RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.
Air conditioning can be cheaper to run than traditional heating systems in many UK homes, particularly when the air conditioning unit includes a heat pump function. These systems are more energy-efficient than older boilers and can provide both cooling in summer and heating in winter. While electricity prices are generally higher than gas, the efficiency of heat pumps can offset that difference significantly. When comparing running costs, many households find that air conditioning is not only effective but also more economical, especially in well-insulated homes.
Heating a home typically demands more energy than cooling it. This is due to the greater energy input required to raise indoor temperatures, particularly in poorly insulated properties or during prolonged cold spells. In contrast, air conditioning units using inverter technology or reverse-cycle heat pumps provide highly efficient temperature control with significantly lower power consumption per output unit.
Pro Tip: Pairing a smart thermostat with your air conditioning system or heat pump allows better control of your home’s temperature and can further reduce energy use.
In the UK’s temperate climate, heating is used far more frequently than cooling. However, the south of England may see increasing demand for air conditioning during warmer summers. Conversely, northern and inland regions still rely heavily on heating during extended winters.
Electricity rates are generally higher per kilowatt hour than natural gas. However, when you factor in the efficiency of air conditioning heat pumps, the cost to heat a space can still be lower than with a conventional gas system. For example, while a boiler may deliver 0.9 kilowatt hours of heat per kilowatt hour of gas, a heat pump could deliver 3 kilowatt hours of heat per kilowatt hour of electricity.
A modern heat pump air conditioner has a seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) rating of 3.0 or higher, while older gas boilers rarely exceed 0.9 SCOP. This efficiency difference becomes even more significant as gas prices continue to rise.
Gas boilers tend to heat large homes quickly and are widely used due to existing infrastructure. However, many heat pumps are now designed to operate efficiently even in sub-zero temperatures, making them suitable across most of the UK.
Pro Tip: If your gas boiler is over 10 years old, upgrading to a modern heat pump can reduce your heating bills by up to 30 percent, especially when combined with good insulation.
Insulation quality plays a significant role in cost efficiency. Well-insulated homes retain more heat, lowering the need for both heating and cooling. Whether using gas or electric systems, insulation upgrades offer immediate and long-term energy savings.
Households with moderate year-round temperature control needs benefit most from air conditioning systems. For homes that need intense heating over short periods, gas may still be preferred unless switching to high-performance heat pumps.
Upgrading an old gas boiler or outdated electric heater to a modern air-source heat pump can reduce energy bills by 30 percent or more. The newer the system, the more efficient and cost-effective it tends to be.
Heat pumps are at the centre of the UK’s sustainable energy transition. According to the Energy Saving Trust, air source heat pumps are the most common domestic heat pump option in the UK and are compatible with most property types. Many installations are permitted developments and do not require planning permission, although listed buildings or conservation areas may require additional checks.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers support for households installing low carbon heating systems like air source heat pumps. Hybrid systems that integrate heat pumps with existing gas boilers are also gaining popularity, offering flexibility and better energy control.
Choosing between air conditioning and gas central heating depends on your specific needs, budget, and property characteristics. If you’re planning a long-term investment in energy efficiency and comfort, air conditioning systems with heat pump technology offer a compelling case.
At RightAir Solutions, we guide homeowners through system selection, installation, and optimisation to ensure cost savings and performance all year round.
For many households, especially in well-insulated homes or those in milder parts of the UK, air conditioning with heat pump technology can be cheaper to run than gas central heating. It provides versatile, efficient climate control across all seasons while reducing carbon emissions and long-term energy costs.
To see if a heat pump is right for you, visit the Energy Saving Trust’s guide or contact our team for expert advice at RightAir Solutions. Need a heat pump installation? Contact us today.
How much cheaper is air conditioning compared to gas heating?
Depending on usage and insulation, air conditioning with a heat pump can be up to 30 percent cheaper to run than gas central heating.
Do air conditioning units work efficiently during winter?
Yes. Modern heat pump air conditioning systems are designed to perform efficiently even in cold outdoor temperatures.
Can I replace my gas boiler with an air conditioning system?
Yes. Many homeowners are switching to air source heat pumps or hybrid systems that can replace or complement existing boilers.
Is it worth upgrading to a newer heating or cooling system?
If your current system is more than 10 years old, upgrading can offer better efficiency, lower running costs, and improved comfort.
Are there any government grants for air source heat pumps in the UK?
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers support for households installing low carbon heating systems like air source heat pump
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