New gas boilers are still legal to fit and will remain so for several years. For most homeowners, the question is not whether a heat pump is possible, but whether the numbers and the install make sense for your specific property.
On upfront cost, a considered combi boiler swap from Worcester Bosch, Viessmann or Vaillant typically falls between £2,400 and £4,800 installed. An MCS heat pump installation from £12,000 to £18,000 before grants, £4,500 to £10,500 after the £7,500 BUS grant.
On running costs, a properly designed heat pump typically runs 10 to 20 per cent cheaper per year than a new boiler. On a smart tariff like Octopus Cosy, the gap widens to 25 to 35 per cent.
What is often missed is the install. A heat pump in a poorly considered position, with visible pipework and an industrial-looking outdoor unit, lets the home down. The considered install is what makes a heat pump feel like part of the architecture.