Do Air Source Heat Pumps Run On Electricity or Gas?
Air source heat pumps run entirely on electricity; they do not use gas or any other combustible fuel.Here is a brief explanation of how they work and why they are important:
1. They move heat rather than generate it
While traditional gas boilers produce heat by burning fuel, air source heat pumps use electricity to power a compressor and fan, extracting existing heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors (even in cold weather). In the summer, the process can be reversed to cool the interior.
2. They are highly energy-efficient
Because they transfer heat rather than generate it, they are extremely efficient. For every unit of electricity consumed, they typically deliver 3 to 4 units of heat indoors. This corresponds to a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 300% to 400%. In contrast, even the most efficient gas boilers have an efficiency ceiling of only around 90% to 95%.
3. No gas connection required
Air source heat pumps do not require gas lines, flues, or chimneys. They are an excellent choice for households looking to fully decarbonize their heating systems or for properties not connected to the natural gas grid.
A note on "hybrid" systems
Although the heat pump itself is 100% electrically powered, some older homes opt for hybrid heating systems. These systems combine an electric air source heat pump with an existing gas boiler. A smart controller automatically switches between the two: the efficient heat pump is used during milder weather, while the gas boiler kicks in only during extremely cold spells or periods of high hot water demand. However, the heat pump component itself still runs entirely on electricity.
In summary:
If you are considering installing an air source heat pump, you need to ensure that your home's electrical system can meet its operating requirements; however, you will no longer need to rely on gas for heating.
