Air Source Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler: Which Is Best in 2025?

As winter begins in the UK and Scotland, everyone is increasingly concerned about rising energy bills caused by heating solutions such as air source heat pumps, gas boilers, and others.

At this time, the debate over the perfect heating resource is everywhere, as people are comparing air source heat pumps and gas boilers. Both systems are used for heating households, but discussions about their performance, efficiency, and environmental impact continue to grow.

This blog will provide a breakdown of the key differences and comparisons to help you decide which system is right for your home.

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Understanding the Basics

You must understand how both systems work before choosing the right heating system for your household.

• Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP):
An air source heat pump converts outside air into warm air and transfers it indoors. Even in cold weather, it can extract heat from the air. It runs on electricity, and another advantage is that it can also provide cooling during the summer months.

• Gas Boiler:
A gas boiler runs on natural gas and converts cold water into hot water, which circulates through the underfloor heating system or radiators. This system is one of the oldest and most commonly used heating solutions in the UK.

Energy Efficiency

An air source heat pump is more energy-efficient than a gas boiler. An up-to-date air source heat pump can achieve more than 300% efficiency, meaning it can produce three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.

On the other hand, an energy-efficient gas boiler reaches up to 90% efficiency.
An air source heat pump is the best choice if you want to reduce your electricity and energy bills.

Environmental Impact

Many people are now concerned about the environment and are focusing on adopting a greener lifestyle by lowering carbon emissions. For such people, air source heat pumps are the best option, as they rely on renewable energy and do not use fossil fuels, thus producing fewer carbon emissions.

However, gas boilers burn natural gas, which is a fossil fuel and one of the major sources of greenhouse gases.

Installation and Maintenance Costs

When it comes to installation costs, gas boilers are generally cheaper than air source heat pumps. A gas boiler installation can range between £2,000 and £3,500, while an air source heat pump installation can cost between £6,000 and £10,000, depending on the size and requirements of the house.

Although the initial cost of an air source heat pump is higher, the government has announced the ECO4 scheme to support the installation of these systems.

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Performance in Cold Weather

The most important question for homeowners is how both systems perform in winter. In low temperatures, an air source heat pump is still an excellent option, as it can operate efficiently even at -15°C.

On the other hand, gas boilers can heat water instantly, making them a good choice for larger and older homes.

Cost Efficiency and Return on Investment

A cost comparison clearly shows that gas boilers are cheaper initially, but air source heat pumps offer long-term savings, making them a more valuable investment.

For households planning to stay in their property long-term, the return on investment (ROI) of a heat pump system is higher—especially as gas prices continue to rise.

Which One Should You Choose?

You should choose the option based on your priorities:

• Choose an Air Source Heat Pump if:

Your goal is to reduce carbon emissions.
You want long-term energy savings.
Your home is well-insulated and energy-efficient.

• Choose a Gas Boiler if:

You have a limited budget.
Your property already has a gas supply.

If you plan to upgrade your heating system, the experts at All Heating One are here to help. We specialize in air source heat pump installation, boiler replacement, and energy-efficient home solutions across the UK and Scotland.

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