Gas Central Heating Vs Air Source Heat Pumps Vs Solar Vs Hydrogen:
Ok, grab a brew for this, as this subject is a little complex so I have tried to keep it simple and easy to read.
With rising energy prices and a greater push for sustainability, homeowners and developers are thinking carefully about how to heat their properties. Whether you own an older home, are purchasing a new build, or are planning an extension with potential heating upgrades, the right choice depends on several factors: cost, efficiency, practicality, and future-proofing.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so in this guide, I’ll break down the pros and cons of gas central heating, air source heat pumps, solar energy, and the future of hydrogen—and provide practical recommendations based on your situation.
Heating Options: A Quick Overview
| Heating System | Best For | Upfront Cost | Running Cost Savings | Future-Proof? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Central Heating | Older homes, quick replacements | £2,500 – £4,500 | ❌ Rising costs | ❌ Fossil fuel-dependent |
| Air Source Heat Pump | New builds, energy-efficient upgrades | £7,000 – £12,000 | ✅ Up to 50% cheaper than gas | ✅ Low carbon |
| Solar PV/Thermal | Long-term energy savings | £5,000 – £9,000 | ✅ Reduces electricity bills by 40-70% | ✅ 100% renewable |
| Hydrogen Heating | Future-proofing, minimal home changes | ❓ Not yet available | ❓ Unknown savings | ✅ Potentially zero carbon |
Best Heating Option for Older Homes
Older homes—particularly Victorian and Edwardian properties—were built with solid walls, higher ceilings, and older heating systems. This makes efficiency upgrades more challenging but still possible.
My Recommendation:
–If cost is the priority: Stick with gas central heating for now, as it’s the cheapest and easiest to replace.
–If reducing bills is the goal: Consider an air source heat pump, but only if you can improve insulation and radiator efficiency.
–If future-proofing: A hybrid setup—combining a heat pump with a small gas boiler or solar thermal—can help manage efficiency while keeping initial costs lower.
Challenges with Heat Pumps in Older Homes:
- May require larger radiators or underfloor heating to work effectively.
(Check if you can fit underfloor heating) - Insulation upgrades are often needed to improve performance.
- Higher installation costs due to retrofit complexities.
Best Heating Option for New Builds
New builds are designed with modern insulation, airtight construction, and energy efficiency in mind, making them perfect for low-carbon heating solutions.
My Recommendation:
–Air Source Heat Pump + Underfloor Heating – Best long-term efficiency and cost savings.
–Solar PV for Energy Generation – Lowers electricity bills and can power the heat pump.
–Gas Not an Option – The government won’t allow gas boilers after 2025, so renewable heating is the only viable choice for new build homes.
Why Heat Pumps Are Ideal for New Builds:
- New homes are better insulated, making low-temperature heating more effective.
- Lower running costs compared to gas.
- Government regulations push for greener solutions, making this the best long-term investment.
Best Heating Option for Extensions & Home Renovations
If you’re adding an extension or making significant home improvements, it’s the perfect time to rethink heating.
My Recommendation:
–If expanding an existing gas system: Upgrade to a modern condensing gas boiler but consider future retrofitting options.
–If making long-term changes: Install an air source heat pump, especially if underfloor heating is an option in the extension.
–If planning solar energy: Solar PV + battery storage can significantly reduce energy costs, particularly if the extension includes electric heating. Just check the Return on Investment (Manufacturers differ).
Things to Consider for Extensions:
- Adding a heat pump may mean upgrading the whole home’s heating system, not just the extension so think about the potential additional cost.
- Mixing old and new systems can be inefficient, so a well-planned approach is essential, we’ve done this before but I just try to avoid this where possible.
- New insulation requirements for extensions mean that heat pumps can work more effectively in these areas compared to the older parts of the home.
What About Hydrogen Heating?
The idea of hydrogen heating sounds exciting, but it’s not available yet. While trials are ongoing, we don’t expect hydrogen-ready boilers to be widely available until at least 2035 BUT its certainly one to keep an eye on.
Key Points About Hydrogen:
- It could be a direct gas boiler replacement, meaning minimal disruption to main supply
- There’s no guarantee it will be adopted at scale, as the UK may prioritise electrification (heat pumps, solar, and storage).
- The government is still undecided, so I don’t personally recommend holding off upgrades in the hope of hydrogen becoming mainstream anytime soon.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Heating for Your Home
If you’re deciding on a heating upgrade, here’s a simplified recommendation based on your situation:
| Your Home Type | Best Heating Option | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Older Home (Victorian, Edwardian, 1930s) | Gas boiler (short-term), Heat pump (long-term) | Cost-effective now, but a heat pump is a better future investment if insulation is improved. |
| New Build | Air Source Heat Pump + Solar | Most efficient, sustainable, and government-compliant. |
| Home with Extension | Hybrid approach (Gas + Heat Pump or Solar PV) | Expanding gas is cheapest, but adding renewables future-proofs the property. |
| Future-Proofing for Hydrogen? | Not yet a viable option | Hydrogen-ready boilers are being trialled but not commercially available. |
Ensure you work with talk in depth with a heating engineer and/or manufacture to find the best heating solutions FOR YOU that balance cost, efficiency, and sustainability. If you’re planning a heating upgrade, renovation, or new build, we’d be happy to help you choose the right system for you or at least point you in the right direction for further information
Ryan Malee
Create Properties Ltd
