Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler — which actually makes sense for your home?
If you’re replacing or upgrading your heating, you’ve probably heard very different opinions about heat pumps and gas boilers.
This page compares them side by side, focusing on costs, disruption, savings, and suitability — not sales claims.
No quotes. No signup. Just the trade-offs.
The short answer
A heat pump is usually better if:
your home is already well insulated
you plan to stay in the property long-term
you’re comfortable with higher upfront cost
A gas boiler is usually better if:
upfront cost matters most
insulation upgrades aren’t planned
you want the simplest replacement
Many households fall somewhere in between — which is why the details matter.
Heat pump vs gas boiler — side by side
| Category | Heat Pump | Gas Boiler |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | High (£7,000–£14,000+) | Lower (£2,000–£3,500) |
| Running cost | Low–medium | Medium–high |
| Typical savings | Depends heavily on insulation | Limited |
| Installation time | Several days | 1–2 days |
| Disruption | Moderate | Low |
| Noise | Low hum (external unit) | Very low |
| Space needed | Outdoor + indoor space | Indoor only |
| Works best when | Home is well insulated | Insulation is limited |
| Long-term outlook | Improving | Declining |
| Carbon impact | Low | Higher |
Costs and savings are shown as ranges because homes and usage vary.
Costs, savings, and payback (realistic ranges)
Heat pumps cost more upfront, but can reduce running costs over time — if the home is suitable.
Savings depend on:
insulation quality
radiator size
electricity and gas prices
how the system is used
Because of this, payback is best understood as a range, not a guarantee.
Gas boilers are cheaper to install and familiar to most households, but running costs are more exposed to fuel price changes over time.
What installation is actually like
Heat pumps
Installation usually takes several days
An outdoor unit is required
Some homes need larger radiators
Space and planning matter
Gas boilers
Often replaced within 1–2 days
Minimal changes to the home
Familiar controls and maintenance
Disruption, not technology, is often the deciding factor.
Why many households decide not to switch (yet)
It’s common to pause or delay because:
the upfront cost feels too high
savings aren’t certain enough
insulation upgrades come first
the disruption feels daunting
Waiting can be a reasonable decision.
So which is “better”?
There isn’t a single right answer.
Heat pumps make sense when the home is ready for them
Gas boilers make sense when cost or disruption is the priority
Understanding that trade-off is more useful than chasing the “best” option.