Heat Pump vs New Boiler: Which Should You Choose?
Your boiler has failed and you need to decide fast. A new gas boiler costs £2,500-£4,000 and lasts 12-15 years. A heat pump costs £4,000-£8,500 after the £7,500 BUS grant and lasts 20-25 years. Running costs are comparable now and trending in the heat pump's favour. Here is how to decide.
This guide is for the moment of decision — your boiler has failed or is about to. For deeper analysis, see our complete comparison pillar guide.
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Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | New Gas Boiler | Heat Pump (After Grant) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | £2,500-£4,000 | £4,000-£8,500 |
| Grant available | None | £7,500 BUS |
| Annual running cost | £880-£990 | £600-£980 |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 20-25 years |
| 25-year total | £27,000-£35,000 | £19,000-£30,000 |
| Carbon emissions | ~2,500 kg/year | ~800 kg/year |
| Future-proof (2035) | No | Yes |
| Installation time | 1 day | 3-5 days |
25-year total includes two gas boilers vs one heat pump. Running costs at 2026 prices with 3% inflation.
Decision Framework
Choose a heat pump if:
- Your boiler is failing or over 10 years old
- You have space for the outdoor unit and hot water cylinder
- You want to future-proof against the 2035 gas phase-out
- You value lower carbon emissions
- You plan to stay in the property long-term
Choose a new boiler if:
- You genuinely cannot accommodate the outdoor unit or cylinder
- Your budget is extremely tight even with the grant
- You are selling the property imminently
For most UK homes, the heat pump is the stronger long-term choice. Use our suitability checker to confirm your property works. Pairing with solar panels strengthens the case further.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a heat pump or a new boiler?
If your boiler has failed or is ageing, a heat pump deserves serious consideration. After the £7,500 BUS grant, the cost gap is modest and the heat pump lasts nearly twice as long.
Is a heat pump more expensive than a new boiler?
After the grant, £1,000-£4,500 more upfront. But over the system's lifetime (one heat pump vs two boilers), the heat pump typically costs less overall.
Which has lower running costs?
Roughly equal at standard rates. With a heat pump tariff or solar panels, the heat pump is clearly cheaper.
About this guide: This article is part of our comparison and decision hub. The boiler replacement moment is the best time to switch to a heat pump. The BUS grant makes it affordable. Solar panels make it even more compelling.