Heat pumps and gas boilers both heat your home, but how they do it — and how they feel to live with — is quite different.

How they heat your home

Gas boiler: heats water quickly to a high temperature, then switches on and off.

Heat pump: runs steadily at lower temperatures, keeping the house consistently warm.

Comfort and how it feels

This is one of the biggest differences people notice.

With a boiler, the house heats up quickly, then cools, then heats again.

With a heat pump, the temperature stays much more stable.

It’s less “hot and cold” and more constant warmth.

Running costs

Heat pumps can be cheaper to run — but only if they’re designed properly.

• lower flow temperatures = better efficiency
• correct sizing = better performance
• good setup = consistent running

Gas boilers are simpler but rely on gas prices.

Upfront cost

• Boiler: cheaper upfront
• Heat pump: higher cost but £7,500 grant available

Once the grant is applied, the difference is much smaller than most people expect.

Installation differences

A boiler is usually a straightforward replacement.

A heat pump install is more involved and may include:

• radiator upgrades
• pipework changes
• hot water cylinder

Do heat pumps work in older homes?

Yes — but they need to be designed properly.

Older homes can work well with heat pumps, but may need upgrades to get the best results.

Reliability

Both systems are reliable when installed properly.

Heat pumps tend to run more steadily, while boilers can require more repairs as they age.

So which is better?

There isn’t one answer.

• Boiler = simpler, cheaper upfront
• Heat pump = more efficient long term

Final thoughts

Both systems can work really well when installed properly.

The biggest factor isn’t the product — it’s the design and setup.