Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler Running Cost Calculator
Enter your yearly heat demand and prices to compare heat pump and boiler running costs.
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Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler Running Cost Calculator by TheCalcTools
How the Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler Running Cost Calculator works
A heat pump delivers several kWh of heat per kWh of electricity: its seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP). A boiler turns about 90% of the gas energy into heat.
The heat pump is cheaper to run when the electricity price divided by the gas price is below SCOP ÷ boiler efficiency. Installation costs and grants are not included.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Yearly heat demand (kWh of heat) | 12000 |
|---|---|
| Heat pump seasonal COP (SCOP) | 3.2 |
| Electricity price per kWh | $0.25 |
| Gas boiler efficiency | 90 % |
| Gas price per kWh | $0.07 |
| Grid carbon (g CO₂ per kWh) | 200 |
| Gas carbon (g CO₂ per kWh of gas) | 184 |
- Heat pump: 12,000 ÷ 3.2 × $0.25 = $938. Boiler: 12,000 ÷ 0.9 × $0.07 = $933.
- Saving: -$4 a year; break-even price ratio 3.56.
Result:
| Heat pump cost per year | $938 |
|---|---|
| Gas boiler cost per year | $933 |
| Yearly saving with the heat pump (negative = costs more) | -$4 |
| Break-even electricity ÷ gas price ratio | 3.56 |
| CO₂ saving per year (kg) | 1,703 |
Frequently asked questions
What SCOP should I use?
Air-source heat pumps typically achieve 2.8 to 4 over a season, higher with low flow temperatures and good insulation. Ground-source units can reach 4 or more.
Sources and further reading
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.