Thinking of replacing your LPG boiler with a heat pump? Here are some pros and cons.
Some basics - what is LPG heating?
An LPG heating system uses Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as the fuel to heat a home. Essentially it functions as a traditional gas boiler, but with the fuel stored in a tank on your property instead of coming from a mains gas supply. Historically, alongside oil, it's therefore been used for homes that are not connected to the gas grid.
How is a heat pump more suitable for your home than LPG?
Heat pumps are suitable for those households looking to decarbonise by stopping the use of fossil fuels, and who don't want to be subject to volatile LPG pricing and deliveries. Here are some other reasons why heat pumps are a better alternative to LPG.
- Lower running costs: While the initial cost of buying and installing a heat pump is higher, they are overall much more energy-efficient than LPG systems. This should translate to lower running costs in the long run. And if electricity prices get more competitive, this gets even better
- Higher energy efficiency: Heat pumps can be up to 400% efficient, meaning they can produce three to four times as much heat as the electricity they use. This is because they move heat rather than generating it. In comparison, LPG boilers typically operate below 90% (which is similar to a gas boiler)
- Improved air quality: Heat pumps don't produce combustion by-products, such as carbon dioxide and water vapour. This means you have better indoor air quality and reduced health risks that are more associated with burning fossil fuels
- Lower carbon emissions = more environmentally friendly: Unlike LPG, which solely relies on fossil fuels, heat pumps run off electricity, which is reducing in carbon intensity all the time. In fact, nearly 40% of electricity in the UK is now generated from renewable resources
- Compatibility: Heat pumps are highly compatible with solar panels and a battery storage system, making it a very efficient and sustainable combination: solar panels can power the heat pump during daylight hours, while the battery stores excess energy to run the heat pump even at night, significantly reducing reliance on the grid and lowering energy bills
- Financial support: The Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme is currently running and gives eligible homeowners up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing a heat pump. This can help reduce the upfront costs of getting a heat pump. Read more about it here: Heat Pump Grants – A Quick Guide for UK Homeowners.
What, only £7,500?
Well, yes, at the moment. From July if you're on LPG, and meet the grant eligibility criteria, you should be able to bag an increased grant of £9,000. It's been increased following recognition of the fact LPG and oil boilers cost more to replace than gas.
Summing up....
When considering whether to stick with your LPG system or switch to a heat pump, the latter offers a compelling alternative by providing an efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat your home.
Ultimately, the best choice for your home depends on your specific circumstances, including your budget and the characteristics of your home. However, based on the above, heat pumps are generally a better option all round if you’re considering switching from LPG.
If you want to find out what the impact of a heat pump will be for your home, click on one of our big orange buttons. You’ll receive a report personalised to your home, all for free.
You can also contact our team - just Whatsapp us on 07868 789624, or see more contact options here, we'll be delighted to help: https://www.thermly.co.uk/contact
