Air Source Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler — Which Is Right for You? | Halo Heating

The Big Switch: Heat Pump or Gas Boiler?

With the UK government's net-zero targets and the phase-out of new gas boiler installations from 2035, many homeowners are starting to think about alternatives. Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are increasingly popular — but are they right for your home?

How Do They Work?

Gas Boiler: Burns gas to generate heat, which is then distributed through radiators and hot water cylinders. Efficiency is measured as a percentage — a modern condensing boiler operates at around 90% efficiency.

Air Source Heat Pump: Extracts heat from the outside air (even in sub-zero temperatures) and uses a refrigerant cycle to amplify and deliver that heat to your home. Efficiency is measured as a Coefficient of Performance (COP) — typically 2.5–4, meaning you get 2.5–4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity.

Cost Comparison

| Factor | Gas Boiler | Air Source Heat Pump |

|--------|-----------|---------------------|

| Installation cost | £2,000–£3,500 | £8,000–£15,000 |

| BUS Grant | Not eligible | £7,500 grant available |

| Running cost (typical 3-bed) | ~£1,200/year | ~£900–£1,200/year* |

| Lifespan | 10–15 years | 15–25 years |

Running costs depend heavily on electricity tariffs and system optimisation.

Which Is Better for My Home?

A heat pump is likely a good fit if:

Your home is well-insulated (or you're planning insulation upgrades)

You have (or are willing to install) underfloor heating

Your radiators can be upgraded to larger, low-temperature ones

You have outdoor space for the unit

You're in a rural area without mains gas

A gas boiler is still a practical choice if:

You're connected to the mains gas network

Your home has poor insulation that would be expensive to improve

You're a landlord or selling in the near future

Your budget doesn't stretch to a heat pump installation

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers a £7,500 grant towards the cost of an air source heat pump. This significantly reduces the upfront cost. As MCS certified installers, Halo Heating can apply for the grant on your behalf.

Our Honest Advice

A heat pump isn't right for every home — and we'll always tell you that honestly. Our MCS certified engineers will carry out a full heat loss survey and tell you whether a heat pump will work effectively in your property before you commit. Call 01483 676108 for a free consultation.

Air Source Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler — Which Is Right for You?