Choosing between a heat pump, an electric boiler and a gas boiler depends on the home's insulation, size, access to gas, initial budget and long term operating costs.
A heat pump uses energy from the air, ground or water to heat the house. Its electricity consumption can be significantly lower than that of an electric boiler because it can produce more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes. It is especially efficient in well insulated homes and some systems can also provide cooling.
An electric boiler has a relatively low initial cost and is simple to install. It does not require a gas connection and can be suitable for a small, well insulated house. Its main disadvantage is electricity consumption, which can result in higher heating costs.
A gas boiler can offer reasonable operating costs where a gas connection is available. However, the cost of connecting to the gas network, installing the system and maintaining the equipment should also be considered.
For a new, well insulated house with underfloor heating, a heat pump can be a very efficient long term solution. If the initial budget is limited, an electric boiler may be more affordable. A gas boiler can be a practical option when the necessary gas infrastructure is already available.
The best choice should be based on both the initial investment and expected operating costs. A more expensive system at the beginning is not necessarily more expensive in the long term.
