Electric vs Gas Heating: Should You Switch to Electric Heating in 2026?

The debate around electric heating vs gas has moved from a niche interest for eco-conscious homeowners to a mainstream conversation affecting every household in the UK. With rising energy costs, tightening carbon targets, and generous government grants still available, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for anyone weighing up whether to switch to electric heating.

But is now actually the right time? The honest answer is: it depends on your property, your budget, and your priorities. Gas central heating still works well for millions of homes. Electric alternatives, particularly air source heat pumps, have become dramatically more attractive over the past two years. The gap is narrowing fast.

This guide provides a balanced, practical comparison of electric and gas heating in 2026. We cover the costs, the technology, the grants, and the electrical requirements so you can make an informed decision for your home in Eastbourne, Brighton, or anywhere across East Sussex.

UK Net Zero Targets and the Gas Boiler Ban

The UK government has committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Heating accounts for roughly 14% of the UK's total carbon output, making the decarbonisation of home heating a central part of that strategy.

What has already changed

From 2025, new-build homes in England are no longer permitted to install gas boilers under the Future Homes Standard. All new properties must use low-carbon heating systems, typically heat pumps. This is not a future proposal -- it is already in effect.

What about existing homes?

If you currently have a gas boiler, nobody is forcing you to rip it out. There is no ban on replacing a broken gas boiler with a new one. The government's position is that existing homeowners will transition to low-carbon heating gradually, supported by incentives rather than mandates.

However, the direction of travel is clear:

• Gas boiler sales will be phased down over the next decade through a combination of regulation and market forces
• Hydrogen-ready boilers were once touted as a bridge solution, but the government has scaled back hydrogen heating trials, making electric the primary alternative
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements are tightening for rental properties and will likely affect sale properties in the coming years
• Carbon pricing may eventually make gas more expensive relative to electricity

The timeline

There is no confirmed date for banning gas boiler replacements in existing homes. Government consultations have suggested the mid-2030s as a likely window, but nothing is legislated. What is certain is that every year, electric heating technology improves, costs fall, and the financial case strengthens.

Electric Heating Options in 2026

Electric heating is not a single technology. There are several options, each suited to different properties and budgets.

Air source heat pumps

The most efficient electric heating option. Heat pumps extract warmth from outdoor air and amplify it using a refrigeration cycle. They deliver 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed, making them the clear leader for whole-house heating.

• Best for: Well-insulated homes needing a full heating system
• Typical cost: £7,000--£14,000 installed (before grants)
• Running cost: Comparable to or lower than gas

Storage heaters (Economy 7/10)

Storage heaters charge overnight using cheaper off-peak electricity and release heat during the day. Modern models with fan-assisted output and electronic controls are a significant improvement over the bulky units of the 1990s.

• Best for: Properties without gas supply, flats, single rooms
• Typical cost: £400--£800 per unit installed
• Running cost: Higher than heat pumps, lower than standard-rate electric radiators

Electric radiators

Modern electric radiators are slim, responsive, and individually controllable. They convert electricity directly to heat at close to 100% efficiency, but because they lack the multiplier effect of heat pumps, they cost more to run.

• Best for: Supplementary heating, extensions, rooms not served by central heating
• Typical cost: £500--£1,500 per room installed
• Running cost: Higher than gas or heat pumps for whole-house heating

Infrared heating panels

Infrared panels heat objects and surfaces directly rather than warming the air. They are thin, can be wall or ceiling mounted, and some double as mirrors or artwork. They work well in well-insulated, smaller spaces.

• Best for: Bathrooms, home offices, supplementary heating
• Typical cost: £300--£600 per room
• Running cost: Moderate -- efficient in small, well-insulated spaces

Electric underfloor heating

Electric underfloor heating uses thin heating mats or cables beneath the floor surface. It provides even, comfortable warmth and frees up wall space. It is most commonly installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and extensions.

• Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, new extensions, renovations
• Typical cost: £75--£100 per square metre installed
• Running cost: Moderate -- works best with good insulation and smart controls

Hybrid systems

A hybrid system pairs a heat pump with an existing gas boiler or electric backup. The heat pump handles most of the heating load, with the boiler kicking in during extreme cold snaps. This can be a pragmatic middle ground for older, less well-insulated properties.

• Best for: Homes not yet ready for full heat pump reliance
• Typical cost: £8,000--£16,000 installed
• Running cost: Lower than gas-only, slightly higher than heat pump-only

Air Source Heat Pumps Explained

Air source heat pumps deserve a deeper look because they represent the strongest long-term alternative to gas boilers.

How they work

An air source heat pump works on the same principle as a refrigerator, but in reverse. It absorbs heat energy from outdoor air -- even when temperatures are below freezing -- and uses a compressor to concentrate that heat before distributing it through your heating system.

The key components are:

1. Outdoor unit -- contains a fan that draws air across an evaporator coil
2. Refrigerant cycle -- absorbs heat at low temperature, compresses it to a higher temperature
3. Indoor unit -- transfers the concentrated heat to your central heating circuit
4. Controls -- smart thermostat and weather compensation to optimise efficiency

Efficiency: the 300-400% advantage

This is the single most important number in the electric vs gas debate. A modern air source heat pump operates at 300-400% efficiency (known as a Coefficient of Performance, or COP, of 3 to 4). For every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, the heat pump delivers 3 to 4 kWh of usable heat.

By comparison, even the best gas boilers operate at around 90-94% efficiency. A heat pump effectively triples or quadruples the value of every unit of electricity.

Property suitability

Heat pumps work best in properties that are:

• Well insulated -- good loft insulation (at least 270mm), cavity wall insulation, double or triple glazing
• Appropriately sized -- the system must be correctly designed for the heat loss of the property
• Equipped with suitable emitters -- larger radiators or underfloor heating distribute heat most effectively at the lower flow temperatures heat pumps prefer

Older, poorly insulated properties can still use heat pumps, but may need insulation improvements first for optimal results.

Space and noise

The outdoor unit is roughly the size of a large suitcase and sits on a flat base outside your property. It needs clear airflow around it and should not be enclosed. Modern units are significantly quieter than early models -- typically 40-45 decibels at one metre, comparable to a quiet conversation.

Planning permission is not usually required under permitted development rights, provided the unit meets size and noise thresholds and is not installed on a listed building or in a conservation area without approval.

Cold weather performance

A common concern: do heat pumps work when it is cold? Yes. Modern heat pumps are rated to operate efficiently down to -15 degrees Celsius or lower. The UK rarely experiences sustained temperatures below -5 degrees Celsius. Scandinavian countries, where temperatures regularly drop to -20 degrees Celsius, use heat pumps extensively.

Efficiency does decrease as temperatures drop, but even at 0 degrees Celsius, a well-specified heat pump will typically achieve a COP of 2.5 to 3, still far more efficient than direct electric heating.

Running Cost Comparison: Electric vs Gas

This is the question most homeowners ask first: what will it actually cost to heat my home?

2026 energy prices

As of early 2026, typical domestic energy prices under the Ofgem price cap are approximately:

• Gas: 6--7p per kWh
• Electricity: 24--28p per kWh (standard rate)
• Electricity: 7--12p per kWh (overnight/off-peak tariffs such as Octopus Go)

At face value, electricity costs roughly four times as much as gas per unit. But this comparison is misleading because it ignores efficiency.

The real comparison: cost per unit of usable heat

Heating System	Fuel Cost per kWh	System Efficiency	Effective Cost per kWh of Heat
Gas boiler	6--7p	90%	6.7--7.8p
Air source heat pump (standard tariff)	24--28p	300--400%	6--9.3p
Air source heat pump (off-peak tariff)	7--12p	300--400%	1.8--4p
Electric radiator	24--28p	100%	24--28p
Storage heater (off-peak)	7--12p	100%	7--12p

The critical insight: an air source heat pump on a standard electricity tariff costs roughly the same as gas per unit of usable heat. On an off-peak tariff, it is substantially cheaper.

Annual heating cost estimates

These figures are based on typical annual heating demand for properties in the South East of England, assuming reasonable insulation levels.

Property Type	Annual Heat Demand	Gas Boiler Cost	Heat Pump Cost (Standard)	Heat Pump Cost (Off-Peak)
2-bed terraced	8,000 kWh	£530--£620	£480--£620	£140--£270
3-bed semi	12,000 kWh	£800--£930	£720--£930	£210--£400
4-bed detached	18,000 kWh	£1,200--£1,400	£1,080--£1,400	£315--£600

These are estimates. Your actual costs will depend on your property's insulation, your thermostat habits, local climate exposure, and the specific tariff you are on. The key takeaway is that heat pump running costs are broadly competitive with gas now and will likely become cheaper as electricity prices fall relative to gas over the coming decade.

Installation Costs Breakdown

The upfront cost is where gas still has an advantage -- for now.

Heating System	Typical Installation Cost
Air source heat pump (complete system)	£7,000--£14,000
Electric radiators (3-bed house, full set)	£3,000--£7,500
Storage heaters (3-bed house, full set)	£2,400--£4,800
Infrared panels (3-bed house, full set)	£1,800--£3,600
Electric underfloor heating (per room)	£750--£1,500
Gas boiler replacement (like-for-like)	£2,000--£3,500
Hybrid system (heat pump + gas backup)	£8,000--£16,000

The higher upfront cost of a heat pump is the main barrier for most homeowners. However, government grants can dramatically reduce this gap.

Government Incentives: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is the UK government's primary financial incentive for switching to a heat pump.

Current grant value (2026)

The grant provides £7,500 towards the cost of an air source heat pump installation. This figure was increased from £5,000 in late 2024 and has been maintained into 2026.

After applying the grant, the typical out-of-pocket cost for a heat pump installation is £0 to £6,500, depending on the size and complexity of the system. For some smaller installations, the grant covers nearly the entire cost.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you must:

• Own the property (or be a landlord -- social housing is eligible under separate schemes)
• Be replacing a fossil fuel heating system (gas, oil, LPG) or direct electric heating
• Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations (or have addressed them)
• Use an MCS-certified installer for the heat pump installation
• Install the heat pump in England or Wales (Scotland has a separate scheme)

Application process

You do not apply for the grant yourself. The process works as follows:

1. You contact an MCS-certified heat pump installer for a survey and quote
2. The installer designs the system and applies for the BUS voucher on your behalf
3. Ofgem (the scheme administrator) issues a voucher if your property qualifies
4. The installer carries out the work
5. The grant is paid directly to the installer, who deducts it from your invoice

The process typically takes 2--4 weeks from application to voucher issue.

Future of the scheme

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is currently funded until March 2028. The government has indicated a commitment to extending or replacing it with an equivalent programme, but budgets are subject to review. If you are considering a heat pump, the current grant level of £7,500 is historically generous and worth taking advantage of while it is available.

Other incentives

• ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) -- provides insulation and heating improvements for low-income households. Your energy supplier can confirm eligibility.
• Local authority schemes -- some East Sussex councils offer additional grants or interest-free loans for energy efficiency improvements. Check with East Sussex County Council for current programmes.
• Green finance -- several banks and building societies offer preferential loan rates for energy efficiency improvements, including heat pump installations.

When Electric Heating Makes Sense

Electric heating is not the right choice for every home right now. Here is when it is most compelling.

Strong reasons to switch

No mains gas connection. If your property relies on oil, LPG, or direct electric heating, the case for a heat pump is overwhelming. These fuels are more expensive than gas, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant makes the switch financially attractive.

New build or major renovation. If you are building a new home or undertaking a significant renovation, electric heating (typically a heat pump) is the logical choice. New builds are required to install low-carbon heating, and renovations provide the opportunity to improve insulation and install underfloor heating at the same time.

Well-insulated property. Homes with good insulation, modern windows, and minimal draughts are ideal candidates. The heat pump operates at peak efficiency, and running costs will be competitive with or lower than gas.

Solar panels installed or planned. If you generate your own electricity, pairing solar panels with a heat pump is exceptionally cost-effective. The heat pump can run partly or wholly on free solar electricity during daylight hours, and a battery storage system can extend this further.

Environmental priorities. If reducing your carbon footprint is a primary motivation, electric heating powered by increasingly renewable grid electricity is the clearest path. A heat pump typically reduces a home's heating-related carbon emissions by 60--70% compared to a gas boiler.

Long-term cost planning. If you plan to stay in your property for 10+ years, the economics favour a heat pump. Government policy is actively driving up the cost of fossil fuels relative to electricity, and the trend will continue.

When to stick with gas (for now)

Your gas boiler is relatively new. If your boiler is under 5 years old and working well, there is no urgency to replace it. Continue using it, improve your insulation in the meantime, and plan for a heat pump when the boiler reaches end of life.

Your property needs significant insulation work first. A heat pump in a poorly insulated home will work harder, cost more to run, and may not keep you comfortable. Prioritise insulation improvements -- loft, walls, windows, draught-proofing -- then switch heating.

Budget constraints. Even with the £7,500 grant, a heat pump installation can still cost several thousand pounds. If a boiler replacement at £2,000--£3,500 is more manageable, that is a perfectly reasonable decision. The heat pump will still be there when you are ready.

Listed building or conservation area restrictions. Some properties face restrictions on external alterations that may complicate heat pump installation. Check with your local planning authority before committing.

Electrical Requirements for Electric Heating

This is where our expertise as electricians comes into the picture. Switching to electric heating has implications for your home's electrical installation.

Consumer unit capacity

A heat pump typically requires a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit (fuse box). Many older consumer units may not have spare ways available, or may not be equipped with the RCD/RCBO protection that current regulations require.

If your consumer unit needs upgrading, this is an ideal opportunity to bring your entire electrical installation up to current standards. A consumer unit upgrade costs approximately £400--£800 and provides improved safety protection for your whole house.

Main supply adequacy

Most UK homes have a 100A main supply, which is sufficient for a heat pump alongside normal household usage. However, if you also have an EV charger, electric shower, and electric cooker, the combined load may approach the limit of your supply.

We carry out a maximum demand assessment as part of any heat pump electrical survey. If your main supply needs upgrading, this is arranged through UK Power Networks (your distribution network operator) and is typically free of charge, though it may take several weeks to process.

Dedicated circuits

A heat pump installation requires:

• Dedicated power supply to the outdoor unit (typically a 32A circuit)
• Control wiring between the outdoor and indoor units
• Supplementary circuits for any immersion heater backup (if applicable)
• Smart controls wiring for the thermostat and zone valves

All wiring must comply with BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) and Part P of the Building Regulations.

Cost of electrical upgrades

Electrical Work	Typical Cost
Consumer unit upgrade	£400--£800
Dedicated heat pump circuit	£200--£400
Main supply upgrade (via UKPN)	Free (application fee may apply)
Smart thermostat wiring	£100--£200
Total electrical works (typical)	£200--£800

These costs are in addition to the heat pump installation itself. A competent installer will include electrical requirements in their survey and quote. At D J Fox Electrical, we work alongside MCS-certified heat pump installers to ensure the electrical side is handled correctly from the outset.

Part P compliance

All electrical work associated with a heating system installation is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations. This means it must be carried out by a registered electrician (such as an NICEIC-approved contractor) who can self-certify the work and notify Building Control. We handle this as standard -- you will receive a full electrical installation certificate upon completion.

Local Electricians Qualified for Heat Pump Work

Heat pump installation is a multidisciplinary job. The heat pump unit itself must be installed by an MCS-certified installer (this is required for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant). The electrical connections, consumer unit work, and dedicated circuits must be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician.

What DJ Fox Electrical provides

As an NICEIC Approved Contractor and Part P Registered electrician based in Eastbourne, we provide the electrical component of heat pump installations:

• Pre-installation electrical survey -- assessing your consumer unit, main supply, and circuit requirements
• Consumer unit upgrades -- ensuring your fuse box can accommodate the new heat pump circuit
• Dedicated circuit installation -- running the power supply from your consumer unit to the heat pump location
• Control wiring -- connecting smart thermostats, zone valves, and monitoring systems
• Full system electrical design -- working with your chosen MCS installer to plan the complete electrical layout
• Testing and certification -- providing BS 7671 compliant electrical installation certificates
• Part P notification -- handling all Building Regulations paperwork

Our coverage area

We serve homeowners across East Sussex, including:

• Eastbourne -- Old Town, Meads, Upperton, Willingdon, Langney, Hampden Park, Sovereign Harbour
• Brighton and Hove -- Kemp Town, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Patcham, Woodingdean, Hangleton
• Hastings -- St Leonards, Bexhill, Battle
• Lewes -- Ringmer, Barcombe, Plumpton, Ditchling
• Hailsham -- Polegate, Stone Cross, Pevensey, Westham
• Seaford and Newhaven -- Peacehaven, Telscombe Cliffs

Making the Decision: Electric or Gas?

Rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation, here is a practical decision framework.

Switch to a heat pump now if:

• Your current boiler is over 10 years old or failing
• Your property is well insulated (EPC rating C or above)
• You have no mains gas connection (oil, LPG, or direct electric)
• You have or plan to install solar panels
• You want to reduce your carbon footprint
• You can take advantage of the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant
• You plan to stay in the property for 5+ years

Plan for a heat pump in 2--5 years if:

• Your boiler is 5--10 years old and working well
• Your property needs insulation improvements first
• You want to wait for further technology maturity or cost reductions
• Your budget is better suited to a phased approach

Stick with gas for now if:

• Your boiler is under 5 years old
• Your property has significant insulation challenges you cannot address yet
• Budget constraints make even the post-grant cost difficult
• You are planning to move in the next 2--3 years

Consider a hybrid system if:

• Your property is large or poorly insulated
• You want the benefits of a heat pump but need gas backup for the coldest days
• You prefer a gradual transition

Whatever you decide, the most important step is to improve your insulation first. Better insulation reduces your heating demand regardless of the heat source, lowers running costs, improves comfort, and makes any future heat pump installation more effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is electric heating more expensive than gas?

It depends on the technology. Direct electric heating (radiators, fan heaters) is significantly more expensive than gas per unit of heat. However, an air source heat pump produces 3--4 units of heat per unit of electricity, making it broadly comparable to gas on running costs. On off-peak electricity tariffs, a heat pump can be substantially cheaper.

Are heat pumps worth it in 2026?

For many homeowners, yes. The combination of the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, falling technology costs, and rising gas prices makes 2026 one of the most financially attractive years to install a heat pump. The grant alone can cover 50--100% of the installation cost for smaller systems.

Can I get a grant for electric heating?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 towards air source heat pump installation. Other electric heating systems (radiators, storage heaters, infrared panels) are not covered by this scheme, though some may qualify under ECO4 for eligible households. Check with the Energy Saving Trust for the latest guidance.

Do I need to upgrade my electrics for a heat pump?

Possibly. A heat pump requires a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit. If your consumer unit is full, outdated, or lacks RCD protection, a consumer unit upgrade will be needed. Your main supply (typically 100A) is usually sufficient, but we carry out a full assessment to confirm.

Will gas boilers be banned?

New-build homes in England can no longer install gas boilers as of 2025. There is no current ban on replacing gas boilers in existing homes. The government has indicated that restrictions on gas boilers in existing homes are likely from the mid-2030s onwards, but nothing is legislated. For the latest position, see the GOV.UK heat and buildings strategy.

What is the most cost-effective electric heating option?

An air source heat pump, particularly when combined with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant and an off-peak electricity tariff. The upfront cost is higher than other electric options, but the running costs are the lowest by a significant margin due to the 300--400% efficiency advantage.

How long do heat pumps last?

A well-maintained air source heat pump typically lasts 20--25 years, compared to 12--15 years for a gas boiler. The outdoor fan and compressor may need replacement after 15--20 years, but the overall system lifespan is longer than gas. This extended lifespan further improves the long-term economics.

Ready to Assess Your Options?

The shift from gas to electric heating is not a question of if, but when. For some homeowners, 2026 is the ideal year to switch -- the grants are generous, the technology is mature, and the running costs are competitive. For others, a phased approach starting with insulation improvements makes more sense.

Whatever stage you are at, getting your electrical installation assessed is a sensible first step. A heat pump is only as good as the electrical infrastructure supporting it. Whether you need a consumer unit upgrade, an electrical safety certificate, or a full electrical survey ahead of a heat pump installation, D J Fox Electrical can help.

As NICEIC Approved Contractors and Part P Registered electricians, we provide expert electrical assessments and installations for homes across Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings, Lewes, and the whole of East Sussex. We work alongside MCS-certified heat pump installers to ensure the complete system is safe, compliant, and optimised for performance.

Book your free electrical assessment today. Call us on [PLACEHOLDER] or email info@djfoxelectrical.com to discuss your heating plans. We will assess your consumer unit, main supply, and circuit capacity, and advise on exactly what electrical work is needed for your chosen heating system.