Heat pump vs gas
Heat pump vs gas for 16,000 kWh of useful heat per year
This compares energy cost only. The base example uses 25p/kWh electricity, 6.5p/kWh gas, heat-pump COP 3.2 and boiler efficiency 90%.
Base worked exampleGas saves £94 per year
Heat pump £1,250/yr · gas £1,156/yr · £5,000 illustrative upfront premium
Sensitivity to electricity price and COP
| Scenario | Electricity | COP | Gas | Heat-pump energy | Gas energy | Annual difference | £5k premium payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cautious for heat pump | 30p | 2.8 | 6.5p | £1,714 | £1,156 | £559 gas saving | No payback |
| Base | 25p | 3.2 | 6.5p | £1,250 | £1,156 | £94 gas saving | No payback |
| Favourable to heat pump | 20p | 3.5 | 7.0p | £914 | £1,244 | £330 HP saving | 15.1 yrs |
Why this is not an installation recommendation
Seasonal performance depends on heat loss, emitter temperatures, weather, controls, hot-water demand and installation quality. Capital cost, grants, servicing and system changes may dominate the simple energy-cost comparison.
Tariff figures and the £5,000 premium are illustrative. This page is a sensitivity exercise, not engineering, installer or financial advice.