Is it time to ditch the boiler? How E.ON Next's heat pumps could lower your energy costs

If you’re looking to modernise your heating system and future-proof your home, a heat pump is a great alternative to a traditional boiler. Thanks to the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme, it’s more accessible than ever to switch to a heat pump. However, could they actually lower your yearly energy costs?

The most common heat pump is an air source heat pump. They transform heat from the outside air into the water in your central heating to heat your home and are suitable for most UK homes. They are a great low-emission and energy-efficient alternative to a fossil fuel boiler. They could save you £260 a year on energy bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust, but this is dependent on the type of boiler you have.

That is why it is so important to get guidance from a heat pump expert like the team at E.ON Next, who will help advise you on which heat pump is right for your home to help lower your yearly energy costs.

Is a heat pump cheaper to run than a boiler?

Depending on what heating source you are replacing, a heat pump could be cheaper to run than a boiler; however, it is dependent on the type of boiler you have.

While an air source heat pump is typically more efficient to run, giving you up to four times more heat for each unit of energy used to power it, this doesn’t always translate into savings on your energy bill. Heat pumps are powered by electricity, which is currently around four times more expensive than gas at the moment, according to the Energy Saving Trust. That means any savings you could make will depend on the efficiency of your current boiler and the fuel you use to heat your home.

There are several other factors to consider, one being that heat pumps offer more stability in the long run. Also, if you are considering investing in solar panels, this could offset the electricity running costs.

When working out if a heat pump is cheaper to run, you will also need to think about the upfront installation cost. E.ON Next offers you the option to pay for the installation in one lump sum or over a two-year payment plan, so once you’ve invested, it could take a few years to see any material savings on energy costs from switching from a boiler to a heat pump.

How much can you save on energy bills by switching to a heat pump?

This all depends on the kind of boiler you’re replacing. If you’re switching out an old G-rated gas boiler, you could be saving around £260 a year. However, if you currently have a brand new A-rated gas boiler, it could be cheaper to run than an air source heat pump by £40 a year.

While prices can vary, the table below shows an overview of how much you could save on energy costs based on a standard air source heat pump in an average-sized three-bedroom detached home, based on fuel prices in July 2025.

(source: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/air-source-heat-pumps/ )

How much does it cost to replace a boiler with a heat pump?

The cost of installing an air source heat pump can cost around £11,000, according to E.ON Next. But this depends on several factors:

• Size of heat pump
• Size of your property
• If it’s a new build or an existing property
• If you need to upgrade your radiators

The government offers a Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant of £7,500 towards an air source heat pump and ground source heat pump, which makes the installation more affordable. To be eligible for the grant, you must be replacing a fossil fuel heating system, so if you are switching from a gas boiler, you would qualify for the grant.

If you were to install a heat pump through E.ON Next, you would be offered a fixed price installation as part of their fully digital quoting journey, and they will carry out all the checks and paperwork to apply for the government’s BUS grant. They will also advise you on whether you’ll need to upgrade your water tank and radiators as part of the installation, which could impact the final cost.

The process is done in four easy steps:

1. Get an online quote: E.ON Next will recommend the best heat pump based on your home's needs and a tariff to go with it.
2. Choose your heat pump: You will be able to see which heat pumps are suitable for your home, and the equipment that will be included as standard as part of your fixed price installation. E.ON Next will also verify your BUS grant funding eligibility and handle the paperwork.
3. Get a home survey: E.ON Next will carry out a heat loss assessment on your home to make sure your property has everything you need, so there are no expensive surprises.
4. Get it installed: E.ON Next will fully manage the installation with a trusted installer, including removing your old heating system and switching over tariff.

E.ON Next also offers the option to spread the cost of the installation with a two-year payment plan.

A heat pump is about so much more than saving on your energy bills in the short term. It is a long-term measure that will modernise and future-proof your home, and over time, you will benefit from a more efficient and lower-emission heating system.