Heat pump vs. gas boiler running cost
Compare annual running costs using heat demand, SCOP, boiler efficiency, unit rates and standing charges.
Your situation
Defaults are starting points from typical published ranges — never facts. Change any value that does not match your situation.
Estimate only. Based on the assumptions you entered. Get a site-specific survey before spending money.
Heat pump annual cost
€960
3,429 kWh electricity
Gas boiler annual cost
€1,484
13,636 kWh gas
Annual difference
€524
heat pump cheaper
Break-even elec/gas ratio
3.08
SCOP × efficiency; your ratio 2.80
Formula with your numbers
hp_cost = 12000 / 3.5 × 0.28 + 0 = €960
boiler_cost = 12000 / 0.88 × 0.1 + 120 = €1,484
break_even_ratio = 3.5 × 0.88 = 3.080
Frequently asked questions
What is the SCOP-to-price-ratio rule?+
A heat pump is cheaper to run than a gas boiler when electricity_price / gas_price < SCOP × boiler_efficiency (roughly). That break-even ratio is shown in the results.
What SCOP should I use?+
Air-source heat pumps often land around 2.8–4.0 seasonal COP depending on climate and design temperature. Ground-source can be higher. Use the SCOP from a proper heat-loss design, not a marketing peak COP.