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Boiler vs Heat Pump Calculator

Compare running costs of a traditional gas boiler versus a heat pump. See the long-term financial impact.

Boiler vs Heat Pump Calculator

Affects heat pump efficiency (COP)

Your current annual bill

Annual Saving

£1078.13

with heat pump

Carbon Reduction

8873

kg CO2 per year

Payback Year

3

approximate

Gas Boiler

Installation Cost

£2500.00

Annual Costs

Heating fuel£1500.00
Maintenance & servicing£150.00
Total annual£1650.00

Key Specs

  • Efficiency: 90%
  • Lifespan: 15 years
  • Emissions: 9000 kg CO2/year
  • Maintenance: Annual service required

Air Source Heat Pump

Installation Cost

£13000.00

Less BUS grant:7,500

£5500.00 net

Annual Costs

Electricity (heating)£421.88
Maintenance & servicing£100.00
Total annual£521.88

Key Specs

  • COP (efficiency): 3.2
  • Lifespan: 25 years
  • Emissions: 127 kg CO2/year
  • Maintenance: Minimal (annual check-up)

10-Year Total Cost Comparison

Year 0
Gas: £2500.00HP: £5500.00
Year 1
Gas: £4150.00HP: £6021.88
Year 2
Gas: £5800.00HP: £6543.75
Year 3
Gas: £7450.00HP: £7065.63
Year 4
Gas: £9100.00HP: £7587.50
Year 5
Gas: £10750.00HP: £8109.38
Year 6
Gas: £12400.00HP: £8631.25
Year 7
Gas: £14050.00HP: £9153.13
Year 8
Gas: £15700.00HP: £9675.00
Year 9
Gas: £17350.00HP: £10196.88
Year 10
Gas: £19000.00HP: £10718.75
Gas Boiler
Heat Pump

Heat pump saves £8281 over 10 years

Gas Boiler Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Proven, familiar technology
  • No disruption to install
  • Works with existing radiators
  • Fast heat-up, instant hot water

Cons

  • Rising gas prices (5-15% per year)
  • High carbon emissions
  • Needs annual maintenance
  • Boiler replacement needed every 15 years
  • Vulnerable to future fuel taxes/bans

Heat Pump Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lower running costs (30-50% cheaper)
  • Minimal maintenance required
  • 25-year lifespan (longer than boiler)
  • Low carbon emissions (grid-dependent)
  • Works with solar for zero-cost heat
  • Future-proofs against fuel bans
  • Eligibility for BUS grant (£7,500)

Cons

  • Higher upfront cost (£10-13k)
  • Needs outdoor unit space
  • Slightly lower comfort in very cold weather
  • Requires quality insulation for best results
  • Slightly longer heat-up time

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Gas Boiler if:

  • You need the lowest upfront cost
  • You plan to move in 5-7 years
  • Your property is poorly insulated
  • Space is very limited for outdoor unit

Choose Heat Pump if:

  • You plan to stay 10+ years
  • Your property is well insulated (or you'll improve it)
  • You want lower running costs and carbon emissions
  • You have space for outdoor unit
  • You're eligible for BUS grant
  • You already have or plan solar panels

💡 Best Approach

  1. Improve insulation first: Better insulation increases heat pump efficiency and reduces costs
  2. Check BUS grant eligibility: You may qualify for £7,500 towards heat pump
  3. Get multiple quotes: Prices vary significantly between installers
  4. Consider timing: Older boilers (10+ years) are good replacement candidates
  5. Combine with solar: Heat pump plus solar panels = near-zero heating costs
  6. Plan for the long term: Gas will likely be phased out by 2035

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