How each one works
A gas boiler burns gas to heat water quickly to a relatively high temperature. An air source heat pump uses electricity to move heat from the outside air into your heating water, producing more heat energy than the electricity it uses. Heat pumps work best producing lower-temperature water over longer periods.
What changes with a heat pump
Switching from a boiler to a heat pump often involves:
- An outdoor unit, which needs a suitable position
- A hot water cylinder, as heat pumps don't heat water instantly
- Some larger radiators, so rooms stay warm at lower water temperatures
- Good insulation, which helps any system but matters more for heat pumps
- Different controls and a different way of using the heating
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Choosing between them
Running costs depend on gas and electricity prices, how well your home is insulated and how well the system is designed. Government grants for heat pumps have been available in parts of the UK; check current schemes on official government websites. Ask any installer for a heat-loss calculation and an estimate of running costs for your home specifically.
