Boilers vs Heat Pumps

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump takes energy from outside and moves it into your home through the use of electricity. However, the quantity of heat delivered into your home is much greater than the quantity of electricity used to power the heat pump itself. 

Since the heat pump captures heat that is already present in the environment, the system itself does not burn any fuel, and so will not emit any carbon dioxide. 

Can a heat pump heat a whole house?

Yes, a heat pump can heat and cool a whole house. Depending on the type of heat pump you have installed, you can even accomplish precise temperature control throughout different rooms of the house. 

The main differences between heat pumps and boilers

If you’re only just hearing about heat pumps, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. However, they have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with many swapping out their boilers for new heat pumps.

There is a main fundamental difference between heat pumps and boilers, being that:

• Heat pumps operate by extracting heat from outside air and transferring it to inside your home.

• Traditional boilers, on the other hand, work by using natural gases, propane or heating oil to create heat which is then circulated through your home’s pipes. 

How do you know if your home is suitable for a heat pump?

Before you consider a heat pump, you should take some steps to get the best results. This is because the more efficient your home is, the more economical a heat pump will be. 

First, you should find out how well insulated your home is. This is because the correct insulation helps to retain heat and stop energy from escaping. A well insulated home will increase the efficiency of your heat pump, reduce its running costs and therefore, save you money. 

Some methods you can use to get your home ready for heat pumps include:

• Checking if you need loft and cavity wall insulation
• Draught-proofing windows and doors to stop heat from escaping 
• Sealing any gaps or cracks around windows, doors and sockets 
• Installing double glazing if you don’t already have it

Heat pumps vs boilers: Installation costs

The costs to install a heat pump is significantly higher than for a boiler installation. This is because boilers can be installed almost anywhere, whereas a heat pump will need to be installed on one of the outside walls of your home or be placed on the ground next to it.

The installation for heat pumps is also much more complex, which is another reason why it is more expensive than boiler installation. 

On average, installing a boiler can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £4,000, whereas installing a heat pump can cost from £7,000 to £49,000. 

Heat pumps vs boilers: Space needed

Traditional boilers don’t take up too much space; especially the likes of combi boilers which don’t require a hot water cylinder. This makes boilers more suited to smaller properties where space might be limited. 

Heat pumps however, require a large amount of space. This is because they require both outdoor and indoor space for the actual unit itself and a hot water cylinder. If you are considering installing a heat pump in your property, then you’ll need to ensure you have enough room available. 

Heat pumps vs boilers: Running costs

Heat pumps are usually cheaper to run than boilers because they are powered with electricity rather than gas. 

You can further reduce the running costs of heat pumps by installing solar panels on your property. This is because your heat pumps will largely be powered by solar energy throughout the day, helping to keep your running costs to a minimum.

Heat pumps vs boilers: Efficiency

When it comes to efficiency, modern boilers can boast an impressive efficiency rating of 99-100%. 

However, this is no match to the efficiency of heat pumps at 300-400%. While you won’t waste energy using an electric boiler, you will get 3 to 4 times the heat for every kW with a heat pump. 

Heat pumps vs boilers: Heat output

Generally speaking, heat pumps do generate a lower level of home heating compared to boilers. Heat pumps often provide an output of around 55°C, which is comparably low compared to modern combi boilers which are usually in the range of 70-85°C. 

These lower heat output may not be something families are looking for; however, you should remember that the heat output also needs to be weighed up against the overall running costs. 

Heat pumps vs boilers: Carbon footprint

When it comes to the environmental impact, heat pumps are the clear winners. Heat pumps run on electricity, which release fewer emissions than gas and could help you reduce your annual footprint by almost 45%. Heat pumps are around three times more energy efficient than gas boilers, meaning they use less energy while they operate. 

Boilers, on the other hand, are powered by fossil fuels, which are responsible for around 75% of the world’s global emissions. 

Heat pumps vs boilers: Maintenance and futureproofing

Heat pumps generally have less moving parts than a boiler, meaning they are safer and generally rely on less maintenance. However, it is worth noting that heat pumps will still require different maintenance checks. 

Air source heat pumps need to be serviced by a heat pump engineer every two to three years. As for day to day maintenance, you should regularly check for any debris in the outside unit to make sure everything is running smoothly. 

Ground source heat pumps also require little maintenance since most of their infrastructure is underground, making it less susceptible to weathering. 

Boilers, on the other hand, need to be serviced every year, which will cost between £50 and £100. On a day to day basis, you should ensure that your boiler is well ventilated, and you should also keep an eye out for any leaks or pressure issues.

Pros and cons of heat pumps vs boilers

There are a variety of different pros and cons to both boilers and heat pumps that you should be aware of before you make a decision on what’s right for you. 

Should I switch from a boiler to a heat pump?

Switching from a boiler to a heat pump could save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills thanks to the increased efficiency and lower running costs. They are also durable, require less maintenance and will help to reduce your carbon footprint. 

However, they are an expensive investment, which is why it is always important to seriously consider your decision before you dive into buying a heat pump. 

If you’re thinking about getting a heat pump installed in your home, contact our team at Lacey Plumbing & Heating to find out how we can help you. We will take the time to consider what sort of heating system is best for you and your home, and provide advice on how you can reduce your costs and improve efficiency.