Heat pumps appear to perform as well as gas boilers during periods of cold weather, according to new survey data collected from UK households during a recent winter cold snap.
The findings, based on responses from more than 1,800 households, indicate that users of electric heat pumps reported similar – and in some cases higher – satisfaction levels compared with those relying on gas boilers, particularly in relation to overall comfort and running costs.
Heating performance during cold weather
When asked about warmth during cold conditions, 85% of heat pump users said they were satisfied with their system’s performance, compared with 80% of gas boiler users.
Overall satisfaction with heating systems during the cold snap was also higher among households with heat pumps, with 89% reporting satisfaction, compared with 78% of gas boiler users.
The results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that modern heat pump systems are capable of maintaining indoor comfort even during periods of low outdoor temperatures.
Running cost perceptions
Differences were most pronounced when respondents were asked about running costs. Around 66% of heat pump users said they were satisfied with the cost of running their heating system, compared with 43% of households using gas boilers.
Energy analysts note that running costs can vary significantly depending on insulation levels, system design and electricity tariffs, but the findings suggest that perceptions of heat pump affordability are improving.
Challenging common assumptions
Heat pumps have often been criticised for struggling in cold weather or becoming expensive to operate during winter months. However, the survey results challenge these assumptions, indicating that customer experience during cold snaps is broadly comparable to – and in some areas better than – that of conventional gas heating.
As the UK continues to decarbonise home heating in line with net zero targets, real-world performance data is increasingly important in shaping consumer confidence and policy decisions.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy Group, said the findings reflect advances in heat pump technology and system design:
“There is a persistent concern that heat pumps cannot cope when temperatures drop, but customer data consistently shows that modern systems are delivering reliable warmth even during cold spells.”
Implications for heat decarbonisation
The UK government has identified heat pumps as a central technology in reducing emissions from buildings, which currently account for a significant share of national carbon output. Evidence on performance, comfort and cost will play a key role in supporting wider adoption.
While further independent analysis is needed across a wider range of housing types, the latest survey suggests that cold weather performance may no longer be a major barrier to heat pump deployment.
