Research Says Householders with Heat Pumps More Satisfied Than Those with Gas Boilers

A recent study has shed light on the growing satisfaction among UK homeowners with heat pump systems compared to traditional gas boilers. As the nation continues its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition toward cleaner energy alternatives, the findings suggest that those who have already made the switch to heat pumps are not just satisfied—they’re overwhelmingly pleased with their choice.

This trend may indicate a shift in public perception and could encourage more households to consider heat pumps as a viable alternative. The study, conducted by Electrify Research as part of its Homeowner Electrification Tracker Study (HETS), surveyed over 3,000 British households and revealed that 94% of those with heat pumps are satisfied with their home heating system.

Notably, half of the respondents described themselves as “extremely satisfied,” while another 44% said they were “satisfied.” This level of contentment far exceeds the satisfaction rates for other heating methods, including the gas boiler, which is still the most common heating technology in British homes. Gas boilers showed an 85% satisfaction rate, with only 33% of owners feeling “very satisfied.”

A Growing Preference for Clean Technology

The strong satisfaction ratings for heat pumps highlight their growing appeal. Heat pumps use electricity to extract heat from the air, ground, or water, and are widely recognized as a more efficient and environmentally friendly method of heating compared to burning fossil fuels. As the UK government aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, increasing the adoption of such clean technologies is crucial.

One reason for the positive feedback from heat pump users may be the overall performance and consistency of the technology. Garry Felgate, chief executive of The MCS Foundation, pointed out that heat pumps provide not only affordable running costs but also comfortable and consistent indoor temperatures.

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More importantly, they offer homeowners the peace of mind that their heating solution is not contributing to climate change. This environmental benefit, coupled with improved comfort, likely contributes to the high satisfaction levels reported in the survey.

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Another key factor is the availability of government incentives. In recent years, financial assistance in the form of grants—like the £7,500 heat pump grant—has helped make this transition more accessible to families. According to Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers, the year 2024 saw a record increase in installations, up 63% from the previous year. These incentives are not only encouraging more households to adopt the technology, but also reinforcing confidence among new users.

Challenges and Misconceptions Still Persist

Despite the rising popularity and satisfaction levels of heat pumps, several challenges continue to hinder their widespread adoption. One of the most cited issues is the high upfront cost associated with installation. Although government grants can alleviate some of this burden, the initial expense can still be a significant barrier for many households, especially those living in older properties that may require extensive modifications to accommodate the technology.

Which? head of consumer rights policy Sue Davies acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing that installing a heat pump can involve complex decisions. In addition to cost, many homeowners are uncertain about whether a heat pump will work efficiently in their particular home setup. Factors such as insulation quality, the size of the home, and regional climate conditions can all affect performance.

For those considering the switch, the lack of accessible, independent advice and trustworthy installers remains a considerable deterrent. Moreover, popular media coverage has sometimes been skeptical of heat pumps, highlighting problems related to noise, installation delays, or perceived inefficiencies during colder months.

However, Ben Marks, managing director at Electrify Research, noted that these concerns are often not supported by the actual experiences of users. According to him, heat pump owners are not just tolerating their systems—they’re genuinely enthusiastic about them. He stressed the importance of listening to real users rather than relying solely on second-hand criticism.

The Path Forward for Clean Heating in the UK

Looking ahead, the future of heat pumps in the UK seems promising but dependent on several factors. First, reducing the cost of electricity remains a crucial step. The Climate Change Committee has projected that households could save around £700 annually on heating bills by 2050 if electricity prices become more competitive. The move toward smart tariffs and time-of-use pricing also has the potential to further lower costs for heat pump users.

Second, the expansion of the government grant scheme to include air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries could diversify the options available to homeowners. Greater choice means more people can find a solution that fits both their property type and budget. As adoption increases, it’s also likely that installation services will become more streamlined and affordable due to economies of scale.

Third, public awareness campaigns and access to expert advice will be essential. As Garry Felgate emphasized, many people still need guidance on how to install and operate heat pumps effectively. This knowledge gap, if not addressed, could prevent households from making informed choices. Transparent information about the long-term benefits, costs, and technical requirements of heat pumps must be made widely available.

Finally, collaboration between government bodies, energy suppliers, and consumer advocacy groups like Which? will be key to creating a supportive ecosystem for clean heating. By working together, these stakeholders can help eliminate the practical and financial barriers that currently exist.

The data from Electrify Research’s HETS study paints a compelling picture of the benefits and growing popularity of heat pumps. While challenges remain, particularly regarding cost and awareness, the overwhelming satisfaction reported by current users suggests that these systems could play a central role in the UK’s clean energy future. As more people experience the comfort, reliability, and environmental benefits of heat pumps, their adoption is likely to increase, bringing the nation one step closer to its climate goals.