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While the cost of living is still affecting households across the UK and energy fees are rising, businesses are seeing a huge reduction in the amount of electrical goods they are selling and installing. To combat this, the government has provided a variety of energy efficiency grants worth £6 billion.
The heat pump vs gas boiler debate has grown significantly in recent years, especially with rising energy costs, updated UK regulations and the industry-wide shift toward low-carbon heating. Both systems can provide heating and hot water, but they operate very differently and each suits different types of properties.
In this updated guide, the team at Chillaire breaks down the differences, benefits, costs and suitability of heat pumps and gas boilers so you can make the best choice for your home or business.
| Feature | Heat Pump | Gas Boiler |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | Electricity (absorbs heat from air/ground) | Natural gas |
| Typical Flow Temperature | 35–55°C | 65–75°C |
| Efficiency (SCOP/ErP) | 300–400% efficient | 85–94% efficient |
| Carbon Emissions | Very low | High |
| Best For | Well-insulated homes, new builds, properties upgrading heating | Older homes, properties needing high heat output quickly |
| Upfront Cost | High | Low–medium |
| Running Costs | Can be lower than gas with good insulation and controls | Varies with gas prices |
Heat pumps use renewable ambient heat from the air or ground. The process:
Heat is absorbed into a refrigerant.
The refrigerant is compressed, raising its temperature.
The heat is transferred into radiators, underfloor heating and hot water cylinders.
The process reverses in summer for cooling (if the system supports it).
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) – most common, easiest to install
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) – higher efficiency but much more expensive
Heat pumps produce less intense heat than boilers, so they work best with:
Larger radiators
Underfloor heating
Well-insulated homes
Gas boilers burn natural gas to rapidly heat water, which is then pumped through radiators and taps. They produce high-temperature heat quickly, making them well-suited to older or less efficient homes.
Types include:
Combi boilers
System boilers
Regular boilers
Heat pumps work best when:
The home is well insulated
You have underfloor heating or oversized radiators
You want a low-carbon heating system
You can access government grants
Gas boilers work best when:
The property is older or poorly insulated
You need high-temperature heating quickly
You want a lower upfront cost
You prefer a familiar, traditional system
Boilers reach temperatures of 70°C+, while heat pumps operate around 35-55°C, meaning homes with small radiators or draughty rooms may struggle to retain heat with a pump unless upgrades are made.
Heat Pump Costs:
Air Source Heat Pump: £8,000-£16,000
Ground Source Heat Pump: £18,000-£27,000+
Higher installation costs for older buildings due to upgrades
Gas Boiler Costs
Typically £1,500-£3,500 depending on system type
Minimal changes required for most homes
Running Costs
Heat pumps can be cheaper to run than gas boilers if the property is insulated well and the system is correctly designed. They use electricity but for every 1kW of electricity they can generate 3-4kW of heat.
Heat pumps are one of the cleanest heating technologies available, producing dramatically fewer emissions than gas.
Well-designed heat pump systems can significantly reduce yearly energy bills, especially in new builds or upgraded properties.
While incentives change over time, schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) have provided thousands of pounds toward installation. There are also commercial incentives for businesses transitioning to low-carbon heating.
Heat pumps often last 20-25 years, compared to around 10-15 years for gas boilers.
Some air source heat pump systems offer cooling during summer, giving you heating and air conditioning in one.
The biggest advantage of gas boilers is affordability. Installation costs are significantly lower than heat pumps.
Boilers deliver higher-temperature heat, making them ideal for:
Older properties
Stone-built homes
Poorly insulated buildings
Radiators heat up quickly, which some homeowners prefer.
The answer depends entirely on your property:
Choose a heat pump if:
Your home is modern, well insulated or has underfloor heating
You’re planning a new build or major renovation
You want low-carbon, energy-efficient heating
You want long-term bill savings
Choose a gas boiler if:
Your home is older or poorly insulated
You want the lowest upfront cost
You are not ready to upgrade heating distribution systems
As installers of both technologies, Chillaire can assess your property and recommend the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
At Chillaire, we supply, install and maintain:
Gas Boilers
Hybrid heating systems
If you’re unsure which system is right for you, our expert engineers can survey your property, assess insulation levels and provide a tailored recommendation based on cost, performance and comfort.
For heat pump or gas heating installations in Coventry, Leicester and across the Midlands, contact us today for a free quote.
Powrmatic / Combat / Winterwarm – Gas Fired Warm Air Heating
Gas fired warm air heating is a cost effective way of heating large spaces such warehouses or distributions centres or showrooms or similar.
The latest gas fired heaters manufactured by Combat / Winterwarm or Powrmatic are modern energy efficient and highly reliable and ideal for commercial / industrial premises and work by forcing warm air around the building. These heaters are most often used in commercial properties and public spaces such as retail outlets, sports halls, distribution centres, warehouse storage facilities, production areas and sports halls and are known to improve energy efficiency when compared to other systems. Additional installation costs are easily absorbed by long-term savings.
Warm air heating works by pulling cold air from the building and pushing it across a heat exchanger. The cold air is heated via the fan and re-distributed back into the environment until an ambient temperature is achieved. There are a wide variety of fuels to choose from, such as natural gas, LPG, oil, and biofuels, to operate the system. By combining warm air heating with a sophisticated control system, businesses can easily manage the temperature without overheating or getting too cold.
Warm air heating systems can include roof suspended and floor standing cabinet units, making them an extremely versatile choice for industrial and commercial premises.
Powrmatic and Winterwarm have a unique range of gas fired heater range:
Powrmatic recently introduced its new LNVX energy efficient heater range.
Winterwarm has the XR range with stainless steel heat exchangers.
The Combat Compact range is ideal for smaller buildings that may require less heating, particularly when space is at a minimum. Alternatively, for improved energy efficiency, you may want to consider the Combat ECO Condensing Unit Heaters, which are one of the smallest condensing heaters on the market at present.
Combat have been manufacturing heating products for over 40 years and have an extensive knowledge of the commercial and industrial heating sector providing help to find solutions. Combat have a wide range of heating appliances for most applications.
Radiant heating is a cost-effective, reliable method of heating small to very large indoor areas that require a more even spread of heat. The best way to simply describe how infrared radiant heaters work is to compare it to the most reliable known heater – the Sun. The heat energy from the Sun radiates through space and our atmosphere, striking the Earth’s surface and heating it. It is this warmed surface that then heats the air and raises the air temperature.
Due to the versatility of radiant heaters, they are utilised for large spaces such as factory and warehouse heating.
Radiant heating, unlike fan assisted warm air heaters, does not heat the air. It first heats the people and the objects around it, including the floor, which in turn act as secondary heaters, raising the air temperature. The main benefit of radiant heating is the reduced loss of heated air in areas with opening doors and windows.
Unlike warm air heaters which use excessive energy to heat the building’s atmosphere, once a door has been opened, objects heated by radiant heating will continue to stay warm. For industrial and commercial buildings such as distribution centres or warehouses that often have large doors open to cater for deliveries, radiant heating is the most cost-effective solution for maintaining suitable working temperatures.
Combat Heating Solutions understands the importance of energy efficiency in the workplace. Reliable heating systems that can be automatically controlled while reducing energy consumption, is essential for most business owners and landlords. Industrial heating systems work in some of the toughest conditions and are required to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
That’s why to provide energy saving Combat controls and destratification fans complement their new industrial heater range. Combat energy-saving destratification fans improve the efficiency of the heater by keeping valuable warm air down at working level, thus reducing heat loss through the roof structure. The Energy Efficient NRG Controller maximises fuel efficiency through self-learning optimisation, which could save you money on your energy bills.
Call Chillaire Limited today to assist you with your commercial or industrial heating environment or application requirement. From initial site survey, design, supply, installation, warranty and future planned maintenance with 24 hour service.
Local Chillaire Industrial / Commercial Heating Centres: Rugby: 01788 669164 / Leamington Spa & Warwick: 01926 825681 / Stratford upon Avon: 01789 273289 / Banbury: 01295 207682 / Redditch: 01527 531275 and Leicester: 0116 202 5094
Other Local Offices:
We have offices throughout central England:
Email Address: sales@chillaire.co.uk / service@chillaire.co.uk Website: www.chillaire.co.uk
Winterwarm have been provide heating solutions for industrial and commercial environments & applications. Warm air heating systems are both cost effective and comfortable, providing a pleasant working environment at reasonable cost. Whether you are heating a factory, warehouse, workshop, showroom or just about any other building, there is a heating solution from Chillaire Limited using Winterwarm gas fired heating appliances that will meet your needs.
Winterwarm Gas Fired Appliances for Applications such as:
Principles of Winterwarm Heating Systems:
Indirect heating systems differ significantly from other forms of heating (e.g. electric heating, underfloor heating, direct-fired, etc.) in that heat is transferred the space via a heat exchanger within the unit or by radiant tubes. These heating systems tolerate a wide range of working environments (e.g. high levels of solvents or dust) as the combustion is completely self-contained and can be located remotely if required. The range of heating systems includes:
Gas-fired heaters (natural gas or LPG): available as suspended unit heaters, radiant tubes or floor-mounted cabinets
Oil-fired heaters: available as floor-mounted cabinet heaters
Fan coil units: using hot water from conventional boilers, biomass boilers or heat recovery systems
Winterwarm is a leading provider of heating solutions which have various characteristics that benefit customers:
Recent Winterwarm model XR gas fired heater installation in Derby by Chillaire Limited complete with mains gas pipe and mains electrical power supply installation plus controller wiring and set up:
Call Chillaire Limited today to assist you with your commercial or industrial heating environment or application requirement. From initial site survey, design, supply, installation, warranty and future planned maintenance with 24 hour service.
We have offices throughout central England:
Email Address: sales@chillaire.co.uk / service@chillaire.co.uk
After some interesting design challenges, the mechanical ventilation experts, Nuaire, have now launched their new XBOXER Hybrid range. They provide a natural system with fans for mixing warm air when it’s cold and for higher flow rates in hotter weather.
Mixed-mode or hybrid ventilation is a popular solution for schools. It introduces air both naturally and mechanically for better airflow.
Chillaire Limited supplied and installed five Samsung wall heat pump air conditioning systems into a village hall in Dunchurch to provide cooling in summer and heating in winter. The indoor units were interlinked to operate off a single controller with each wall fan coil unit operating off its own internal temperature sensor to provide a more balanced control throughout the hall.
The mode setting for all five systems can only be set in the same mode, this will stop anyone setting the systems so that they are cooling and heating at the same time and working / fighting against each other.
Samsung have a very good range of equipment from air conditioning split type systems to air conditioning multi systems and air conditioning VRF systems all are heat pump reverse cycle systems.
Fan coil unit options are available as wall, floor, ceiling, ceiling concealed, cassette and ducted.
Warwickshire Office: Unit 1 Veasey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 6RT. Telelhone: 024 7632 0300 or email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk and for more details you can visit our website – www.chillaire.co.uk
You can also call us on our local Rugby phone number: 01788 669164
Leamington & Warwick: 01926 825681
Warwickshire Area: 01789 279289
Coventry & West Midlands Area: 024 7624 9440
Leicester & Leicestershire Area: 0116 202 9054
Northamptonshire: Northampton 01604 269540 or Kettering: 01536 386046
Powrmatic LNVx ErP Warm Air Suspended Gas Unit Heater is ErP compliant and benefits from a redesign throughout its entire construction, performance and aesthetics including the new RAL 7015 colour scheme.
It has easy access control panel and has been designed with engineers in mind. The hinged control panel allows easy access to the burner compartment during installation and servicing. The new ‘Plug & Play’ control panel allows for quick and trouble free wiring connections.
Reduced NOx, the advanced LNVx is ergonomically designed with low NOx levels which provides efficient and cost effective heating solutions for any industrial and commercial properties whilst built with heating engineers in mind.
The new Powrmatic LNVX heater is more economical to run compared to the conventional range still offered by Powrmatic, such as the NVX range which is still though a superb heater.
Powrmatic new energy efficient LNVX heater range now available for installations into warehouses, factories, distribution centres, workshops, garages, halls, sports halls, gyms and many more applications / environments.
Call the Coventry gas heating centre – Chillaire Limited 16 Lythalls Lane, Holbrooks, Coventry, CV6 FG / Tel: 024 7624 9440 or Email: sales@chillaire.co.uk
Freephone; 0800 092 9898 / www.chillaire.co.uk
Air Conditioning Heat Pump & Gas Heating solutions and installations in Coventry, Hinckley, Leamington Spa, Rugby, Solihull, Daventry, Crick, Warwick, Stratford upon Avon, Redditch, Alcester, Bromsgrove, Leicester, Coalville, Loughborough, Derby, Nottingham, Kettering, Lutterworth, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bedford, Banbury, Brackley, Corby, Wellingborough, Tamworth, Birmingham, Cannock, Stafford, Stoke on Trent, Walsall, Worcester, Kidderminster, Telford, Stourbridge, Evesham, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, West Midlands, East Midlands, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire
Warm air heating is designed to replace traditional gas water-heating systems within commercial & industrial premises and works by forcing warm air around the building. These heaters are used in commercial properties and public spaces such as retail outlets and sports halls and are known to improve energy efficiency when compared to other systems.
Warm air heaters work by pulling cold air from the building and pushing it across a heat exchanger. The cold air is heated across the heater exchanger via a fan and re-distributed back into the environment until the required temperature is achieved. The heaters can operate on a variety of fuels from natural gas, LPG, oil, and biofuels. By combining a warm air heater with a sophisticated control system, businesses can easily manage the temperature without overheating or getting too cold.
Warm air heating systems come in a range of options such as roof suspended and floor standing units, making them an extremely versatile choice for industrial and commercial premises. The Combat Compact range is ideal for smaller buildings that may require less heating, particularly when space is at a minimum. Alternatively, for improved energy efficiency, you may want to consider the Combat ECO Condensing Unit Heaters, which are the smallest condensing heaters on the market at present.
The Combat extensive knowledge of the commercial and industrial heating sector helps find solutions to suit most requirements.
Combat ELG and ELO Cabinet Warm Air Unit Heaters
Combat ELUA Suspended Warm Air Unit Heaters
Combat Elite Suspended Warm Air Unit Heaters
Combat ECO Condensing Warm Air Unit Heater
Radiant heating is a cost-effective, reliable method of heating indoor areas that require a more even spread of heat, they are designed to provide localised heat. The best way to describe how infrared radiant heaters work is to compare one to the most reliable known heater – the Sun. The heat energy from the Sun radiates heat through space and our atmosphere, striking the Earth’s surface and heating it. It is this warmed surface that then heats the air and raises the air temperature. This one of the main reasons, radiant heating is a popular choice when considering garden centre or greenhouse heating. Due to the versatility of radiant heaters, they are also utilised for factory and warehouse heating.
Radiant heating, unlike warm air heating, doesn’t heat the air. It first heats the people and the objects around it, including the floor, which in turn acts as secondary heating, raising the air temperature. The main benefit of radiant heating is the reduced loss of heated air in areas with open doors and windows. Unlike warm air heaters which must use excessive energy to heat the building’s atmosphere once a door has been opened, objects heated by radiant heating will continue to stay warm. For industrial and commercial buildings such as distribution centres or warehouses that often have large doors open to cater for deliveries, radiant heating is the most cost-effective solution for maintaining suitable working temperatures.
Combat area one of the leading providers of infrared heaters, with extensive experience of implementing systems across a wide range of industries and environments. Models Available:
Combat CoRayVac
Complete Linear and U-Tubes
Combat NRG Controller
For gas fired heater requirements for new sales contact Chillaire Limited for a free survey and no obligation quotations. Contact our heating call centres at Coventry, West Midlands, Leicester, Leicestershire or Northampton, Northamptonshire.
Northampton Industrial Heating Centre: Chillaire Limited, Moulton Park Business Centre, Redhouse Road, Moulton Park, Northamptonshire, NN3 6AQ – Tel: 01604 269540 or email sales@chillaire.co.uk and you can visit our website for further details: www.chillaire.co.uk
Industrial & Commercial Heating Centre Serving: Rugby: 01788 669164 / Kettering: 01536 384046 / Daventry: 01295 207682 / Wellingborough: 01604 269540 / Rushden: 01604 269540
Coventry Industrial Heating Centre: Chillaire Limited, 16 Lythalls Lane, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6FG / Tel: 024 7624 9440 or email sales@chillaire.co.uk and you can visit our website for further details: www.chillaire.co.uk
Local Chillaire Industrial / Commercial Heating Centres: Rugby: 01788 669164 / Leamington Spa & Warwick: 01926 825681 / Stratford upon Avon: 01789 273289 / Banbury: 01295 207682 / Redditch: 01527 531275 and Leicester: 0116 202 5094
Powrmatic LNVx has now been launched! This is a suspended warm air heater which combines form, function and ErP compliance to create Powrmatic’s most advanced unit heater to date. Building on the popular features of the successful NVx range, the LNVx meets new NOx criteria as well as the minimum seasonal efficiencies that are now required, whilst also incorporating a number of new features designed to make the installation more easy for companies such as us Chillaire Ltd.
The new Powrmatic LNVx gas fired heater models are available in high-fire outputs from 14.5kW to 137kW (low fire from 8.6-93.3kW), the optimised design of the units makes it easy for specifiers and installers to match outputs and airflow characteristics to a wide variety of applications.
Multi in-shot burners are matched to each robust tube assembly all manifolds linked to a common gas valve and ignition system and complete with flame monitoring and safety controls. Natural gas burners are supplied as standard, with LPG as an option.
Another new feature provided is the ‘plug & play’ control panel, which enables any installer quick and trouble-free wiring connections on site. The new designed internal hinged, swing out control panel also allows quick and simple access to the burner compartment during installation and servicing.
Models available include axial fan crossflow, down flow and bi-directional units, as well as centrifugal close-coupled fan units and ducted no-fan units. Low noise levels are assured by the use of anti-vibration mounts as standard on the axial fans.
The Powrmatic LNVx shell has been re-designed with more folds to increase strength throughout. LNVx models also feature a more compact design than their predecessors, allowing for installation in smaller spaces if required.
For gas fired heater requirements contact Chillaire Limited for a free survey and no obligation quotations. Contact our heating call centres at Coventry, West Midlands, Leicester, Leicestershire or Northampton, Northamptonshire.
Coventry Industrial Heating Centre: Chillaire Limited, 16 Lythalls Lane, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6FG / Tel: 024 7624 9440 or email sales@chillaire.co.uk and you can visit our website for further details: www.chillaire.co.uk
Chillaire Limited continue to supply Sanyo spares and providing replacement parts / systems for Sanyo air conditioning systems with replacement Panasonic spares / systems.
Sanyo which had been going since 1958 was merged and bought out by Panasonic air conditioning systems. The product ranges of Sanyo and Panasonic were merged under the Panasonic logo and the Sanyo name ceased to be an active brand, at least in air conditioning.
Over time virtually all of the Sanyo RAC products and all of the Sanyo residential air to water range were replaced by Panasonics RAC and Aquarea ranges.
Sanyo air conditioning commercial products had already been launched into Panasonic range,starting with ECOi electric VRF which replaced the previous Urban Multi UM4 range in its entirety and running alongside Panasonics own FS-Multi simplified VRF range . A new Panasonic branded Elite PACi and GHP range followed, with Elite PACi being run in parallel with Panasonics own FS range.
Panasonic FS and FS-Multi ranges have been discontinued in the UK and the entire Panasonic commercial air conditioning and heating ranges are now based upon what was Sanyo’s PACi, ECOi and ECOG products.
Supporting the old Sanyo versions of these products is easy because the electronics are virtually identical.
Chillaire Limited have been supporting existing customers with Sanyo air conditioning systems already installed over the past 10 to 15 years. Chillaire Limited have, and continue to source and supply spares, technical support and replacement Panasonic equipment.
Chillaire Limited have when required attended customer sites with Panasonic (Sanyo) to assist with modification and repair of old Sanyo systems.
Chillaire with the support of Panasonic have access to Sanyo technical information. We recognise existing Sanyo model references. We can anyone who has Sanyo wall / cassette / ducted split systems, Sanyo multi split systems, Sanyo VRF systems or Sanyo chiller units
If you have Sanyo equipment on site and require any assistance, breakdowns, repairs or replacement please call Chillaire Limited on Coventry area 024 76320300, Northampton area 01604 269540, Leicester area 0116 2025094, Kettering & Peterborough area 01536 384046, Banbury area 01295 207682, Redditch area 01527 531275, Derby area 01332 561729 and Milton Keynes & Bedford area on 01908 483585. You can email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk or service@chillaire.co.uk for more information on air conditioning, heat pumps, gas fired heating, chiller units, VRV / VRF systems, ventilation, heat recovery, humidification and dehumidification systems visit our website www.chillaire.co.uk
Panasonic & Sanyo Air Conditioning System Brands
Sanyo air conditioning were taken over by Panasonic air conditioning a few years ago, and have slowly phased out the Sanyo brand and are no longer supplying the Sanyo air conditioning branded range as Sanyo, but instead as Panasonic.
Any new spare parts for existing Sanyo systems come with the Panasonic logo / branding. Existing customer sites with existing Sanyo systems, where we have had to replace the whole indoor or outdoor unit due to faults, as they are sometimes compatible, can lead to having both Sanyo & Panasonic brand names on the same air conditioning split system, which can sometimes cause confusion. We usually install a label on the indoor or outdoor unit to clarify what has happened.
The good news for all customer with existing Sanyo equipment is that getting hold of Sanyo spare parts has not been an issue for Chillaire Limited. We can obtain spares through Panasonic or due to our knowledge of the air conditioning industry through our network of ex Sanyo suppliers. Chillaire Limited has a good relationship with the Panasonic technical department, who have ex-Sanyo staff with good Sanyo equipment knowledge to assist our engineers, even though our engineers have good knowledge on the Sanyo brand.
Chillaire Limited will continue to offer technical support and repair of Sanyo systems, for the foreseeable future. Our engineers have years of experience working on Sanyo split air conditioning and VRF systems. We will also continue to offer support for the Sanyo rooftop units, packaged units, chillers, close control air conditioning systems and their gas fired air conditioning systems.
Panasonic can offer a like for like replacement air conditioning systems for existing Sanyo air conditioning systems that may require upgrading or replacing, which they are able to do with relative ease and quickly. You also have the option to consider alternative brands, which Chillaire Limited can offer, such as Hitachi / Daikin / Fujitsu / Mitsubishi / Samsung / LG matching existing Sanyo air conditioning system capacities, types of equipment and design.
If you have a Sanyo system that you are having problems with and you require assistance, feel free to contact us on 024 7632 0300
024 7632 0300 or by email: service@chillaire.co.uk.
National regional numbers are available on our website: www.chillaire.co.uk
You can also call us on our National Freephone Number: 0800 092 98980800 092 9898 FREE
