Are Heat Pumps Worth It If You Have Gas?

Honest answer: mains gas is cheap, so the running cost savings are smaller than switching from oil or LPG. But the £7,500 BUS grant (£9,000 is only for off-gas homes replacing oil or LPG), the heat pump's 20-25 year lifespan versus a boiler's 12-15, and the approaching 2035 gas phase-out make the economics work — especially when your current boiler needs replacing anyway.

This is the toughest honest question in home heating. Gas is cheap — so the pure running cost case for switching is thin. But there are other factors that tip the balance. See our complete gas vs heat pump comparison and broader worth it assessment.

The Honest Numbers

At standard rates, running costs are effectively the same. The heat pump becomes clearly cheaper with a dedicated tariff. With solar panels, the heat pump runs on free electricity during daylight.

When It Makes Sense

• Your gas boiler is 10+ years old: You will need a new system soon anyway — £2,500-£4,000 for another boiler or £4,000-£8,500 for a heat pump that lasts twice as long
• You are adding solar panels: Free daytime electricity makes the heat pump significantly cheaper to run
• You care about carbon: 65-80% emission reduction. See environmental guide
• You want to future-proof: The 2035 gas phase-out means you will need to switch eventually

Why the Economics Are Improving

• Green levy rebalancing: Government is moving environmental levies from electricity to gas, making gas more expensive and electricity cheaper
• Heat pump tariffs: More suppliers offering cheaper off-peak rates for heat pump owners (check the supplier's current rates; last reviewed October 2026)
• Carbon taxes: Expected to increase gas costs over the next decade
• Technology costs: Heat pump prices are falling as the market scales

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I save money switching from gas to a heat pump?

At standard rates, a well-installed heat pump (seasonal efficiency around 3.2) costs slightly less to run than gas at standard price-cap rates — roughly £70 a year less for a typical home, plus the gas standing charge if you disconnect. With a heat pump tariff or solar panels, you save £200-400/year. The case improves as gas prices rise.

Is it worth switching while my gas boiler still works?

Not urgently. But if your boiler is over 10 years old, getting quotes means you are prepared for when it needs replacing.

What if gas stays cheap?

Gas prices are expected to rise with carbon taxes and green levy shifts. Even if prices stay flat, the heat pump's longer lifespan and grant funding mean it competes well over 25 years.