Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler: Which Is Better for Your Home?
Gas boilers are cheaper upfront but heat pumps are cheaper to run long-term, last longer, and produce zero direct emissions. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.
At a glance
- Gas boiler (installed)
- £2,000–£4,000
- Heat pump (after grant)
- £500–£7,500
- Gas boiler lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Heat pump lifespan
- 20–25 years
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Upfront cost comparison
A new gas boiler costs £2,000–£4,000 installed. An air source heat pump costs £8,000–£15,000 before the £7,500 grant, so £500–£7,500 after the grant. The gap has narrowed significantly thanks to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme — in some cases, a heat pump after grant is comparable to a mid-range boiler installation.
Gas boiler
- •£2,000–£4,000 installed
- •No grant available
- •Will need replacing in 12–15 years
- •Gas boiler ban expected by 2035
Heat pump
- •£500–£7,500 after grant
- •£7,500 BUS grant applied at point of sale
- •Lasts 20–25 years
- •Future-proof against gas phase-out
Running cost comparison
At current UK energy prices, a heat pump in a well-insulated home costs roughly the same to run as a gas boiler — sometimes slightly less, sometimes slightly more. If you're on a time-of-use tariff (cheaper electricity at night), a heat pump can be noticeably cheaper. For homes replacing oil or LPG, heat pumps are almost always cheaper to run.
| System | Annual cost (3-bed semi) |
|---|---|
| Gas boiler | £700–£1,100 |
| Air source heat pump | £600–£900 |
| Oil boiler | £1,000–£1,800 |
| LPG boiler | £1,200–£2,000 |
| Direct electric | £1,500–£2,500 |
Lifespan and maintenance
A gas boiler typically lasts 12–15 years. A heat pump lasts 20–25 years. Heat pumps need an annual service (about £100–£150) but have fewer moving parts that can fail. Over a 20-year period, you'll likely replace a gas boiler once but a heat pump will still be going.
The future factor
The UK government plans to phase out new gas boiler installations by 2035. Gas prices are volatile and likely to rise with carbon taxes. Electricity prices are falling relative to gas as more renewables come online. Installing a heat pump now future-proofs your home — and the grant won't be available forever.
How we calculate estimates
Our estimates use published data from the Energy Saving Trust, Ofgem tariff caps, and MCS installer pricing. We model savings based on your home size, insulation level, and current heating system. All figures are indicative — your actual costs will depend on your installer's survey and quote.
See how a heat pump compares for your home
Get a personalised cost and savings comparison in 2 minutes.