Heat pumps show 95% reduction in carbon emissions vs gas boilers

Heat pumps can reduce carbon emissions by nearly 95% annually compared to traditional gas boilers, according to a recent study by Stiebel Eltron UK. 

The research assessed the emissions from one of the company’s own air-source heat pumps over a 12-month period, showing it produced only 250kgCO2e, significantly lower than the 3,500kgCO2e emitted by a conventional gas boiler in the same four-bedroom home.

The analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of heat pumps in lessening carbon footprints in residential settings, focusing on both environmental impact and operational efficiency. Findings indicated that not only do heat pumps offer considerable carbon savings, they also maintain a consistent indoor temperature above 20°C throughout the year. 

From a cost perspective, the heat pump was found to be economically beneficial as well, with annual running costs amounting to £750 – £250 less than that of a gas boiler for the same household. This reduced energy consumption translates into long-term savings on utility bills.

In its study, Stiebel Eltron used real-time reporting and data analytics through their monitoring software to track the heat pump's performance, providing insights into its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits.

Mark McManus, Managing Director at STIEBEL ELTRON UK, commented on the findings, stating, “There is a growing onus being placed on technologies which will significantly reduce carbon emissions which come from homes and buildings. These results show that a heat pump does exactly that.

“Consumers who are exploring the possibility of a heat pump can have confidence that it will deliver huge carbon reductions, maintain a constant and comfortable indoor temperature, and perform efficiently while bringing cost savings at the same time.

“As the environmental benefits become more prominent and the need for more carbon efficient homes becomes greater, demand for heat pumps is only going to increase in the years to come.”

For its part, Stiebel Eltron has been exploring ways to increasingly meet that growing demand, including setting up a new office in Ireland to capitalise on the Irish Government’s recent push for the decarbonisation of the heat sector.