British Gas has issued advice for households weighing up whether to swap a gas boiler for a heat pump. In a new video shared on Facebook, the company said it understands many people feel overwhelmed when choosing a new heating system and acknowledged it is a 'big decision'.
How heat pumps differ from boilers
Keen to help, a team member explained the differences to consider. He told viewers: "A gas boiler burns gas to create heat, which warms up water and sends it around your home."
"A heat pump works differently. It runs on electricity, takes heat from the air outside and boosts it and brings it into your home. Because of that, a heat pumps are lower carbon, more efficient, and designed to last longer than a typical boiler."
Cost and installation considerations
"They're also built to run steadily in the background, keeping your home a comfortable, consistent temperature. But there are a few key differences. Boilers are usually cheaper up front, quicker to install, and heat your home up faster."
Heat pumps cost more to install, but they're lower carbon, more efficient, and can last 20 years or more. If you've got a heat button, you can also take advantage of tariffs, like the British Gas heat power tariff.
What to expect during installation
Customers can visit the British Gas website for more information. It explains that installation typically takes longer than a standard boiler upgrade. "Every home is different – and so is each installation project."
"Most of our heat pump installations take five days, but this will depend on your property. Some customers just need a little bit of work to make the change from boiler to heat pump, but others need things like bigger radiators, new pipework, or better insulation."
However, the good news is that British Gas says the level of disruption isn't the same as with typical building projects and planning permission is not usually required. "Unless you live in a listed building or in a conservation area, you won’t need planning permission for a heat pump. They’re classified as a permitted development," the experts said.
Free survey and alternatives
Customers interested in a heat pump can book a free home survey to receive a fixed-price quote. British Gas added: "We’ll take a couple of hours to look at your home and your current heating system, then recommend the perfect heat pump set-up for you."
"And if we don’t think a heat pump is the right heating solution – because your home isn’t well insulated enough, for example – we’ll talk you through the alternatives we can offer, like the latest energy-efficient boilers."
