The UK is going through a heating revolution. With gas boilers being phased out and household energy bills under increasing scrutiny, many homeowners are asking the same question: should I invest in an air source heat pump or stick with an electric boiler?
Both options are fossil-fuel-free and align with the UK’s net-zero ambitions, but they differ in performance, cost, and long-term benefits. At Heat From Air, we specialise in air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and believe that informed choice is the cornerstone of sustainable living.
Understanding the Technology
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are essentially like refrigerators in reverse. They pull heat from the outside air, even in winter when temperatures drop close to freezing, and compress it to produce warmth for your radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water cylinder. What makes them stand out is their ability to multiply energy: for every unit of electricity consumed, they can deliver up to three or four units of heat.
An electric boiler, on the other hand, is far simpler. It works much like a traditional gas boiler but runs entirely on electricity. Water is heated directly through electric resistance, which makes the system 100% efficient at point of use. While that sounds impressive, it means you only ever get back the exact amount of energy you put in; no multiplier effect like with a heat pump.
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Efficiency and Running Costs
When it comes to efficiency, ASHPs are hard to beat. A well-installed system can achieve a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3–4, meaning your heating system is effectively 300–400% efficient. That translates into real savings: £1 spent on electricity might generate £3–4 worth of usable heat.
Electric boilers, though efficient on paper, are capped at 100%. Every kilowatt of electricity becomes one kilowatt of heat – no more, no less. With UK electricity prices currently sitting higher than gas on a unit-per-unit basis, that difference matters. Over the course of a year, the running cost of an electric boiler is usually significantly higher than that of a heat pump.
It’s true that ASHPs require a higher upfront investment, but the long-term savings on energy bills often outweigh that initial cost, especially when you factor in government incentives.
Performance in the UK Climate
A common misconception is that heat pumps don’t work well in the British winter. Modern systems are designed for low outdoor temperatures, often performing efficiently down to -15°C. While their efficiency dips slightly in colder weather, they remain reliable and effective year-round.
Electric boilers aren’t affected by outside temperatures, which makes them consistent, but again, they pay the price in higher electricity consumption.
With an ASHP, proper system design is key. At Heat From Air, we carry out detailed heat-loss surveys before installation, ensuring your radiators, pipework, and insulation all complement the heat pump. This attention to detail means you’ll enjoy consistent, comfortable warmth even on frosty mornings.
Environmental and Carbon Benefits
Heating is one of the largest contributors to household carbon emissions.
Air Source Heat Pumps drastically reduce CO₂ output by drawing renewable heat from the air. As the UK’s electricity grid becomes greener with wind and solar, the carbon footprint of ASHPs will continue to shrink.
Electric Boilers, while cleaner than gas or oil, still rely entirely on grid electricity, which is not always renewable. They don’t take advantage of natural heat sources, so their environmental benefits are limited compared to a heat pump.
Speak to the Experts
Both air source heat pumps and electric boilers represent cleaner alternatives to gas or oil, but when you look at the long-term picture, heat pumps are almost always the smarter choice. They deliver lower running costs, greater efficiency, and a much bigger reduction in carbon emissions.
If you want a heating system that future-proofs your home, supports the environment, and pays for itself over time, an air source heat pump is the clear winner.
Are you ready to make the switch to renewable energy with an air source heat pump? Just contact the friendly team at Heat From Air and we will handle everything for you.
Follow our journey on LinkedIn and Instagram too for handy tips and tricks.
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