Heating is the biggest energy bill in most homes, and the biggest decision is often whether to move from a boiler or furnace to a heat pump. We set out the running-cost maths with current prices, explain which type of heat pump suits which home, and cover the controls and settings that make the difference between a cheap heat pump and an expensive one.
Calculators for this topic
- Heat Pump vs Gas or Oil Boiler: Running Cost CalculatorCompare heat pump running costs with your gas or oil boiler, find the break-even efficiency (SCOP) and estimate payback after grants.Open calculator →
- Smart Thermostat Savings CalculatorEstimate what a smart thermostat could save on your heating and cooling bill and how quickly it pays back, using ENERGY STAR field data.Open calculator →
Every figure in these guides links to its source and shows when we last checked it. Read how we research, or tell us if something has changed.