Gas vs Oil vs Air Source Heat Pump: Which Heating System Is Right for Your Home?
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Choosing the right heating system for your home is a big decision. With energy costs rising and environmental concerns at the forefront, homeowners are increasingly considering alternatives to a traditional oil boiler or gas boiler. At Metro Plumb, we understand the importance of balancing efficiency, running costs, and environmental impact.
In this guide, we’ll compare the three most common heating systems in the UK — the gas boiler, the oil boiler, and the air source heat pump. Whether you’re looking for lower running costs, reduced carbon emissions, or a more sustainable way to heat your home, understanding the benefits of each option will help you make the right choice.
Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler: Understanding the DifferencesWhen weighing heat pumps vs gas boilers, it’s essential to understand the main differences to choose the system that fits your home and lifestyle.
Air source heat pumps are highly efficient, converting renewable energy from the air into heat. While a modern gas boiler typically operates at around 90% efficiency, ASHPs can achieve 300–500% efficiency. In practical terms, this means a heat pump produces far more heat for the same energy input, significantly reducing your energy consumption.
Although the initial installation cost of a heat pump is higher than a gas boiler, the long-term savings can be substantial.
Over time, these savings accumulate, making a heat pump a financially savvy choice for homeowners planning for the long term.
Heat pumps also have a major advantage when it comes to sustainability. A gas boiler emits roughly 3.6 tonnes of CO₂ per year, whereas an ASHP emits only 1.5–1.7 tonnes. That’s a reduction of up to 80%, making heat pumps an excellent choice for eco-conscious households.
Heat pumps work best in well-insulated properties and are particularly effective in homes with underfloor heating or larger radiators. Factors such as your property’s size, insulation quality, and existing heating infrastructure should all be considered when deciding between a gas boiler and a heat pump.
Not sure which heating system is right for you? Metro Plumb’s experts can guide you every step of the way, from initial consultation to installation and ongoing maintenance. Call us on 0808 250 9949.
For homes relying on oil boilers, switching to an air source heat pump can deliver significant savings and environmental benefits.
Oil boilers generally operate at around 85% efficiency, lower than both gas boilers and ASHPs. Annual running costs for an oil boiler range from £2,000 to £2,400, compared with £950–£1,350 for an ASHP. This means switching from oil to a heat pump could save you up to £1,350 per year, making it a major financial upgrade.
Oil boilers emit approximately 4.4 tonnes of CO₂ per year. By switching to an air source heat pump, homeowners can cut emissions by around 2.9 tonnes annually. For households looking to reduce their carbon footprint and support a greener future, this is a compelling reason to switch.
Here’s a quick comparison of the three heating systems based on efficiency, costs, and environmental impact:
| Heating System | Efficiency | Average Annual Running Cost* | CO₂ Emissions | Savings vs ASHP | CO₂ Reduction vs ASHP |
| Gas Boiler | ~90% | £1,236 | ~3.6 tonnes | £187 | ~1.9t |
| Oil Boiler | ~85% | £2,000–£2,400 | ~4.4 tonnes | £950–£1,350 | ~2.9t |
| Air Source Heat Pump | 300–500% | £1,049 | 1.5–1.7 tonnes | — | — |
*Based on average UK household demand of ~12,000 kWh/year.
Additional Benefits of Air Source Heat PumpsBeyond cost savings and CO₂ reduction, air source heat pumps offer several additional advantages:
Unlike gas and oil boilers, ASHPs have fewer moving parts and generally require less maintenance. Annual servicing is simple and helps maintain efficiency.
ASHPs use energy from the air, a renewable and sustainable source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This not only benefits the environment but also protects homeowners from rising gas and oil prices.
A well-maintained heat pump can last 15–20 years, providing long-term value and consistent heating performance.
Installing a heat pump differs from a conventional boiler, so it’s important to plan carefully:
Metro Plumb offers professional air source heat pump installation, ensuring your system is installed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulations. Call us on 0808 250 9949.
The UK government encourages homeowners to switch to eco-friendly heating solutions through schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This can provide financial assistance for heat pump installation, reducing upfront costs and making the switch more affordable. Take advantage of the air source heat pump grant (Boiler Upgrade Scheme).
Consider a typical UK household with an average annual demand of ~12,000 kWh:
For a household switching from an oil boiler, annual savings can be £950–£1,350, with a CO₂ reduction of nearly 3 tonnes. These numbers demonstrate how a heat pump can positively impact both your wallet and the planet.
Whether you’re comparing heat pumps vs gas boilers or upgrading from an oil system, Metro Plumb provides expert advice, installation, and maintenance services. We’ll help you choose a heating solution that lowers your bills, reduces your carbon footprint, and keeps your home warm all year round.
Ready to upgrade your home heating system? Contact Metro Plumb today for a free consultation and discover the perfect solution for your property.