Keys to Choosing Your Heating
Air source heat pump is up to 400% more efficient than gas.
Insulation reduces your bill more than any boiler.
Payback for electric systems is around 6-8 years.
Combine with solar panels for nearly free heating.
# Consumption Comparison: Gas vs. Air Source Heat Pump vs. AC
Choosing the right climate system for your home is one of the most important financial and comfort decisions. In a context of volatile energy prices and growing concern for sustainability, knowing which system is most efficient—and which will save us more per month—is essential.Historically, natural gas has been the undisputed king due to its convenience and price. However, the emergence of air source heat pumps and the technological improvement of heat pumps (air-to-air) have changed the game. Our calculator helps you visualize the annual operating cost. best
400% Heat Pump Efficiency
estimated
$450 Avg Annual Saving
standard
20 years Equipment Life
# 1. Natural Gas Boiler: The traditional standard
Natural gas heating uses a boiler that burns fuel to heat water, which then circulates through radiators or underfloor heating.- Efficiency: Modern condensing boilers have an efficiency close to 100%.
- Advantages: Widely installed, fast and homogeneous heat, and competitive kWh cost.
- Disadvantages: Dependence on fossil fuels, fixed gas fees, and CO2 emissions.
# 2. Air Source Heat Pump: Extreme efficiency (Air-to-Water)
Air source heat pumps extract thermal energy from outside air (even at sub-zero temperatures) and transfer it inside the home to heat water.- Efficiency (COP): An air source heat pump system usually has an average COP of 4. This means that for every 1 kWh it eats, it gives out 4 kWh of heat.
- Advantages: Total sustainability with solar panels, one equipment for heating and cooling, and lower operating costs.
- Disadvantages: High initial investment (though pays off in 5-8 years) and need for outdoor space.
Saving Tip
Air source heat pumps shine especially when combined with underfloor heating, as water only needs to heat to about 35°C.Heat Pump vs Natural Gas
Why Heat Pump?
- Unbeatable efficiency (COP 4+)
- Fossil fuel independence
- Heating and Cooling
- Ideal with solar panels
Why Gas?
- Much cheaper installation
- High power instant heat
- Compatibility with old radiators
- No outdoor units needed
# 3. Air-to-Air Heat Pump (Air Conditioning Split)
Commonly known as "split" or AC with heat mode. It uses the same thermodynamic cycle as air source heat pumps but directly heats the air, not water. It is a very common solution in mild climates. Its efficiency (SCOP) is usually between 3 and 3.5.# Understanding the calculation formula
To compare these systems fairly, we must convert all consumptions to a common unit: the cost per delivered useful kWh. Our formula is:Where:Annual Cost = (Home Thermal Demand / System Efficiency) × Energy Price
- Thermal Demand: The heat kWh your house needs per year (depends on insulation and m2).
- Efficiency: 0.95 for Gas, 4.0 for Heat Pump, and 3.2 for Air.
- Energy Price: The cost per kWh including taxes and fees.
Real Example: 100m² Home
Imagine a house that needs 7,000 kWh of heating per year:
- Gas ($0.08/kWh): $589/year
- Heat Pump ($0.18/kWh): $315/year (You save 46%)
- Air ($0.18/kWh): $393/year
# When does each system pay off?
There is no single answer, as it depends on your location and house type:Single-Family Houses / New Build: Heat pump is almost mandatory for sustainability and long-term savings.Small Apartments in Mild Zones: Air-to-air split is unbeatable due to low installation costs.Gas Flats Renovations: If gas connection exists, switching to condensing is cheapest initially. However, full renovations should consider switching to electricity.# The impact of insulation
No heating system is efficient in a leaky house. Good insulation can halve your thermal demand, making your heating system smaller and cheaper.# Heat Pump Myths and Consumption
There are many doubts about these modern systems. Let's debunk some:- "Doesn't work in deep cold": False. Modern units work down to -20°C.
- "Dries the air": Only if it's air-to-air. Solar underfloor heating doesn't.
- "Electricity is too expensive": 400% efficiency more than compensates.
Did you know?
The COP (Coefficient of Performance) varies with outdoor temperature. In extreme cold, efficiency drops slightly but remains far superior to electric heaters or gas boilers.