In 2023, we’re all looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact. With gas prices increasing by 129.4% in the last year alone, there’s never been a better time to switch. One popular solution for eco-friendly heating is the heat pump.
Heat pumps are fast becoming the default for people wanting to make their homes greener, but there are a lot of questions to cover before making a decision. Keep reading to learn if you should replace your boiler with a heat pump.
What are heat pumps?
Heat pumps use electricity to heat air from outside and pump it into your home. They are an eco-conscious choice because they do not emit carbon dioxide. Instead, they capture heat present in the environment when pumping, delivering significantly more heat than the electricity required to function.
Naturally, warm air spreads to colder areas. Heat pumps are designed to utilise the relationship between pressure and gas to increase the indoor temperature. The gas is compressed by the pumping motion, increasing the pressure and temperature simultaneously.
Discover how heat pumps will play a significant role in the future of many UK homes.
Are boilers being phased out in the UK?
If you don’t already know, boilers are being phased out in the UK, with a ban on gas boilers coming into effect in 2025. This means that new builds from 2025 onwards will not have gas boilers. Instead, they will use alternative heating systems, like heating pumps.
If your boiler is relatively new or works fine, you don’t have to worry about the ban. It won’t affect pre-existing homes, forcing a nationwide switch. However, if your boiler is getting old and you want to move towards a more energy-efficient alternative that’s better for the environment, several options exist.
What will replace gas boilers in 2025?
You could replace your current boiler with a new, more-efficient gas boiler, but you might want to start thinking about the greener options. Heat pumps are the prominent alternative offered on the market today, with hydrogen boilers as an option soon.
These hybrid hydrogen boilers may be introduced in the UK as early as 2028. Featuring a blend of 20% hydrogen power, they are a lot more like traditional gas boilers. If your current boiler is in great shape and you don’t plan on replacing it soon, it may be worth waiting until these hydrogen builders hit the market, or even consider an electric boiler for your replacement.
Heat pumps are one of the best options for long-term sustainability. The UK government hasn’t announced plans to ban gas boilers in existing homes, but they will likely start pushing toward eco-friendly possibilities soon. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), for example, is designed to support the decarbonisation of homes and non-domestic buildings across England and Wales.
Should I replace my boiler now?
Ultimately, it depends on the state of your current boiler. Heat pumps are costly and time-consuming to install, requiring extensive access to your home and ranging anywhere from £5,000 – £15,000. They are an emergent technology, which is why they’re so expensive. It’s likely that as heat pumps develop further and become more widespread, they will also be more affordable.
Anyone with a recently installed gas boiler that functions well doesn’t need to worry about replacing it. It is worth researching to be adequately prepared for when you need a replacement. Exploring the different options available today can give you an idea of what you think will work best in your home and what will add the most value.
However, if your gas boiler is due to be replaced, or you’re looking for new ways to minimise your carbon footprint, a heat pump is a significant change to make. They are far more efficient than gas boilers, and the current energy costs mean efficiency is essential. Installing a heat pump may also add value to your home. On average, heat pumps add more value than they cost to install initially.
Although there is no guarantee that certain features will boost the value of your home, a heat pump is one way to keep it modernised and appealing. However, the added value is far from the only reason to opt for a heat pump. What they cost in installation, they make up for in long-term savings.
Replacing your boiler is a big decision, especially when heat pumps are so drastically different from gas boilers.
Article written by Boiler Guide.
