Heating System Comparison
Compare different heating systems side-by-side. Analyse costs, efficiency, and environmental impact to find the best option for your home.
Select Systems to Compare (max 4)
How the Comparison Works
Our comparison tool analyses multiple factors to help you make the best decision
Installation Costs
Initial investment required for each system
Operating Costs
Annual fuel and maintenance expenses
Efficiency
How effectively each system converts energy to heat
Environmental Impact
CO₂ emissions and environmental footprint
How to Use the Heating System Comparison Calculator
How to Use the Heating System Comparison Calculator
- 1
Select Systems to Compare
Choose 2-4 heating systems: gas combination boiler, system boiler, air-source heat pump, ground-source heat pump, electric storage heaters, oil boiler. Include your current system plus alternatives you're considering. Most UK homes use gas combination boilers.
- 2
Enter Energy Rates
Input current fuel prices: electricity (£/kWh, typically £0.24-£0.34), natural gas (£/kWh, typically £0.06-£0.10), heating oil (£/litre, typically £0.50-£0.80), LPG (£/litre, typically £0.60-£0.90). Use recent utility bills and local fuel suppliers for accurate rates. Consider Economy 7 or heat pump tariffs if applicable.
- 3
Input Building Details
Enter home size, insulation quality, and location. These factors affect annual energy consumption and system sizing. Better insulation = lower consumption = greater savings from efficient systems. Heat pumps particularly benefit from good insulation (lower flow temps possible).
- 4
Add Installation Costs
Research or get quotes for each system: Gas combination boiler (£2,000-£4,000), system boiler (£2,500-£4,500), air-source heat pump (£8,000-£14,000 minus £7,500 BUS grant), ground-source heat pump (£20,000-£35,000 minus £6,000 BUS grant), electric storage heaters (£1,500-£4,000). Include labour, controls, and system modifications (radiator upgrades for heat pumps).
- 5
Review Total Cost Comparison
Examine: upfront cost (including grants), annual operating cost, 20-year total cost, carbon emissions, and payback period vs current system. Cheapest to install often most expensive to run (electric). Consider: budget, environmental impact, fuel availability, planned ownership duration, and future carbon pricing. Heat pumps offer lowest running costs when replacing oil/LPG/electric and best long-term carbon reduction.
Pro Tip: Use Ctrl+Enter to calculate quickly, or Ctrl+R to reset the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest heating system to run?
Heat pumps (with electricity <£0.15/kWh) are cheapest to operate - 50-70% lower costs than gas, oil, or electric resistance. Natural gas is second-cheapest in most areas. LPG and oil are expensive. Electric baseboard is most expensive except where electricity is very cheap. Consider installation cost + annual operating cost for true comparison.
How long do different heating systems last?
Gas boiler: 15-20 years. Heat pump: 15-20 years (air-source), 20-25 years (ground-source). Boiler: 15-30 years (cast iron longest). Electric baseboard: 20-30 years. Regular maintenance extends lifespan. Factor replacement timing into total cost - system with 30-year lifespan worth premium over 15-year system.
Which heating system is best for my home?
Depends on: climate, fuel availability, budget, environmental goals. Cold climate + natural gas: high-efficiency boiler or hybrid heat pump. Moderate climate: air-source heat pump. No gas access: heat pump or ground-source. Existing radiators: boiler or low-temp heat pump. Consult HVAC professional for site-specific recommendation.
What's a hybrid heating system?
Hybrid (dual-fuel) system combines heat pump + gas boiler. Heat pump runs when temps above -3°C (efficient), boiler kicks in below that (reliable backup). Best of both: efficiency + cold-weather reliability. Cost: £6,000-12,000 installed. Saves 30-50% vs gas-only in moderate climates. Ideal for: cold winters, fluctuating energy prices, maximising efficiency.
How do I compare heating systems with different fuel types?
Convert all to cost per kWh delivered: 1) Get fuel prices (£/kWh, £/therm, £/litre), 2) Calculate energy content (1 kWh=3,412 BTU, 1 therm=29.3 kWh, 1 litre oil=10 kWh), 3) Divide by system efficiency (heat pump COP 3.0=300%, boiler 95%), 4) Compare £/kWh. Example: £0.12/kWh electricity ÷ 3.0 COP = £0.04/kWh vs £0.06/kWh gas ÷ 0.95 = £0.063/kWh. Heat pump wins.
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