Why Switch Now? Making the Move from Oil or LPG to a Heat Pump

If your home still relies on oil or LPG, now could be the right time to consider switching to a heat pump.

With energy prices remaining unpredictable and growing pressure to reduce emissions, more households are looking at alternatives to traditional fossil fuel heating. A heat pump offers a long-term option that can help improve efficiency and reduce reliance on volatile fuel markets.

Cut your reliance on fossil fuels

Oil and LPG prices are currently highly unpredictable due to the ongoing global situation, leaving many households exposed to sudden spikes in energy costs. For homes that rely on delivered fuels, this uncertainty can make it difficult to budget and plan ahead.

By switching to a heat pump, you move away from fossil fuels and towards electricity, opening the door to a more stable and potentially lower-cost energy source over time.

Lower your running costs

Heat pumps are more efficient than traditional gas, oil or LPG boilers, and that’s down to how they work.

Instead of burning fuel to generate heat, a heat pump transfers heat from the air into your home. This means it can produce more heat energy than the electricity it uses. Heat pumps can deliver 3 - 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity consumed, making them significantly more efficient than boilers, which typically operate at around 90% efficiency.

For households currently using oil or LPG, this improved efficiency can translate into lower running costs over time.

You can read more about heat pumps here: https://www.yourenergyyourway.co.uk/heat-pumps

How switching from oil or LPG to a heat pump can future-proof your heating

The way we heat our homes is changing, but the timing of when to switch isn’t always clear-cut.

Energy prices are already volatile, and the longer-term outlook remains uncertain. At the same time, policy and support are evolving, such as the proposed increase to the BUS grant for oil and LPG homes, which is expected to come into force in July 2026.

For many households, that creates a natural question: act now or wait?

Rather than trying to predict the perfect moment, there’s real value in being prepared. Understanding what’s involved in switching to a heat pump, whether that’s assessing your home, improving insulation, or exploring system options, means you’re in a much stronger position to move forward when the timing feels right.

Whether you decide to act now or wait for further clarity, taking those early steps can help ensure you’re ready to make a confident, well-informed decision.

Reduce your home’s emissions

Heating is one of the biggest contributors to household carbon emissions. Moving from oil or LPG to a heat pump can significantly reduce your home’s environmental impact.

Because heat pumps run on electricity rather than burning fuel, they produce no direct emissions at the point of use. As the UK electricity grid continues to decarbonise, the overall carbon footprint of heat pumps is expected to fall even further.

Take advantage of available support

There’s also a growing level of financial support available to help with the upfront cost of switching.

Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), homeowners can currently access a £7,500 grant towards a heat pump installation. A proposed increase could see this rise to £9,000 for oil and LPG homes, making the transition even more affordable in the near future. You can read more about that here.

Is now the right time?

Switching to a heat pump isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision.

For many oil and LPG households, the combination of improved efficiency, lower reliance on fossil fuels and increasing support is making the option more appealing. Whether you choose to act now or take time to prepare, understanding your options is a good place to start.

Explore your options

If you’d like to explore whether a heat pump is right for your home, you can book a Discovery call with our team or complete our online questionnaire to get tailored insights based on your property.

FAQs

Are heat pumps cheaper to run than oil or LPG boilers?

Heat pumps are typically cheaper to run than oil or LPG systems because they are much more efficient, often producing three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity used. However, the exact savings will depend on factors like your home’s insulation, the system design and your electricity tariff.

Do I need to upgrade my home before installing a heat pump?

Not always, but some homes may benefit from improvements like better insulation or larger radiators to get the best performance from a heat pump.

Is there financial support available for heat pumps?

Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) currently offers a £7,500 grant towards installation, with a proposed increase to £9,000 for oil and LPG homes expected in July 2026.

How do I know if a heat pump is right for my home?

The best way is to assess your property and heating needs. Booking a Discovery call or completing an online questionnaire can help you understand your options.