Bind – Gas Safe Registered Engineers, Somerset & Wiltshire

Boiler Installation | Boiler Servicing & Repair | Central Heating Installation | Smart Thermostats

 

The raging debate between heat pumps vs gas boilers has gained further momentum as the UK government is updating building regulations to make it more difficult to install gas boilers in newly built homes.

By the middle of the decade, new homes will have to emit 75% less carbon as part of the Future Homes Standard, which supports a gas boiler ban in new homes from 2051. This has led to a growing interest in eco-friendly heating systems such as heat pumps, which are electric-powered and more environmentally friendly than gas boilers – but not everyone is convinced about the tech (or the price) just yet.

Our expert guide simplifies the distinctions between these two technologies and the differences in how these systems operate, as well as their efficiency, eco-friendliness, and the cost of installation and operation.

Heat Pumps Vs Gas Boilers

The heat pump vs gas boiler discussion focuses on two technologies delivering the same result: hot water and central heating. However, their methods differ significantly.

The government promotes air-source and ground-source heat pumps as successors to gas boilers in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Now is the time to evaluate your options, comparing these systems in terms of operation, efficiency, eco-friendliness, installation costs, and running expenses.

Key Differences: Heat Pumps vs Gas Boilers

• Boilers produce rapid, high-temperature heat and hot water, ideal for normal radiatorsand homes with or without water tanks.
• Heat pumps generate heat more slowly, needing larger surface areas and bigger radiators or underfloor heating as well as a hot water storage tank.

Both provide the same result for homeowners, but the design setup varies hugely, requiring precise calculations, sizing and control adjustments for heat pumps.

Suitability for Different Properties

• Heat pumps are best for newer, more well-insulated buildings with a gradual temperature build-up.
• Gas boilers suit older, less efficient buildings, offering rapid heat and compatibility with underfloor heating.

While ground-source heat pumps are better for larger properties, air-source or ground-source heat pumps are suitable for homes under 300m2.

Efficiency Comparison: Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler

• Gas boilers achieve around 90% energy absorption due to a highly efficient heat exchanger.
• Heat pumps use electricity but purport to deliver 300% to 500% more heat than consumed, measured by the Coefficient of Performance (CoP) but this is very much dependent on a myriad of factors.

Cost Considerations

• Air source heat pump installation costs £8,000 to £16,000 for new builds and up to £20,000 for existing properties, covering radiator upgrades and pipework replacement.However, current government grants can knock off around £7,500.
• Ground source heat pump installation ranges from £14,000 to £25,000, potentially more with a large borehole collector.
• Combi gas boiler replacement costs £2,000 to £3,000, including installation.

Running Costs: Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler

Considering electricity and gas unit costs, a heat pump’s CoP should be between 3 and 5 for financial parity. As energy costs rise, the transition from gas to a heat pump may become more economically viable when also paired with things like solar.

Space Requirements

• Air source heat pumps need outside space for a unit (1200mm x 1000mm x 600mm) and indoor space for a hot water cylinder, a control box, and possibly a buffer tank.
• Ground source heat pumps require ground space for pipework and the ‘engine’ inside, varying in size based on capacity.

Comparatively, new combi boilers are smaller and can fit in kitchens or hidden within units.

Incentives

Currently, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) supports heat pump installations, providing homeowners with financial benefits for seven years. The RHI ended on March 31, 2022, and was replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering a one-off grant of £7,500 for your chosen low-carbon system.

There are no such incentive schemes for gas boilers.

Future of Gas Boilers

Gas boilers may face phasing out by 2035, depending on government decisions about hydrogen strategies by 2026. If hydrogen and low/zero carbon gas integration occur, boilers might not be an issue, with the focus on fuel rather than appliances.

There’s Still Time to Install a New Boiler!

At Bind, we understand the importance of a warm and comfortable home. As Gas Safe Engineers in Somerset and Wiltshire, we specialise in new gas boiler installations, servicing, repairs, central heating setups, and smart thermostat installations.

If you’re considering upgrading your heating system, contact us today for a free consultationor a new boiler quote.