Boilers Vs Heat Pumps
which is the best for your home?
Boilers and heat pumps are two of the more popular solutions for heating a home, while there are more options. Both have benefits and drawbacks, and the best option for your house will depend on several variables.
A boiler is a type of heating system that uses water to heat your house. In a central unit, water is heated and then piped throughout the house to radiators or other heat exchangers. Gas, oil, or electricity-powered boilers can be used to heat larger dwellings more efficiently.
A heat pump, on the other hand, is a heating system that transfers heat from one place to another using electricity. Smaller homes can be heated more effectively with heat pumps, which can also be used to cool a home in the summer. They function by pulling heat from the ground or air outside and transferring it inside to warm your house.
There are several things to consider when picking between a boiler and a heat pump, including the size of your home, your heating requirements, and your budget. Heat pumps are generally more efficient but may not be as good at heating larger spaces as boilers, which tend to be more expensive to install but may be more effective at heating larger homes.
Boilers vs Heat Pumps: The Ultimate Showdown
If you’re in the market for a new heating system, you might be wondering: what’s better, boilers or heat pumps? Well, get ready for the ultimate showdown, as we compare these two heating systems in a variety of categories to determine which one comes out on top.
Round 1: Efficiency
When it comes to efficiency, there’s no denying that heat pumps are the clear winner. Heat pumps can extract heat from the air or ground, making them incredibly efficient at heating your home. In fact, heat pumps can be up to three times more efficient than boilers, which means you’ll save a lot of money on your energy bills in the long run.
Boilers efficiency can be defined as the ratio of the useful heat output to the total energy input typical boiler efficiencies range from about 90% for the best solid biomass fuel boilers to close to 95% for oil and natural gas fired boilers. All boilers manufactured now have condensing technology this making the boilers now a days more efficient.
Heat Pumps are around 300-400% efficient this is 3x more efficient than a boiler system.
Winner
Heat Pumps
Round 2: Heat Capacity
Boilers easily win when it comes to heating capacity. Boilers are a fantastic option for homeowners with large properties since they can heat homes more efficiently than heat pumps. On the other hand, heat pumps work well in smaller houses or rooms.
Boilers Heat Capacity:
Boilers can range from 12kw to 50kw.
12kW Heat Only Boiler – Can run up to 10 radiators in one household this making ideal for a small sized property.
18kW Heat Only Boiler – Can run between 10 and 15 radiators making this boiler ideal for a medium sized property.
24kW Heat Only Boiler – Up to 15 Radiators
30kW Heat Only Boiler – Runs between 15 and 20 radiators this making the boiler more than able to keep a large property nice and toasty.
Heat Pumps Heat Capacity:
Heat pumps can range from as low as a 1.2kW to a 16kW and beyond. The cooler the climate you live in, the more heating capacity or higher kW you will need.
5kW Heat Pump – 100-meter squared property with three bedrooms
10Kw Heat Pump – 200-meter squared property.
12kw and above Heat Pump – 250-meter squared property
Winner
Boilers
Round 3: Cost
Heat pumps may be more efficient than boilers, but they can cost more to install. Depending on the size of your home and the type of system you select, the price of a heat pump might vary, but you should plan to spend between £8,000 and £20,000 for installation. On the other hand, boilers typically cost between £2,300 and £7,500 to install, making them less expensive overall.
Boiler Cost Range:
Combi Boiler:
£600 – £1000 Budget Model
£1000 – £1300 Medium Ranged Model
£1000 – £2000 Premium Model
Heat Only / Conventional / Regular Boiler:
£600 – £800 Budget Model
£800 – £1300 Medium Ranged Model
£1200 – £2500 Premium Model
System Boiler:
£600 – £950 Budget Model
£950 – £1400 Medium Ranged Model
£1200 – £2700 Premium Ranged Model
(These prices are all for Boiler Only and all vary depending on the size of the boiler)
Heat Pump Cost Range:
Air Source Heat Pumps:
£1000 – £15000
Ground Source Heat Pump:
£1000 – £30000
If you have more interest in how much boilers cost, please go to our Boiler cost page
Winner
Boilers
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Round 4: Maintenance
Both boilers and heat pumps need routine maintenance to be in good working order, but boiler maintenance is typically more intensive than that of heat pumps. Heat pumps only need to be maintained every two to three years, whereas boilers need to be checked annually to make sure they’re operating safely and effectively.
Boiler Maintenance:
Pros:
- Boilers require only routine cleaning, inspections, and annual servicing from a trained professional, making boiler maintenance very simple.
- Boilers have a lengthy lifespan; with regular care, some can survive up to 20 years or longer.
- Boilers have a reputation for dependability and longevity, and they have few moving parts that can malfunction.
Cons:
- Boilers need routine maintenance, such as yearly servicing, to make sure they are operating effectively and securely.
- When a boiler breaks down, especially an older model, repairs can be very expensive.
- Regular boiler cleaning is necessary to avoid the accumulation of silt and other debris, which can decrease the performance and longevity of the boiler.
Heat Pumps Maintenance:
Pros:
- Compared to boilers, heat pumps require less maintenance; the majority of it consists of routine cleaning and inspections of the air filters, outdoor unit, and ducting.
- In particular, if you live in a warm climate where you don’t need to use heating or cooling as frequently, heat pumps are energy-efficient and can help you save money on your energy bills.
- Heat pumps are a terrific all-in-one option for year-round comfort because they are adaptable and capable of both heating and cooling.
Cons:
- Heat pumps are more intricate and have more moving parts than boilers, making them potentially more prone to failure and requiring more maintenance.
- When heat pumps malfunction, repairs can be pricey, especially if new parts are needed.
- Due to its reliance on removing heat from the air and the potential need for additional heating support in extremely cold weather, heat pumps can be less successful in subfreezing conditions.
Overall, to keep them operating effectively and safely, heat pumps and boilers both need routine maintenance. Heat pumps require less maintenance but may be more sophisticated and require more repairs if they break down, whereas boilers require less care but more frequent cleaning and inspections. Your unique demands and tastes, as well as the temperature and environment where you reside, will determine which option is ideal for you.
Round 5: Noise
Boilers and heat pumps both make relatively little noise, however boilers are often a little louder than heat pumps. Heat pumps are virtually silent; however, boilers can make a whirring sound as they heat and transport water throughout your home.
Boilers have a lot of noises what can mean different things
Rattling, Humming, Vibrating, Kettling, Banging Dripping Tapping, Whistling and other sounds. All off this sound will mean something different if heard on a boiler as a fan can squeak but a blocked heat exchanger may sound like a boiling kettle.
Whereas heat pump noises are more electrical sounds like:
Start up and shut down, Clicking, Humming, Buzzing, Hissing, Grinding, Whirring. The main noises that come from a heat pump are normally the low whirring sound when they are working properly.
On most systems the more the boiler or heat pump has to do the louder the sound will be.
Winner
Heat Pumps
Round 6: Environmental Impact
Heat pumps win out hands down if you’re concerned about your environmental impact. Heat pumps emit no emissions since they use electricity to transfer heat from one place to another. On the other hand, since they can be powered by electricity, gas or oil, boilers have the potential to emit greenhouse gases.
Heat Pumps Maintenance:
Boilers:
- Natural gas, oil or propane are the common fuels used to power boilers. These fossil fuels all release greenhouse gases when burned.
- Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other dangerous pollutants are released into the air during the combustion process in boilers, which contributes to climate change and poor air quality.
- In comparison to newer, more efficient ones, older boilers may be less efficient and create greater emissions.
Heat Pumps:
- Electricity, which can be produced from renewable resources like wind, solar, and hydropower, powers heat pumps.
- Refrigerant, which is used by heat pumps to move heat from one location to another, has the potential to cause climate change if it leaks or is not disposed of properly.
- Heat pumps, on the other hand, are far more energy-efficient than boilers, with some types producing up to four times as much heat as they use in terms of electricity.
- In the summer, heat pumps can also be used for cooling, obviating the need for energy-guzzling air conditioning.
Winner
Heat Pumps
OVERALL Winner is:
The Heat Pump
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