British Gas has shared advice for customers considering switching from a boiler to a heat pump. In a social media video, the provider explained that homeowners should think carefully about the 'big decision' and highlighted several key factors to consider.
How heat pumps and boilers differ
The Facebook post said: "Choosing a new heating system? It’s a big decision, and it's totally normal to feel overwhelmed by the choices! Let’s break down whether a heat pump or a boiler is the perfect fit for your needs."
In the video, a team member asked: "Thinking about switching from a boiler to a heat pump, but not sure what the difference actually is. Here's the simple way to think about it. They both do the same job: heating your home and hot water, but work in very different ways."
He explained: "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."
Costs and efficiency compared
"They're also built to run steadily in the background, keeping your home a comfortable, consistent temperature. But there are a few key differences," the expert added.
"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. So it really comes down to what matters most for your home. Visit the British Gas website to arrange a quote."
How the technology works
The British Gas website says: "Air source heat pumps use the same kind of technology that keeps a fridge or freezer cool – but in reverse. The pump pulls in air from outside, then uses it to heat a special refrigerant liquid. As it warms up, the liquid turns into gas."
"The warmth is compressed to increase its temperature – and provide lots of lovely heat for your home. Once the gas has transferred its heat, it cools down, becomes liquid again. And returns to the start of the cycle. The whole process only uses electricity and has an energy efficiency of over 350% – compared to an A-rated gas boiler, which is about 90% efficient."
