The Cost Comparison in 2026
At current energy prices, a gas boiler is still marginally cheaper to run than a heat pump in many Hampshire homes — but the gap is narrowing. Gas at 6.5p/kWh versus electricity at 24.5p/kWh means a heat pump needs a COP of at least 3.8 to match gas on running costs alone.
However, running costs aren't the full picture. The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides a £7,500 grant towards heat pump installation. When you factor in the grant, reduced maintenance costs, and the approaching 2035 gas boiler ban, the economics shift significantly in favour of heat pumps.
Comfort and Performance
Heat pumps deliver heat differently to boilers. They produce lower-temperature water over longer periods rather than short bursts of high-temperature heat. Many homeowners initially find this uncomfortable — but once the system is properly commissioned with correct flow temperatures and weather compensation, comfort levels often exceed what they experienced with a boiler.
The key is proper commissioning. A heat pump installed by someone who understands the technology will feel as warm and responsive as any boiler. A poorly commissioned system will feel lukewarm and sluggish.
Property Suitability in Hampshire
Hampshire has a mix of property types from Victorian terraces in Winchester to new-build estates in Basingstoke. Modern properties with good insulation levels are ideal candidates for heat pumps. Older properties may need some insulation improvements first, but most can be retrofitted successfully.
We've installed heat pumps in properties ranging from 1930s semis to listed buildings. The common factor in successful installations isn't the age of the property — it's the quality of the survey, design, and commissioning.