Hydrogen Boiler Cost vs Heat Pump Cost
The future of heating is advancing faster than anticipated. The comparison between hydrogen boilers and heat pumps is something we are starting to see on the daily. But with varied information available, many are left undecided which to pick for their homes upgrade. Needless-to-say, the price is perhaps one of the biggest deal breakers during the process.
Hydrogen Boiler Installation Cost
Hydrogen boilers are not yet available for sale and prototypes are currently still being tested. However, amounts of how much they could cost have been published. Depending on the type of boiler, model, and brand. The price to install a Hydrogen boiler will cost anywhere from £1 500 to £5 000.
Hydrogen boilers are installed in a similar way to current gas boilers. Although, additional costs may be possible if the original boiler placement needs to change and/or if pipes need to be changed as hydrogen may require larger pipes.
Heat Pump Installation Cost
Unlike hydrogen boilers, heat pumps are available for sale and have been for decades. Installation costs vary and are dependent on several factors like that of property size, and hot water and heating requirements. There are also different types and brands of heat pumps and based on your average home within the UK, the installation cost of an Air Source Heat Pump is anywhere from £8 000 to £11 000, and £16 000 to £26 000 for a Ground Source Heat Pump.
Hydrogen Boiler Running Costs
Hydrogen boilers run off either blue or green hydrogen, with green being 2-3 time more expensive than blue. The current price for hydrogen is much greater than both fossil fuels and renewable energy. The estimated annual energy cost to run a hydrogen boiler with green hydrogen is £960.
Currently, we can not produce enough hydrogen. It will take roughly 20 years before energy companies are able to switch to pure hydrogen gas networks. Moreover, until hydrogen boilers are fully accessible and in use, we will not be able to have a clear answer when it comes to costs.
Heat Pump Running Costs
Heat pumps use electrical power to run and temperature from the air or ground to produce heating. They have an efficiency of 200%-600% unlike the current gas boiler, which is 90%.
Ultimately, the running costs are dependent on the demand and energy tariff. Although, heat pumps are also able to run from solar power. When solar panels are installed and used to power heat pumps, running costs could be next to nothing.
Follow the link for more information on hydrogen heating vs heat pump heating.
Financial Incentive
Currently, there is only financial incentive for heat pumps through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). This sees eligible homeowners, private landlords, social landlords and self-builders throughout the UK who have renewable energy heating systems, apply to receive TAX-FREE payments from the government for seven years.
Based on your average home within the UK, the annual RHI Payments of an Air Source Heat Pump is +-£1300, and +-£2600 for a Ground Source Heat Pump. With the payments received, plus savings on energy bills. Many homeowners see themselves making back a large portion – if not all – of their initial investment.
Click here for more information on The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
Conclusion
Although hydrogen boilers are 2-3 times more efficient than your current gas boilers, and are previewed to cost a lot less than a heat pump. Heat pumps still manage to triumph and come out on top.
Thanks to their outstanding efficiency, and current financial incentives (from both energy bill savings and RHI payments), covering the install costs of a heat pump is very likely. Additionally, the elevated price of hydrogen means running costs of a heat pump is also significantly lower.
Moreover, when considering the climate crisis, and the cost carbon emissions have on our planet. Looking to upgrade our heating systems to something eco-friendly is essential. Heat pumps can use renewable energy for power. This means they produce zero carbon, unlike boilers powered by blue hydrogen. The carbon footprint to produce blue hydrogen for heat is 20% greater than natural gas or coal, and approximately 60% greater than diesel oil. Also, there will always be a possibility that the stored carbon could leak back into the atmosphere.
When comparing a hydrogen boiler and heat pump the price almost becomes irrelevant due to all the great benefits, both physical and financial, that heat pumps offer.
Heat pumps are the future of heating, ready to install yours?
