Heat pump vs gas boiler: which is the better option in 2026?
When deciding whether to choose a heat pump or a gas boiler, there is no clear-cut winner in 2026. For some homes, the annual energy costs may be very similar, so it depends on the condition of the property, the type of heating system, and the prices of electricity and gas. A heat pump also offers additional options, such as cooling, utilising your own solar panels and gas-free heating. A gas boiler may be a sensible choice where a suitable system is already in place and replacing the entire heating system would be difficult.
How heat pumps and gas boilers differ fundamentally
A gas boiler generates heat by burning gas. A condensing boiler is also able to recover some of the heat from the flue gases; however, its operation is still directly linked to gas consumption and the efficiency of the appliance.
An air-to-water heat pump works differently. It extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it to water, which is then used to heat the house or provide hot water. It requires electricity to operate, but most of the heat it provides is not generated through direct conversion of that electricity. Instead, it transfers heat from the surrounding environment.
This is precisely where its main energy advantage lies. Under suitable conditions, a heat pump can deliver several units of heat from a single unit of electrical energy. A boiler delivers approximately one unit of heat from a single unit of energy in the fuel, although the exact result depends on its efficiency.
When comparing specifications, it is worth distinguishing between two abbreviations. COP expresses efficiency under specific test conditions. SCOP takes seasonal operation into account and provides a better indication of efficiency during the heating season. However, even SCOP is no guarantee of specific consumption in every home. The result is influenced by the weather, system settings, the temperature of the heating water and the way the system is used.
Running costs: a model calculation
When comparing a heat pump and a gas boiler, energy consumption is not the only deciding factor. The cost of energy and the efficiency of the specific appliance are also important. Therefore, the difference in annual costs may be smaller than the operating principle of the heat pump alone would suggest.
By way of illustration, we can use a model calculation from an article on the FonTech portal dated July 2026: a comparison of the costs of a heat pump and a gas boiler. The calculation is based on a house with an annual heat demand of 15,000 kWh and on the prices of the energy sources used.
| Solution | Estimated annual consumption | Energy price used in the calculation | Model annual costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump, SCOP 3.1 | approximately 4,839 kWh of electricity | €0.177/kWh | approximately €856 |
| Gas condensing boiler, 95% efficiency | approximately 15,789 kWh of gas | €0.056/kWh | approximately €884 |
Based on these assumptions, the difference works out at approximately €28 per year in favour of the heat pump. However, this is the result of a specific model calculation, not a forecast of each household’s bills nor a confirmation of current energy prices for every consumer.
Actual costs depend on the household’s tariff, the ratio of electricity to gas prices, the efficiency of the heating system and the heat loss from the house. In the case of a heat pump, they are also influenced by the actual seasonal output achieved. In a well-insulated house with a suitably designed low-temperature heating system, it can operate more efficiently than in a house that requires a high heating water temperature.
The outcome can also be affected by your own photovoltaic system, provided the household can use the electricity generated to power the heat pump. When making a comparison, we therefore recommend assessing the options based on the specific conditions of the property and the current prices shown on bills or in suppliers’ quotes.
Investment and grants
When making a decision, it is important to consider not only energy consumption but also the costs of replacing the heating system itself. If you already have a working gas boiler and a suitable heating system, sticking with gas may require a lower initial investment. Depending on the condition of the house, switching to a heat pump may require modifications to the heating system, hot water supply or other technical work.
In a new-build, the heating system can be planned during the design phase. This makes it easier to select a suitable system and tailor it to the house’s heating requirements. In both cases, it makes sense to compare the total costs of specific solutions, not just the price of the equipment itself.
Government support may also be a factor when making an investment. The ‘Green Homes’ scheme is set to undergo a system change in 2026. The conditions, the method of providing grants and the registration procedure may change, so do not rely on older information about vouchers when planning your installation.
Other factors to consider: insulation, radiators, cooling and photovoltaics
Thermal insulation and type of heating
A heat pump can also work in an older house, but its suitability depends on the building’s heat loss and the water temperature required by the heating system. Good thermal insulation and a well-designed heating system reduce the amount of heat that needs to be supplied and can improve the efficiency of the entire system.
Underfloor heating typically operates at a lower water temperature, which suits a heat pump. However, this does not mean that radiators are automatically a hindrance. What matters is their size, condition and ability to heat rooms even at a lower water temperature. Before replacing the boiler, it is therefore advisable to assess the heating system as a whole.
Cooling in summer
A gas boiler is used for heating and, when combined with a suitable system, also for hot water supply. However, it cannot cool the house on its own in summer. A heat pump with a cooling function can, in addition to heating, also lower the indoor temperature, provided that the specific equipment and pipework in the house allow for this.
The cooling option is most important when you would otherwise be considering a separate air-conditioning system. However, you need to check how cooling is implemented in the specific system. Not every existing heating system is designed for it.
Hot water for the home
When comparing solutions, do not forget about hot water supply. If the system is to provide not only heating but also hot water for showers and general household use, you must choose a system with a suitable heating method and sufficient capacity.
Some solutions combine heating and domestic hot water supply into a single unit. When making your choice, it is worth considering the number of people in the household, typical water consumption and the space available in the utility room or wherever the system is to be installed.
Photovoltaics and independence from gas
If you have your own solar panels, you can cover part of the electricity required to run the heat pump with your own generation. The actual benefit depends on how much electricity the panels generate, when the household consumes it, and how the system is managed. The mere presence of a photovoltaic system therefore does not guarantee zero heating costs.
The EnergySky SOLAR ASSIST solution is designed to support heat pumps, air conditioning and water heating using energy from solar panels. If the energy generated on-site does not cover the entire current consumption, the shortfall is seamlessly supplemented from the grid. The system does not feed any energy back into the distribution network; therefore, in this mode of operation, it does not require the distribution network’s consent to feed in surplus energy. The prerequisite for its use is having your own solar panels.
For some households, the option to disconnect from the gas supply entirely is also important. This can simplify the home’s energy setup, but other gas appliances and any costs associated with changing the connection must also be assessed. A heat pump alone does not automatically mean that all these costs will disappear.
When is a heat pump worthwhile, and when can you keep the gas?
- you are building a new house or planning a major renovation of your heating system;
- you have a well-insulated house or a heating system suitable for lower water temperatures;
- you want a single solution to provide heating and hot water, and possibly cooling too;
- you have a solar panel system or are planning to install one;
- you want to reduce your household’s dependence on gas.
- the existing boiler is still in good condition and replacing it is not urgent;
- replacing the heat source would require extensive building or technical modifications;
- the current gas system works well and, after taking all costs into account, switching to a heat pump does not offer a convincing case;
- you are basing your decision primarily on the initial investment, and the other benefits of a heat pump are not significant to you.
If a model calculation shows a difference in running costs of only a few tens of euros a year, this should not be taken as a definitive verdict. In such a case, cooling, hot water production, the ability to use your own electricity, space requirements and the overall cost of replacement may be the deciding factors.
Before making a decision, therefore, ask yourself three questions: How much heat does the house need? What modifications will the new system require? And what features, apart from heating itself, do you want the system to provide? The answers will often be more helpful than general claims about which heat source is always cheaper.
Which EnergySky heat pump is suitable for replacing a boiler?
When making your choice, consider what the system is intended to provide in your home, what type of heating system you have, and how much space you have available for its installation. The EnergySky range includes several solutions for various types of family homes and smaller commercial premises.
SKY Top-Blow Monoblock: also suitable for radiator heating
A higher outlet temperature can be an advantage when replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump in a house with radiators. However, this does not mean that every radiator system will function optimally without modifications. Before making a choice, it is necessary to check the house’s heat loss and the required water temperature during the coldest days. The unit also supports Wi-Fi control and is compatible with solar photovoltaic systems.
SKY All-in-One Outdoor: heating and hot water without an indoor unit
Further options for homes and smaller premises
It is advisable to select a specific model only after an assessment of the property has been carried out. The unit’s output alone, or even its maximum outlet temperature, is not sufficient to guarantee low running costs. The design of the entire system, including control and hot water provision, is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a heat pump work even in severe frost?
Yes, a suitably selected air-to-water heat pump can operate even at low outdoor temperatures. The specific operating range varies depending on the model. Its efficiency may change as the outdoor temperature drops, so local climatic conditions and the house’s heat loss must be taken into account during the design phase.
Can a heat pump be used with old radiators?
In many cases, yes, but it depends on the size of the radiators, the condition of the house and the required heating water temperature. Some systems can work with existing radiators, whilst others will require modifications. Before replacing the boiler, it is worth having an assessment carried out to determine whether the radiators can heat the rooms even at the water temperature at which the heat pump will operate efficiently.
Can solar energy be used without a distribution licence?
It depends on how the specific system is connected. The EnergySky SOLAR ASSIST solution uses energy from solar panels to support appliances, whilst feeding nothing back into the distribution network. As it operates in this way, it does not require the distribution network’s consent to feed surplus energy back into the grid. This requires the installation of your own photovoltaic system. For a different configuration or a different type of system, please check the conditions with the relevant supplier or distributor.
Is a heat pump worth it in an old house?
It can be worthwhile even in an older house, but this depends on the building’s insulation, heat loss and the condition of the heating system. If the house requires a lot of heat and high water temperatures, the efficiency of the proposed solution must be thoroughly assessed. Sometimes it makes more sense to first reduce the building’s heat loss or adjust the heating system. Only then does it make sense to compare the total costs of individual heat sources.
So what will be cost-effective in 2026?
A heat pump is not automatically cheaper in every home, and a gas boiler is not automatically a bad option. A model calculation shows that the difference in annual costs alone may be small. When making a decision, therefore, compare not only energy consumption but also the condition of the property, the cost of modifications, the possibility of cooling, hot water supply and the use of photovoltaics.
EnergySky offers solutions for various types of properties and provides professional installation through its partners, an extended five-year warranty and 24/7 support. Take a look at the full range of EnergySky heat pumps and consider the conditions of your home when selecting a specific unit.
The cost of the investment depends on the required output and the scope of the installation. If you’d like to find out which solution makes sense for your specific situation, contact EnergySky and request a quote.
