If you’re considering upgrading your heating system, you’ve probably come across air source heat pumps as an alternative to traditional gas boilers. With rising energy costs and the UK’s push towards net-zero carbon emissions, more homeowners and businesses in Glasgow and the West are wondering:
👉 Should I replace my gas boiler with a heat pump?
In this guide, we compare the costs, efficiency, and long-term benefits of gas boilers vs. heat pumps to help you decide which is best for your home or business.
1. Running Costs: Which is Cheaper to Operate?
One of the biggest factors when choosing a heating system is how much it will cost to run.
| Heating System | Efficiency | Cost per kWh | Potential Annual Running Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler | ~90% | ~10p per kWh | £900-£1,500 |
| Air Source Heat Pump | ~300-400% | ~30p per kWh | £700-£1,200 |
💡 Winner: Heat Pumps 🔥
Heat pumps are 3-4 times more efficient than gas boilers, meaning you get more heat for less energy. While electricity costs more per unit, heat pumps use far less energy overall—leading to potential savings on heating bills.
*based on 12,000kWh of heat per year (Feb 2024 Estimates)
2. Installation Costs & Government Grants
| Heating System | Average Installation Cost | Grants & Incentives |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler | £2,000 – £4,000 | No grants available |
| Heat Pump | £8,000 – £14,000 | £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) |
💡 Winner: Gas Boilers (Short-Term), Heat Pumps (Long-Term)
While gas boilers are cheaper to install, heat pumps qualify for £7,500 in government grants, making them much more affordable in the long run. Other grants will be available for businesses.
3. Carbon Footprint: Which is Greener?
With the UK phasing out gas boilers by 2035, carbon emissions are a huge factor to consider.
| Heating System | CO₂ Emissions per Year (Average Home) |
|---|---|
| Gas Boiler | ~3,200 kg CO₂ |
| Heat Pump | ~600 kg CO₂ |
💡 Winner: Heat Pumps 🌍
Heat pumps reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for homes and businesses.
4. Lifespan & Maintenance: Which Lasts Longer?
| Heating System | Lifespan | Maintenance Required |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler | 10-15 years | Annual servicing & repairs |
| Heat Pump | 20-25 years | Minimal maintenance |
💡 Winner: Heat Pumps 🛠️
Heat pumps have a much longer lifespan, requiring less frequent replacements than gas boilers.
5. Future-Proofing: Is Gas Being Phased Out?
- By 2035, gas boilers will no longer be sold as part of the net-zero plan.
- Energy prices are rising, making gas less economical in the long term.
💡 Winner: Heat Pumps 🏡
Investing in a heat pump now means your home or business is ahead of future regulations, avoiding expensive retrofits later.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose a Gas Boiler or a Heat Pump?
| Factor | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Gas Boiler |
| Running Costs | Heat Pump |
| Energy Efficiency | Heat Pump |
| Carbon Footprint | Heat Pump |
| Future-Proofing | Heat Pump |
| Lifespan & Maintenance | Heat Pump |
✅ If you want a short-term, cheaper solution, stick with a gas boiler (but expect rising costs & future regulations).
✅ If you want long-term savings, lower energy bills, and a greener home or business, a heat pump is the best investment.
Thinking About Switching to a Heat Pump?
At Green Goat Renewables, we specialise in air source heat pump installation for homes & businesses across Glasgow & Ayrshire.
📞 Get a FREE consultation today!
👉 Call us now: 0330 043 3605
👉 Contact Form: Get In Touch
👉 Visit our website: https://greengoat.co.uk
For Information on available grants see links below:
https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/home-energy-scotland-grant-loan
https://www.mygov.scot/energy-saving-funding/home-energy-scotland-grant-and-loan