Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler Running Cost Calculator
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
Enter your property type (or your annual heat demand from your gas bill) and the calculator compares a year of heating with each system. Choose whether you would also remove your gas supply to save the standing charge.
Heat pump vs gas boiler running cost calculator
Gas boiler: £1,042 a year. Heat pump: £1,009 a year. Heat pump saves about £33 a year.
- Gas boiler / year
- £1,042
- Heat pump / year
- £1,009
- Difference
- −£33
Boiler: 11500 kWh ÷ 88% × 7.97p. Heat pump: 11500 kWh ÷ SCOP 3 × 26.32p.
Annual heating cost at different heat pump efficiencies (11,500 kWh heat)
| SCOP | Heat pump cost | Gas boiler cost | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | £1,211 | £1,042 | £-169 |
| 3 | £1,009 | £1,042 | £33 |
| 3.5 | £865 | £1,042 | £177 |
| 4 | £757 | £1,042 | £285 |
What affects the cost
SCOP
The single biggest variable in heat pump running costs.
Electricity-to-gas price ratio
Currently 3.3:1. A lower ratio favours heat pumps.
Standing charges
Removing gas saves the gas standing charge.
Tariff
Heat pump tariffs can cut electricity unit rates significantly.
How to reduce the cost
- Find annual gas kWh on your bill and multiply by 0.88 for heat demand
- Ask installers for a design SCOP
- Model with a heat pump tariff rate
- Factor in a lower boiler servicing cost
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my home's heat demand?
Take your annual gas use in kWh (on your bill) and multiply by your boiler efficiency, around 0.85–0.9.
What SCOP should I expect?
Good installations achieve 3–4. Ask your installer for a design figure.
Why do some people pay more with a heat pump?
Poor design, high flow temperatures or switching it on and off can push SCOP below 2.5.
Does this include the hot water?
Include hot water in your heat demand — around 2,000–3,000 kWh a year for a family.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.