Heating guide
What's the best heating option for your home?
A heat pump isn't the only low-carbon option, and it isn't always the right one. Here's an honest comparison of the main UK heating options — upfront costs, running costs, and when each makes sense in 2026.
The quick comparison
| Option | Upfront cost | Running cost | Heating power | Grant eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas boiler (replacement) | £2,000–£4,000 | Medium | High | No |
| Air source heat pump | £10,000–£16,000 | Low–medium | High (heats + cools) | Yes (£7,500 BUS) |
| Ground source heat pump | £15,000–£35,000 | Very low | High | Yes (£7,500 BUS) |
| Hybrid heat pump + boiler | £8,000–£14,000 | Medium | High | Partial |
| Electric radiators | £500–£3,000 | High | Medium | No |
| Infrared panels | £800–£4,000 | Medium–high | Medium | No |
1. Gas boilers — familiar but ending
Gas boilers are what most UK homes already have. They're cheap to install, powerful, and the technology is well understood. But new gas boilers are being phased out — the government has signalled an end to new gas boiler installations by 2035 — and running costs are rising as gas prices stay high. A replacement now is a safe bet for the short term, but it's a dead end for low-carbon goals.
2. Air source heat pumps — the mainstream choice
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are the UK's primary low-carbon heating upgrade. They run on electricity but deliver 3–4 units of heat for every unit of electricity used, making them cheaper to run than gas in a well-insulated home. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 toward the cost. Compare heat pumps vs gas boilers →
3. Ground source heat pumps — premium efficiency
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) extract heat from underground, where temperatures are stable year-round. They're more efficient than air source but cost significantly more to install and need garden space for ground loops. Compare ground source vs air source →
4. Hybrid systems — the bridge option
A hybrid heat pump combines a small ASHP with your existing gas boiler. The heat pump handles low-demand days; the boiler kicks in when it's very cold. Lower upfront cost than a full heat pump, and you keep gas as backup. See how costs compare →
5. Electric radiators and infrared — simple but pricey
Electric radiators are cheap to install but expensive to run — 1:1 electricity to heat ratio means every unit of heat costs a full unit of electricity. Infrared panels heat objects and people directly, which can feel efficient in well-defined spaces, but neither qualifies for grants.
6. Free wins: insulation first
Before any heating upgrade, the cheapest investment is insulation. Loft insulation, cavity wall fill, and draught-proofing reduce heat demand so much that a smaller, cheaper heat pump can do the job. Many grant schemes — including Nest Wales and Home Energy Scotland — bundle insulation with heating upgrades.
Our take
If your boiler is on its last legs, now is the time to consider a heat pump. With the £7,500 grant, a heat pump costs roughly the same as a new boiler installation — and runs cheaper. If you're not ready, a hybrid system is a good stepping stone. Either way, sort your insulation first.
Find the right heating option for your home
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you what grants you qualify for and what heating options make sense for your property.