UK: heat pump vs gas boiler running costs
Real unit rates, compared per 100 kWh of heat delivered — compiled August 2026. Confidence: Strong.
| Heating system | Cost per 100 kWh |
|---|---|
| Gas boiler | £7.97 |
| Heat pump | £8.70 |
A gas boiler costs about 8% less per 100 kWh of heat delivered at today’s rates.
Heat pump: COP 3.0 (typical modern unit) at £0.2611/kWh electricity. Gas boiler: 92% efficiency at £0.0733/kWh-equivalent fuel. Source: Ofgem Q3 2026 price cap unit rates (electricity 26.11p/kWh, gas 7.33p/kWh); Energy Saving Trust heat pump field-trial average SCOP ~2.9-3.0
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See UK providers →Actual running costs depend heavily on your specific heat pump/boiler model, insulation, and (for the UK) which electricity tariff you’re on — specialist heat-pump tariffs can flip this comparison in the heat pump’s favour. This is not financial or purchasing advice.