Is Air Source Heating Cheaper Than Gas?

Air source heat pumps are gaining popularity as a renewable alternative to traditional gas heaters. The UK even has plans to install 600,000 of them every year by 2028.

Needless to say, cost is one of the most important factors when choosing a heating system. So, is air source heating cheaper than gas? Read on as we compare installation and running costs for each.

Air source heating vs gas – installation costs

The first comparison to make is the up-front cost for installation.

Gas heating installation cost

Installing a gas heating system usually costs between £1,500 and £3,000, depending on various factors like the system’s size and your home’s specific needs. Many contractors can install gas heating systems, but keep in mind that prices might vary based on your location and other factors. For example, a system boiler will typically cost more than a combi boiler.

Are air source heat pumps cheaper?

Unfortunately not, but stay with us. Setting up an air source heat pump can be more expensive, with costs between £8,000 and £15,000. However, you can slash that significantly with up to £5,000 from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Is air source heating cheaper than gas to run?

This is the real acid test for the cost-efficiency of a heating system. Even though air source heat pumps aren’t cheaper to install, you could save the cost back – and more – thanks to their lower running costs:

Gas heating running costs

Gas heating systems are notoriously expensive to run with energy prices at an all-time high. That’s not helped by them being roughly 80-90% efficient, meaning they lose a considerable amount of energy during the heating process.

If you have a medium-sized house with a typical energy output of 13,500 units annually, for example, your yearly gas heating bill will be roughly £1,554.

Are air source heat pumps cheaper?

Yes – air source heat pumps typically have much lower running costs due to their high efficiency.

It’s a common misconception that air source heat pumps are expensive to run because they use electricity, which costs more per unit than gas. However, air source heat pumps don’t simply convert that electrical energy into heat. They use electricity to power the heat pump, which then converts thermal energy renewably.

By doing this, they can achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) of about 3. This means they produce three units of heat for every unit of electricity used. Another way of looking at this is that they have 300% efficiency, compared to 80-90% for many gas boilers.

Your trusted local heat pump provider

If you think it’s time to upgrade your heating from gas, COA Services can help throughout Harrogate and Leeds. Our local, accredited team of heat pump installers can advise you on the best option for your needs then supply and install your energy-efficient system.

For more information or a no-obligation quote, contact us on 01423 408336 or email  [email protected].