Plumbing

Find guidance on leaks, pipework, drainage, water pressure and everyday home plumbing issues.

Heat pumps vs boilers: which is cheaper in 2026?

12th August 2026

With energy prices continuing to fluctuate and more homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint, many people are asking the same question: should you stick with a gas boiler or switch to a heat pump? It’s not just a question of how much the work will cost you today: installation costs, insulation, government incentives and the age of your home all play a part.

Enter content...

Upfront costs

For most homeowners, a new gas boiler is still the cheaper to install. Replacing an existing combi boiler is usually relatively straightforward, particularly if no major pipework changes are needed.

Heat pumps are more expensive to install because they require an outdoor unit and, in some cases, larger radiators or underfloor heating. However, grants may be available to help reduce the initial cost, making them more affordable than they used to be.

Running costs

Heat pumps are incredibly efficient. Rather than generating heat, they transfer it from the outside air, often producing three or more units of heat for every unit of electricity they use. Whether they cost less to run than a gas boiler depends on a range of things including the price of gas and electricity, how well your home is insulated, the efficiency of your existing boiler, and how the heating system is designed

In a well-insulated property with an efficiently designed heating system, a heat pump may offer lower running costs over time but in a poorly insulated home, those savings can be much smaller.

Which homes suit heat pumps?

Heat pumps work best in homes with good loft and wall insulation, double or triple glazing, larger radiators or underfloor heating, and consistent heating patterns rather than short bursts of high heat. If your property loses heat quickly, improving insulation may deliver greater savings than replacing your boiler alone.

Environmental impact

Heat pumps produce significantly lower carbon emissions than gas boilers, particularly as the UK's electricity grid continues to become greener. For homeowners looking to future-proof their property and reduce their environmental impact, heat pumps are a great option

So, which is cheaper?

If you're simply replacing a broken boiler, a modern gas boiler will usually be the least expensive option in the short term. However, if you're carrying out a major renovation, building a new home or planning to stay in your property for many years, a heat pump could prove more economical over its lifetime through lower energy use and reduced maintenance. Ultimately, the cheapest heating system is the one that's properly matched to your home.

Every property is different. A qualified heating engineer can assess your home's insulation, existing heating system and energy usage before recommending the most cost-effective solution.

Whether you're considering a new boiler, an air source heat pump or simply want independent advice, Trust A Trader helps you find vetted local heating engineers who can provide expert guidance and professional installation. A little expert advice today could save you money for many winters to come. Was this useful? Follow us for more advice on Facebook, Insta or Tiktok.

Related tags

Looking for more plumbing advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common plumbing questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What should I do if I have a blocked drain or sink?

Start with a plunger - create a good seal and use firm, steady pressure. For a kitchen sink blocked with grease, bicarbonate of soda followed by vinegar can help. If that's not shifting it, a drain snake reaches further down the pipe. Go easy on chemical drain cleaners as they can damage older pipes and rarely sort the root cause. If the blockage keeps coming back, affects more than one outlet, or you're getting unpleasant smells, call a plumber rather than trying to patch up the problem.
How can I tell if I have a hidden water leak?

The most obvious clue is a water bill that's gone up without any change in your usage. Beyond that, listen out for running water when everything's turned off, and watch for damp patches on walls or ceilings nowhere near an obvious water source. A quick self-test is to turn everything off and watch your water meter - if it's still moving, there's a leak somewhere. Tracking down exactly where it is usually needs a specialist detection kit, which a plumber can bring in without having to rip everything up.
What should I do if I have a burst pipe?

Turn off your stopcock straight away - you'll usually find it under the kitchen sink or where the mains water enters the property. Once it's off, open your taps to drain what's left in the system, switch off the boiler if you can do so safely, and mop up any standing water before it reaches electrics or flooring. Then call a plumber. With burst pipes, the faster you act, the less damage you'll be faced with.
What is a gas safety certificate and do I need one?

A Gas Safety Record is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after checking that all your gas appliances, flues, and pipework are safe. Landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales are legally required to get one every year and give tenants a copy within 28 days. For homeowners it's not a legal requirement, but getting a check done alongside your annual boiler service is a smart idea, particularly in older properties. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can carry out the work or issue the certificate - you can check anyone's registration on the Gas Safe Register website.
Why is my water pressure low and can a plumber fix it?

Low pressure usually comes down to one of a handful of things: a stop valve that's not fully open, limescale build-up in older pipes, a failing pressure-reducing valve, or an issue with your water provider's mains supply. In most cases a plumber can sort it - though if the problem is with the mains itself, you'll need to contact your water company first. Either way, don't just live with it - ongoing low pressure can sometimes point to something more serious.
How do I know if my boiler needs replacing or just repairing?

If it's under ten years old and it's one specific fault, a repair usually makes sense. If it's over fifteen, has needed multiple fixes recently, is making strange noises, or your energy bills have crept up for no obvious reason - replacement is probably the better investment. A useful rule of thumb: if the repair would cost more than half the price of a new boiler, it's probably time to replace it.
How often should I get my plumbing inspected?

There's no legal requirement for homeowners, but every two to three years is a sensible habit - especially in older properties or hard water areas where limescale builds up over time. Your annual boiler service covers some of the associated pipework too. And if anything seems off between inspections - odd noises, discoloured water, unexplained damp - don't wait. Get it looked at sooner.
Why do my pipes make a banging or knocking noise?

That banging sound (sometimes called water hammer) usually happens when water flow is suddenly stopped or redirected, sending a pressure wave through the pipes. It's most common after flushing the toilet, shutting a tap sharply, or when a washing machine valve closes. Pipes that aren't properly secured can also knock against walls or joists. It sounds alarming but it's often an easy fix - a plumber can figure out whether it's a pressure issue, a faulty valve, or just some loose pipework.

Have a question about TrustATrader?

If you have a question in relation to TrustATrader specifically, please check out the TrustATrader FAQs, with separate lists tailored to consumers and tradespeople. Alternatively, get in touch with our team. We're happy to help!

Read FAQs Contact TrustATrader