6 advantages of heat pumps compared with boilers
When replacing a home heating system, many homeowners find themselves comparing a new boiler with an air source heat pump.
Boilers remain common across the UK, but heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular alternative. They can provide efficient, low-carbon heating without burning gas or oil inside the property.
The main advantages of heat pumps include greater energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, consistent indoor temperatures and access to government funding. However, their performance depends on the property, the system design and the quality of the installation.
Here are six advantages of heat pumps to consider before deciding whether one is suitable for your home.
1. Greater energy efficiency
One of the most important advantages of heat pumps is their high energy efficiency.
A boiler generates heat by burning gas, oil or LPG. A heat pump works differently. It collects heat that is already present in the outside air, ground or water and transfers it into the home.
Because a heat pump moves existing heat rather than producing all its heat from fuel, it can provide around three units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses. Actual performance varies according to the model, outside temperature, heating system and property.
Modern condensing boilers can also be efficient, but some energy is always lost during combustion and through the flue. A correctly designed heat pump can therefore deliver considerably more usable heat for each unit of energy it consumes.
Good system design is essential. The installer should complete a room-by-room heat-loss calculation, assess the existing radiators and select a heat pump that matches the requirements of the property.
Oversized or poorly configured equipment can reduce efficiency, increase running costs and make the home less comfortable.
2. Lower carbon emissions
Another major advantage of heat pumps is that they can reduce the carbon emissions associated with heating a home.
Gas and oil boilers release carbon dioxide whenever they burn fuel. Heat pumps do not use combustion to create heat at the property. Instead, they use electricity to collect and transfer heat from the surrounding environment.
Electricity generation can still produce emissions, but the UK electricity supply includes an increasing proportion of renewable and low-carbon energy. Combined with the high efficiency of a heat pump, this generally results in lower carbon emissions than heating a home with gas, oil or LPG.
The environmental benefit may be increased by combining a heat pump with other renewable technologies, such as solar panels and battery storage.
Solar panels are unlikely to provide all the electricity required by a heat pump during winter, when heating demand is highest. However, they can contribute towards household electricity use throughout the year.
For homeowners who want to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, a heat pump can provide a practical long-term heating solution.
3. Consistent and comfortable heating
Heat pumps usually provide heat differently from conventional boilers.
A boiler often sends high-temperature water through the radiators for relatively short periods. A heat pump generally operates more efficiently by supplying lower-temperature water for longer periods.
This can help maintain a steadier indoor temperature, with fewer noticeable changes between hot and cold periods. Rather than allowing the property to cool significantly and then reheating it quickly, the heat pump maintains a more consistent level of warmth.
Heat pumps can work particularly well with underfloor heating because underfloor systems are designed to operate at lower temperatures. They can also work effectively with radiators, although some properties may need larger radiators to deliver enough heat at a lower flow temperature.
Some heat pumps can provide cooling as well as heating, but this should not be assumed to be a standard feature.
Air-to-air heat pumps commonly offer both heating and cooling. Some reversible air-to-water systems can also provide cooling, but they require compatible indoor equipment and must be designed for that purpose. Standard radiators are not normally suitable for effective cooling.
Homeowners interested in cooling should discuss this requirement with the installer during the initial design stage.
4. Potential savings on heating costs
Heat pumps are highly efficient, but this does not mean that every installation will automatically produce lower energy bills.
Electricity usually costs more per unit than mains gas. As a result, replacing a modern and efficient gas boiler with a heat pump may lead to similar running costs rather than an immediate saving.
The financial advantage can be greater when a heat pump replaces a more expensive or inefficient heating system, such as:
- Direct electric heating
- Old storage heaters
- Oil heating
- LPG heating
- An old or inefficient boiler
Running costs depend on how efficiently the heat pump operates throughout the year. This is influenced by the heat-loss characteristics of the home, the heating flow temperature, the electricity tariff and how the system is controlled.
Homeowners may be able to reduce costs by using weather compensation, avoiding large thermostat changes and allowing the system to maintain a steady temperature.
Specialist heat pump tariffs and time-of-use tariffs may also reduce electricity costs in suitable households. Solar panels and battery storage can provide further support, although the potential saving will vary from one property to another.
A reputable installer should provide a property-specific estimate rather than promise a fixed percentage reduction in energy bills.
5. Long service life and straightforward maintenance
A correctly installed and properly maintained heat pump can have a long operating life. Many systems can last for 20 years or more, although the exact lifespan will depend on the product, installation quality, usage and servicing.
Heat pumps do not burn gas or oil and do not require a conventional boiler flue. This removes some of the components associated with combustion-based heating.
However, heat pumps are not maintenance-free. They should be serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which will often mean arranging a professional inspection once a year.
A service may include checks of:
- System pressure
- Filters and strainers
- Electrical connections
- Heating controls
- Refrigerant components
- Outdoor airflow
- Hot-water settings
- Overall system performance
Homeowners should also keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, plants, bins and other objects that could restrict airflow.
Regular servicing helps the system operate efficiently and allows potential problems to be identified before they affect heating performance or energy use.
6. Government grants can reduce installation costs
The initial cost of installing a heat pump is normally higher than the cost of replacing a boiler. Government grants can reduce this difference considerably for eligible households.
In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides financial support towards eligible heat pump installations. The scheme is managed through participating installers, who apply for the grant on behalf of the property owner.
Scotland operates a separate funding system through Home Energy Scotland. Eligible homeowners may be able to receive grant funding and access an interest-free loan towards an approved heat pump installation.
The available amounts and eligibility requirements can change. Homeowners should therefore check the current scheme rules before making a financial decision or agreeing to an installation.
Using an MCS-certified installer may be required to access government funding. MCS certification also provides assurance that the installer and equipment meet recognised industry standards.
A professional installer should explain which funding scheme applies to the property and confirm eligibility before installation work begins.
Additional space and installation considerations
An air source heat pump has an outdoor unit rather than a boiler installed entirely inside the home. Removing an existing boiler may free some kitchen, utility-room or cupboard space.
However, not every part of a heat pump system is located outside.
Most standard air-to-water heat pumps require a hot-water cylinder because they do not provide instant hot water in the same way as a combi boiler. The property may also need indoor controls, hydraulic equipment, radiator upgrades or changes to the existing pipework.
The outdoor unit must be installed in a location with adequate airflow. The installer should also consider access, noise, neighbouring properties and relevant planning rules.
These requirements should be discussed during the property assessment so that the homeowner understands where each component will be installed.
Is a heat pump right for your home?
The advantages of heat pumps are significant, but they are not automatically the best choice for every property.
Some homes may require larger radiators, heating-control upgrades or space for a hot-water cylinder. Reducing unnecessary heat loss can also improve comfort and help the heat pump operate more efficiently.
A detailed property assessment is therefore essential. This should include a room-by-room heat-loss calculation, an inspection of the existing heating system and a discussion about the household’s heating and hot-water requirements.
Explore the advantages of heat pumps with SGS Energy
The advantages of heat pumps include high energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, consistent heating and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
The best results come from a system that has been designed around the individual property. Heat pump size, radiator requirements, controls and expected running costs should all be assessed before installation begins.
SGS Energy installs renewable heating systems for homeowners and businesses in Kent and Aberdeenshire. Our team can assess your property, explain the available options and identify any funding for which you may qualify.
Contact SGS Energy to arrange a heat pump suitability assessment and receive advice tailored to your home.
