The Short Answer: Yes, For Most Homes
With the £7,500 government grant, heat pumps make financial sense for most UK homeowners. But they're not right for everyone. Here's the honest breakdown.
When Heat Pumps ARE Worth It
- You're replacing oil or LPG heating — savings of £500-1,000+/year
- Your home is well-insulated — heat pumps work best in efficient homes
- You have or plan to get solar panels — free electricity = free heating
- You're planning to stay long-term — payback is 5-10 years
- Your gas boiler is end-of-life — you need a new heating system anyway
- You care about the gas boiler ban — new builds banned from 2035
When Heat Pumps Might NOT Be Worth It
- Your gas boiler is new — if it's under 5 years old, wait
- Your home is poorly insulated — insulate first, heat pump second
- You're moving soon — you won't see the payback
- You're on the gas grid with a cheap tariff — savings are smaller
Real Running Cost Comparison
Based on a typical 3-bed semi-detached home in 2026:
- Gas boiler: £950/year
- Air source heat pump: £650/year
- Heat pump + solar panels: £250-350/year
The combination of a heat pump plus solar panels can cut your heating bill by 60-70%.
The Comfort Factor
Heat pumps provide a different kind of heat to gas boilers. They deliver a lower, more consistent temperature rather than short bursts of intense heat. Most people find this more comfortable once they're used to it, but it takes adjustment.
Key comfort points:
- Rooms stay at a more even temperature all day
- No cold spots or hot blasts
- You may need larger radiators (your installer will advise)
- Underfloor heating works perfectly with heat pumps
The £7,500 Grant Changes the Maths
Without the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, heat pumps were a tough sell financially. With £7,500 off the upfront cost, the payback period drops to 5-7 years for most homes. That makes the maths work for the majority of homeowners.
Get a Personalised Assessment
Check your eligibility for the £7,500 grant and find out if a heat pump suits your home.