2024
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Heat pumps are currently a popular topic of debate amongst homeowners and industry experts alike, this can be traced to the public’s uncertainties surrounding the gas boiler ‘ban’ of 2025.
Here at iHeat we want to make sure our customers are fully informed on the intricacies of any topics related to home heating, especially topics that have garnered as much attention and produced as much misinformation as the gas boiler ‘ban’.
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The supposed ‘ban’ on gas boilers was initially announced in 2019 with plans to take effect as of 2025. The ban aims to help the UK reach its goals of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Some misinformed public members have already needlessly replaced their gas boilers due to the nature of panic purchasing.
In reality, the following is actually TRUE when it comes to the ‘ban’ -
The ‘ban’ actually states no new build properties can have a gas boiler installed past 2025
It is still legal to buy and install gas boilers in any home currently and to continue to do so in older properties (anything that isn’t a new build) beyond the 2025 deadline
There is no legal requirement, financial penalties or general onus to remove and replace your existing gas boiler before or after 2025
One of the main ‘myths’ produced from this heating hysteria is that you must replace an existing gas boiler with a device called a heat pump.
An air source heat pump is an appliance that transfers thermal energy from outside to heat a property; heat pumps work off a home’s refrigeration cycle.
While it’s acknowledged that heat pumps are efficient and could return potential savings in the long term, there are a few things you should consider first before committing to replacing your gas boiler with one!
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Heat pumps and the expert installation requirements in terms of difficulty and time consumption can be very pricey, costing upward of £15,000 in some cases! This high upfront cost can be off-putting to many prospective buyers and would leave a large amount of money needing to be recouped through savings, which could take a very long time.
Heat pumps run on electricity. While this is efficient and releases fewer emissions, electricity is the most expensive fuel on the market and can cost up to three times the price of gas (one of the most affordable fuel types).
A heat pump generates a lower level of home heating, with a max output of around 55°C. In contrast, a modern, efficient combi boiler is in the range of 70°C-85°C. This lower temperature output may not be what a homeowner or their family is accustomed to and may not heat a home as well.
Although quieter modern technology is always developing, current air source heat pumps give off some noise pollution; some people feel this could be distracting or off-putting.
Not every UK property would be an ideal location to install a heat pump; this can be due to insufficient property insulation. without considerable insulation, the heat generated from a pump would be lost. Loft and cavity wall insulation can considerably bump up the heat pump installation's cost.
Some heat pumps can be less effective in colder areas; they can operate as low as -20°C, but if the outside temperature is below 0°C, they begin to lose efficiency. On some freezing winter days, a sub-optimal performance from your home’s main heating instrument would be less than ideal.
Although many air source heat pumps do not require active planning permission, some regulations must be followed before installation. These include ensuring the installation is at least 1 metre away from the property boundary, is installed on a suitable surface, has a specific max volume and will be used for heating only.
With these considerations, an air source heat pump may not be suitable or advantageous for every home. With no actual onus to replace your gas boiler or preventative measures to stop you from installing a new gas boiler, this may be the more viable option to provide satisfactory heating for your property.
At iHeat we stock a massive range of powerful and sleek new boilers designed to save space and perform at the highest level. With sizes to fit any property, now might be the perfect time to replace an old boiler and upgrade.
Get a free instant fixed price quote on our boiler range, with next day Gas Safe installation available, getting a new boiler has never been so easy.
The cost of installing a heat pump in the UK typically ranges from £7,000 to £13,000, depending on the type and size of the system. Air source heat pumps are generally cheaper, ranging from £7,000 to £11,000, whereas ground source heat pumps can cost between £10,000 and £18,000 due to more extensive installation work.
For installation, you need outdoor space for the heat pump unit (for air source), good insulation in your home, a compatible heating system like underfloor heating or larger radiators, and ground space or boreholes for ground source heat pumps. A professional installer will assess existing infrastructure for compatibility.
Heat pumps have downsides, including high upfront installation costs, lower efficiency in very cold climates, long payback periods for recouping installation costs through savings, and the potential need for upgrading insulation and radiators.
Heat pump installation involves surveying and assessing the property, installing the external unit (air source) or ground loop (ground source), connecting the heat pump to the heating system, electrical work, and testing to ensure proper function.
Installation time varies; air source heat pumps typically take 1 to 3 days, while ground source heat pumps may take 3 to 5 days or more due to extensive groundwork.
Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than gas boilers, using renewable energy, but they produce lower, steady temperatures. They require good insulation and may not meet high-demand heating needs in colder climates without modifications.
Generally, you do not need a boiler if you have a heat pump, as it can provide both heating and hot water. However, some homeowners may opt for a hybrid system for extra support in very cold climates.
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