Heat pumps offer an efficient and renewable solution to replace traditional gas and oil boilers in most homes. Proper preparation is essential, and the government is incentivizing homeowners with subsidies to encourage the adoption of this eco-friendly technology.
Given the impending ban on gas boilers, it’s prudent to explore the best alternative available, especially while the government provides discounts. This guide provides comprehensive information on the costs associated with various heat pump options, enabling you to determine the most suitable type for your home.
Heat pumps offer an efficient and renewable solution to replace traditional gas and oil boilers in most homes. Proper preparation is essential, and the government is incentivizing homeowners with subsidies to encourage the adoption of this eco-friendly technology.
Given the impending ban on gas boilers, it’s prudent to explore the best alternative available, especially while the government provides discounts. This guide provides comprehensive information on the costs associated with various heat pump options, enabling you to determine the most suitable type for your home.
How much does a heat pump cost?
| Property Size | Two Bedroom | Three Bedroom | Four Bedroom | Five Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air source heat pump size | 5kW | 10kW | 13kW | 16kW |
| Air source heat pump cost | £7,000 | £10,000 | £13,000 | £15,000 |
These costs are a general rough idea and don’t reflect exactly what you’ll pay. Heat pump installations are always priced on a case-by-case basis.
On average, an air source heat pump for a three-bedroom house is priced at £10,000.
Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can potentially reduce the cost of an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump by £7,500.
Considering that, over 20 years, an air source heat pump typically saves £4,340 more than a gas boiler, the financial advantage is now firmly in favor of air source heat pumps.
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Heat pump running costs
For a three-bedroom household, the annual operational expenses of an air source heat pump, on average, are approximately £1,048. However, these costs can vary considerably based on your location within the UK.
| Heating Method | Efficiency(%) | Annual energy use (kWh) | Cost (p/kWh) | Annual bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler | 95 | 11,500 | 6.89 | £792 |
| Heat Pump | 300 | 3,833 | 27.35 | £1,048 |
| Oil Boiler | 92 | 11,875 | 11.14 | £1,337 |
| Electric Boiler | 100 | 10,925 | 27.35 | £1,641 |
While the ground temperature remains consistent throughout the year, the efficiency of your air source heat pump is subject to fluctuations in air temperature.
Currently, the annual cost of operating a gas boiler in an average three-bedroom home is around £800, slightly less than a typical heat pump. However, this balance is expected to shift. With the UK’s shift away from fossil fuels, gas prices are likely to rise, while the cost of electricity is anticipated to decrease when the government eliminates green levies that artificially inflate its price.
Residents in the southern regions may already experience lower running costs for a heat pump compared to a gas boiler, owing to the generally warmer climate. Additionally, your operational expenses might decrease if your heat pump has an efficiency rating higher than 300% or if your insulation surpasses the average standard.
The 20-year cost of a gas boiler vs an air source heat pump
Are there any grants for heat pumps?
Take advantage of various government grants available in the UK for heat pumps.
Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, homeowners in England and Wales can benefit from a £7,500 reduction on the cost of air, ground, or water source heat pumps.
Low-income households and individuals receiving specific benefits in England, Scotland, and Wales may qualify for a heat pump through the ECO4 scheme.
In Scotland, eligible households can explore options through Warmer Homes Scotland and the Home Energy Scotland Loan, while some residents in Wales may access the government’s Nest scheme. Additionally, check our guide to air source heat pumps in Scotland for more details.
To discover further opportunities, inquire with your local authority about potential funding from the Home Upgrade Grant. If your home isn’t connected to the gas grid and your local authority has received funding, you might be eligible for a heat pump grant.
For comprehensive details, refer to the complete guide on heat pump grants.
Heat pump service costs
Ensuring regular heat pump maintenance checks are conducted can extend the lifespan of your machine, providing warmth and hot water for a minimum of 20 years.
It’s advisable to have a professional service your heat pump every one or two years, depending on the warranty terms and conditions. This service typically incurs a cost of around £150. To explore cost-saving options, inquire with your installer or the manufacturer about the possibility of including regular maintenance in your initial purchase.
Prior to installation, request your installer to document any routine maintenance checks you should perform. This checklist may involve simple tasks such as clearing leaves, dust, or snow from the heat pump’s fans and cleaning the filter.
By ensuring your heat pump functions efficiently, you can save money in the long run. If you’re able to manage these tasks independently, it comes at no additional cost.
In addition to regular maintenance checks, consider protecting your heat pump system by acquiring a cover for the outside unit. This cover serves as a shield against extreme weather conditions and sea spray, contributing to the overall longevity of your heat pump.
