Heat pump or new boiler?
A new boiler costs less upfront and is quick to fit. A heat pump costs more, but the government grant closes much of the gap and it can cost less to run with the right tariff. Getting quotes for both is the easiest way to compare.
Upfront cost
A like-for-like boiler swap is usually the cheapest option today. A heat pump costs more to buy and fit, but in England and Wales a grant of up to £7,500 comes off the price.
Running costs
A heat pump is very efficient, but it runs on electricity. How it compares with gas depends on your tariff and how well your home holds heat.
Your home
Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes, and may need bigger radiators and a hot water cylinder. A boiler swap rarely needs changes like these.
Timing
If your boiler has broken, a boiler swap gets heating back fastest. If it's ageing but still working, you have time to compare both properly.
Compare like for like
Ask for quotes for both, with running cost estimates for your home. Then you can see the real difference over the years, not just the price on the day.