When it comes to heating your home in Wiltshire, the cost of running an air source heat pump vs a gas boiler debate is more relevant than ever in 2025. With energy prices continuing to fluctuate and environmental concerns growing, many of our customers across Trowbridge, Melksham and surrounding areas are weighing up their options. As local heating experts serving the community for years, we’ve installed both systems and have real-world insight into how the heat pump vs gas boiler running costs compare in homes just like yours.
Current Energy Price Context
Before diving into specific figures, it’s worth noting that energy prices have remained somewhat volatile in 2025. At the time of writing (April 2025), average electricity costs in our region hover around 28p per kWh, while gas prices sit at approximately 7p per kWh. These rates directly impact the running costs of both heating systems.
Gas Boiler Running Costs
Modern Worcester Bosch gas boilers, which we regularly install for customers in places like Trowbridge and Melksham, offer impressive efficiency ratings of around 94%. This means that for every pound spent on gas, about 94p goes directly towards heating your home.
For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house in Wiltshire with average insulation, annual space heating demands approximately 12,000 kWh. Based on current rates, this works out to:
- Gas usage: 12,000 kWh ÷ 0.94 (efficiency) = 12,766 kWh
- Annual cost: 12,766 kWh × 7p = £894 per year
This figure can vary based on your specific usage patterns, home insulation levels and the size of your boiler.
Air Source Heat Pump Running Costs
Air source heat pumps work differently than boilers, extracting heat from the outside air rather than burning fuel. Their efficiency is measured by the Coefficient of Performance (CoP), which typically ranges between 3.0-4.5 in our local climate.
A CoP of 3.5 means that for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, 3.5 kWh of heat is produced. For the same three-bedroom house requiring 12,000 kWh of heat:
- Electricity usage: 12,000 kWh ÷ 3.5 (CoP) = 3,429 kWh
- Annual cost: 3,429 kWh × 28p = £960 per year
However, this is where things get interesting for local homeowners. The CoP varies throughout the year, typically performing more efficiently during milder months. In Wiltshire’s winter conditions, when temperatures occasionally drop below freezing, this efficiency can temporarily decrease.
Comparing the Costs
At first glance, based on current energy prices, the air source heat pump v gas boiler running costs appear quite similar, with gas boilers slightly cheaper to run annually. However, several factors can tip the scales:
- Home insulation: Heat pumps work most efficiently in well-insulated homes. Many of our customers in newer properties in Chippenham find their actual running costs lower than estimated.
- Renewable energy: If you have solar panels, which we’ve seen more of across Frome and Warminster recently, you can significantly reduce the electricity costs for running your heat pump.
- Energy price trends: The gap between electricity and gas prices is expected to narrow over the coming years, potentially making heat pumps more economically attractive.
- Carbon tax considerations: With the government’s ongoing commitment to net zero, gas may face additional levies in future, whereas electricity is progressively being decarbonised.
- Heat Pump Grants: Government incentives can significantly offset installation costs, improving the overall financial picture.
Beyond Just Running Costs
When advising our customers in places like Warminster and Westbury, we always emphasise that running costs are just one part of the equation. It’s also worth considering:
- Installation costs: Heat pumps typically cost more to install initially than gas boilers
- Lifespan: Modern heat pumps generally last 15-20 years, while boilers typically last 10-15 years
- Maintenance requirements: Both systems need regular servicing but with different components and considerations
- Winter performance: Heat pumps can still work effectively in our Wiltshire winters, but performance considerations differ from gas boilers
Which Option Is Right for Your Home?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the debate about the cost of running a heat pump and a gas boiler. It depends on your specific circumstances:
- For well-insulated homes with underfloor heating or large radiators, heat pumps often make financial sense
- For older properties with limited insulation, gas boilers may still provide more cost-effective heating
- If environmental impact is a priority, heat pumps offer significantly lower carbon emissions
- If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, the higher upfront cost of a heat pump may be justified by long-term savings
Get Expert Advice for Your Home
As the comparison between air source heat pump running cost vs gas boiler continues to evolve with changing energy prices and technology improvements, getting tailored advice is essential. At A N Heating Ltd, we’ve been helping Wiltshire homeowners navigate these decisions with honest, practical advice based on real local experience.
Whether you’re considering a new boiler installation or exploring heat pump options, our team of heating specialists can provide a free, no-obligation assessment of what would work best for your specific home and budget. We’re Worcester Bosch accredited installers and certified heat pump installers serving Trowbridge, Melksham, Westbury, Frome, Warminster and Chippenham.
Call us today on 01225 708 562 or email info@anheating.co.uk to arrange a consultation and discover the most cost-effective heating solution for your Wiltshire home in 2025.
