Heat Pump vs Boiler: Which Is Better for UK Homes?
A boiler is cheaper to fit and burns gas or oil to make heat. A heat pump costs more upfront but runs on electricity at 3 to 4 times the efficiency, lasts longer and earns the £7,500 grant. Against oil and LPG the heat pump wins clearly. Against cheap mains gas it is closer, and a hybrid can bridge the two.
Quick Answer
A heat pump beats a boiler on running cost against oil, LPG and electric heating, lasts longer (15 to 20 years vs 10 to 15), and earns a £7,500 grant. A gas boiler is cheaper to fit and runs at a similar cost to a heat pump on cheap mains gas. Hybrids combine both for older or larger homes.
Comparison as of early 2026, based on UK costs.
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Heat pump vs gas boiler at a glance
| Heat Pump | Gas Boiler | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | £8,000–£14,000 (£500–£6,500 after grant) | £2,000–£4,500 |
| Running cost (3-bed) | £700–£1,100 | £1,000–£1,500 |
| Efficiency | 300–400% (SCOP 3–4) | 90–94% |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years | 10–15 years |
| Grant | £7,500 BUS | None |
| Carbon | Low, falls as grid greens | High (burns fossil fuel) |
| Flow temperature | 35–55°C (rads may need upsizing) | 60–70°C |
The running-cost gap widens against oil and LPG. See are heat pumps worth it for the verdict by current heating type.
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A boiler's running cost tracks the price of the fuel it burns. A heat pump's tracks electricity, but it makes 3 to 4 units of heat per unit of power, so it lands well below oil, LPG and electric heating and close to mains gas. A heat pump tariff tips the gas comparison its way.
| System | Annual Cost (avg 3-bed) |
|---|---|
| Oil boiler | £1,500–£2,200 |
| LPG boiler | £1,800–£2,600 |
| Electric boiler | £2,000–£2,800 |
| Gas boiler | £1,000–£1,500 |
| Heat pump | £700–£1,100 |
| Heat pump on a heat pump tariff | £500–£900 |
What about a hybrid heat pump?
A hybrid pairs a heat pump with a gas or oil boiler. The heat pump does the day-to-day heating, and the boiler kicks in only on the coldest days or for a fast hot-water boost. It suits older or larger homes that are hard to heat at low flow temperatures, and cuts the risk of a disappointing retrofit. Hybrids cost £10,000 to £15,000 before the grant and still qualify for the £7,500 BUS grant.
Heat pump vs electric boiler
An electric boiler is cheap to fit but expensive to run, because it converts electricity to heat one-for-one. A heat pump uses the same electricity to make 3 to 4 times the heat, so it costs roughly a third as much to run. For any home weighing up an electric boiler, a heat pump is almost always the cheaper long-term choice, and the grant closes much of the upfront gap.
Heat Pump vs Boiler FAQ
Is a heat pump better than a gas boiler?
It depends what you value. A heat pump runs more efficiently, lasts longer, cuts carbon and earns a £7,500 grant, but costs more to fit. Against oil and LPG it wins clearly on running cost. Against cheap mains gas the running costs are similar, so the heat pump's edge is grant, lifespan and carbon.
Is a heat pump cheaper to run than a boiler?
Cheaper than an oil, LPG or electric boiler, yes, often by a wide margin. Against a mains gas boiler the costs are similar, because electricity costs more per unit than gas, though a specialist heat pump tariff can make the heat pump cheaper.
Heat pump or combi boiler, which should I get?
If you are on oil, LPG or electric heating, a heat pump is usually the better long-term choice on running cost and grant. If you have a working mains gas combi and a poorly insulated home, insulate first and consider a hybrid, as the pure bill saving against gas is small.
What is a hybrid heat pump?
A hybrid pairs a heat pump with a gas or oil boiler. The heat pump handles everyday heating and the boiler covers the coldest days. It suits older or larger homes that are hard to heat at low flow temperatures, costs £10,000 to £15,000 before the grant, and still qualifies for the £7,500 BUS grant.
Is a heat pump better than an electric boiler?
Almost always, on running cost. An electric boiler converts electricity to heat one-for-one, while a heat pump makes 3 to 4 times the heat from the same electricity, so it costs around a third as much to run. The £7,500 grant also closes much of the upfront gap.
Do heat pumps last longer than boilers?
Yes. A heat pump typically lasts 15 to 20 years against 10 to 15 for a boiler, with the ground loops on a ground source system lasting far longer. Heat pumps also have fewer moving parts, so maintenance is light.
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Related Guides
Are Heat Pumps Worth It?
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Heat Pump Cost
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Air Source Heat Pumps
Cost, best brands, running costs, and pros and cons for UK homes.
Heat Pump Radiators
Do your radiators work with a heat pump, which need upsizing, and cost.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
- Energy Saving Trust: Air Source Heat Pumps
- MCS: Certified Products & Installers
Last updated: June 2026
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He researches every battery and inverter brand against manufacturer datasheets, MCS and Ofgem data, and feedback from the MCS-certified installers in our directory before publishing.
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