Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly common alternative to traditional boilers in the UK. This guide covers heat pump running costs, what affects them, and how they typically compare with gas and oil heating.
How Heat Pump Running Costs Are Calculated
Unlike a boiler, a heat pump doesn’t burn fuel directly. Instead, it uses electricity to extract heat from the air or ground, so running costs depend on your electricity price and the system’s efficiency, measured by its Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP).
What Is SCOP, and Why Does It Matter?
SCOP indicates how much heat a system produces per unit of electricity used, averaged across a typical year. A higher SCOP means more efficient running costs, so it’s one of the most useful figures to compare when choosing between heat pump models.
Air Source vs. Ground Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are more common and generally cheaper to install, extracting heat from outside air. Ground source systems, which draw heat from underground pipework, typically cost more to install but often run slightly more efficiently, since ground temperatures stay more stable year-round.
Comparing Costs to Gas and Oil
Running costs vary depending on current energy prices and how well-insulated a home is. Heat pumps tend to perform best in well-insulated homes with appropriately sized radiators or underfloor heating. For homes still using oil central heating, a heat pump can offer a lower-carbon alternative, though the cost comparison depends heavily on individual circumstances.
UK Government Support for Heat Pumps
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants towards the cost of installing an air or ground source heat pump in England and Wales, which can significantly offset the upfront investment. Installers should be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for the property to qualify.
Factors That Affect Your Actual Running Costs
- How well-insulated your home is
- Whether radiators are correctly sized for lower-temperature heat pump operation
- Your electricity tariff, since some tariffs suit heat pump usage patterns better than others
- Local climate and how much heating your home typically needs
Is a Heat Pump Worth It for Your Home?
Heat pumps tend to offer the best value in well-insulated, larger homes with high heating demand, particularly those off the gas grid. For homes with poor insulation, upgrading insulation first, and reviewing cheaper interim options in our guide to heating a house for cheap, is often worthwhile before switching systems entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heat pumps cheaper to run than a gas boiler?
It depends on electricity and gas prices, insulation levels, and the specific heat pump’s efficiency, so costs can vary significantly between homes.
Do I need to replace my radiators for a heat pump?
Often, yes, or at least upsize some radiators, since heat pumps typically run at lower flow temperatures than a traditional boiler.
What grants are available for heat pumps in the UK?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently offers grants towards installation costs in England and Wales, subject to eligibility criteria and using an MCS-certified installer.
