HEAT PUMP OR BOILER?
If you are confused about what option is best for you we can help.
We offer either option so can give you independent advice as to what is likely to be best for you. Unlike many companies offering heat pumps and boilers we are a small local professional heating company. We don’t have a separate heat pump division that is incentivised to sell heat pumps. We will give you all the facts to allow you to come to the decision that is best for you.
What is likely to be best?
This mostly depends on the property you live in.
A very good modern efficient boiler will do an excellent job in almost any property.
The heat pump will be more efficient but that doesn’t mean it will necessarily be cheaper to run.
A good Heat Pump installed well maybe a better option is some properties but not all. They will not work at all and cannot be fitted in certain properties.
There are many factors that will affect which option is best. To understand this we must first explain the performance difference between the appliances.
MODERN GAS BOILER
These are extremely versatile and have been perfected over many years to what they are today.
- They can produce heat and hot water without the need for a cylinder.
- They can produce high flow temperatures very quicky when needed.
- UK houses and heating systems have been designed around boilers so fitting a new one even if it’s upgrading an old boiler is by comparison a straightforward job.
- They are compact in size.
- They use Gas (this is also the problem though) which is currently far cheaper per KW than electricity.
- The good ones are very reliable, with tried and tested technology, they come with long warranties.
- Upgrading from an old boiler to new will see a substantial saving on your energy bills and improved performance. Vaillant new boiler is also hydrogen prepared.
The Downside
They use Gas, although the new boilers use the minimum possible it still has a bigger carbon footprint than a heat pump.
Gas price changes – The running cost of a very good new boiler is likely to be similar to a Heat Pump. It will use far more KW of energy to achieve this but because it is supplied by gas instead of electricity (Gas is currently around 1/3rd of the cost) the money to run them will be around the same. If gas goes up and electricity doesn’t, they will become more expensive to run.
HEAT PUMP
Like most products there are big differences in performance and reliability so for comparison purposes we will compare to a very good heat pump like Vaillants aroTHERM range..
- They are amazingly efficient, up to 500% in some circumstances so you will get far more KW of heat out of it than what it costs to run.
- There is £7500 government grant which will offset a big part of the cost.
- You will be doing your bit for the environment
- Future proofing, although talk around banning gas boilers only relates to new build properties the direction of change is clear.
- Compared to an Oil Boiler, Solid Flue, LPG or a very old natural gas boiler you are likely to see substantial savings on running cost.
The Downside
It is very unlikely that your house and current heating system will be able to use a Heat Pump without at least some upgrading.
You may need to improve the insulation, and your electrics. You may need larger Radiators.
You may need underfloor heating fitting.
You will almost certainly need a new cylinder fitting. (even if you have a unvented cylinder it is unlikely to be suitable for a heat pump)
For a substantial amount of properties there is not enough outside space on the side of the house to have one fitted, this may mean it will need to be fitted in the back garden.
The performance of the heating system is likely to be slower (however this is not a problem so long as the correct controls are fitted)
As you can see there is a lot to consider, if you would like some further information or would like a no obligation site visit please fill in your details and we will contact you.
OUR LATEST CUSTOMER COMMENTS
Posted 01 March
Job location: WF7
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Posted 11 February 2024
When our boiler broke during a cold snap PDL Heating responded promptly, clearly outlined our options and provided a very reasonable quote for a new boiler. They pulled out the stops to get this installed a few days later, within budget and on time. We are very pleased with the boiler, the quality of the work and professional service received. We’ve found PDL to be reliable, knowledgeable and trustworthy and would happily recommend to others.Verified reviewerJob location: HD9
Posted 14 October 2022
Job location: WF15
Posted 22 June 2022
Job location: WF5
Approached PDL for power flush and advice on current heating. Paul the owner, provided sound factual advice, quoted promptly. We didn’t feel pressurised, and Paul answered all our questions. Having installed 3 combi boiler systems previously, we could tell Paul knew his stuff so we invested in the Valiant boiler and UFH system he proposed. Our heating is now balanced and quick to warm up the house. The shower seems to be more powerful and water is definitely hotter. In all our experience, PDL are the best heating company we have used, so we have no hesitation in recommending.
I couldn’t praise Paul and Rob enough for the job they’ve carried out, from the initial visit and quote to carrying out the job over the past 2 days. Both really pleasant guys, really knowledgeable, professional and courteous. I’ve already asked them to come back to carry our further week which we need doing.
Excellent work, very professional Great chaps who cleaned up after them selves I would highly recommend PDL He was recommended to me by my neighbour and my Uncle.
