Question 1

How much does it cost to replace a heating system in the UK?

Accepted Answer

An air-to-water air-source heat pump — the like-for-like replacement for a whole-home central heating system — averages roughly £14,000–£15,000 supplied and installed before any grant, per Checkatrade, so our estimate adds the standard 20% VAT on top to show the headline consumer bill. A straight gas-boiler swap is much cheaper (a combi averages around £3,000 all-in), and a smaller air-to-air unit less again. Use the calculator above for a range matched to your home, system type, and efficiency tier.

Question 2

Heat pump or new boiler — which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

If your boiler has simply failed, a like-for-like gas or electric boiler is the cheapest fix — pick 'Furnace only' to price the heating unit on its own. If you're moving off fossil fuels, an air-source heat pump (the 'Full system' option here) costs more up front but can draw a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of up to £7,500 and runs more efficiently. Whole-home refrigerated AC is rare in the UK; choose a ductless mini-split only if cooling a room or two is the goal.

Question 3

Which efficiency tier should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Standard efficiency is the budget choice; high-efficiency is the durable mid-grade that lowers running costs (for a heat pump, a higher SCOP; for a boiler, a higher ErP rating); premium variable-output equipment sits at the top for comfort and the deepest savings. UK homes mostly need heating rather than cooling, so prioritise the heating efficiency that suits your insulation and radiators — the calculator scales the estimate accordingly.

Item	Estimate
Outdoor condenser unit	£4,800
Furnace / heating unit	£1,680
Evaporator coil / air handler	£1,260
Refrigerant lineset & connections	£900
Installation labor	£3,900
Permit, disposal & startup	£900
Subtotal	£13,440
VAT (20%)	£2,688
Total inc. VAT	£16,128

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