You probably want to make this decision guided by data and facts, so this post should give you the latest information available and help make that decision a little bit easier.
So, should you replace your boiler with a heat pump”. The easy answer is: probably, yes. There’s a lot that goes into that though, and it depends on your situation.
The main question most people want to answer before they decide is “will it save me money”. Of course that’s the big draw with buying a heating system that magically* turns cold air outside into warm air inside.
[*OK, it’s not magic, but it’s pretty clever, and means you only need to put in a fraction of the energy a traditional heating system needs.]
At current energy prices, you won’t save a huge amount. But…
As the UK government works towards net zero there’s a good chance the balance of the cost of electricity and gas will change in favour of electricity.[1] That means that whilst comparing at today’s energy prices may not show a saving, you may see a significant saving in future, as the cost of gas increases, whilst electricity is kept low.
Each situation is different, and factors such as your insulation, the size of your radiators and how warm you like to keep your home all impact how much you might save. A rough estimate at today’s prices shows that whilst a heat pump uses about a quarter of the power to heat your home and water to an equivalent temperature compared to a fuel boiler, electricity is around four times as expensive as gas for the same amount of power, so the costs are about equivalent.
Installation costs have been falling rapidly though, and the government is currently offering large grants to people replacing fossil fuel burning boilers with heat pumps – £5000 for an air source heat pump installation and £6000 for a ground source heat pump installation.
Typically costs for the equipment and installation range from around £7,000-£13,000 (before the government grant is taken off).
That compares to about £2000-£4000 for a combi gas boiler depending on the size and specifics of the installation (a like-for-like replacement probably towards the lower end vs changing the boiler type or moving it to a new location).
So, with the government grant taking the overall cost down to £2000-£8000, depending on the size of heat pump you need, the type of installation etc, you could find a heat pump costs no more than a new combi boiler.
And as energy pricing policy changes over time, there’s a good chance you’ll see a saving on your bills compared to what you would have paid with a gas boiler.
How easy are heat pumps to install?
The most common type of heat pump is an air-to-water heat pump. These take the heat from the air outside, and using electricity to increase the temperature further, then transfers that heat to water. You then have hot water for your taps and your central heating system.
With an air-to-water system you’ll have a large unit outside (you’ve likely seen these around). It needs to be installed on flat ground in a place with good airflow. Inside your property you’ll have a heat exchanger, that’s about the size of a typical gas boiler, and a hot water cylinder (around 1.5m x 0.7m). You can get these together, in which case it’s around the size of a single-door fridge-freezer.
Installing a typical air-to-water heat pump in the UK usually takes around one to three days. The exact time can vary depending on factors like your property’s size, the complexity of the installation, and your existing heating system. A heating engineer or installer will assess the site, position the outdoor and indoor units, connect the heat pump to your current heating system, and test everything to make sure it works smoothly. It’s crucial to hire an experienced professional for the job to ensure an efficient setup.
Installation times for other types of heat pumps can vary quite a bit. Ground source heat pumps usually take longer because of the excavation needed for the ground loop installation. It can take weeks in some cases. On the other hand, air source heat pumps typically have shorter installation times since there’s no need for extensive ground work.
You might need new radiators too
Heat pumps operate at lower temperatures compared to traditional boilers, so your radiators may need to be replaced or modified for optimal performance. Heat pumps work most efficiently with larger surface area radiators or underfloor heating systems. Upgrading your radiators can help ensure that you get the most out of your heat pump and maximize energy efficiency in your home. It’s not absolutely necessary to change your radiators, especially if you already have large ones, but it can improve the efficiency of your system.
Will it keep my house and water warm?
Absolutely! A heat pump is designed to efficiently and effectively keep your house warm. It works by extracting heat from the outside air or ground and transferring it into your home.
Whilst they’ll need more electricity during the coldest months, heat pumps can provide consistent and comfortable heating. They are designed to operate efficiently in a wide range of temperatures, and many models have advanced features like defrost cycles to ensure optimal performance in colder climates. By distributing heat throughout your home, heat pumps can keep each room cozy and maintain a consistent temperature. A well-installed and properly sized heat pump can keep your house warm and snug all year round. In fact over 1 million heat pumps are installed in Nroway, a country with 2.5 million households and an average winter temperature well below zero.
The verdict
So, should you replace your boiler with a heat pump? Probably, yes. While the savings may not be significant at current energy prices, the changing energy landscape and government grants make it a compelling choice for the future. With installation costs falling and grants available, the overall cost can be comparable to a new combi boiler. Heat pumps are designed to keep your house warm efficiently, and their advanced features ensure performance even in colder climates. While installation may require some modifications to your radiators, it improves the system’s efficiency. With over a million heat pumps successfully installed in Norway, a country with harsh winters, you can trust in their ability to keep your home cozy. So, if you’re looking for long-term energy efficiency and comfort, a heat pump is a smart choice for your home.
But, the last thing to think about is when. With manufacturers innovating, companies like British gas and Octopus competing on price, and the potential for new incentive schemes in the future, you might be tempted to wait and see.
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