Energy
Is my home ready for a heat pump?
Short answer
Often yes, if the home is reasonably insulated and stays warm enough with low water temperatures (45 to 55 °C). Heat pumps are 3 to 5 times more efficient than gas boilers.
Explanation
A heat pump takes heat from outdoor air, the ground or water. It works best at low flow temperatures. Conventional central heating works at 60 to 80 °C. Many homes need no major renovation; large radiators may already be enough.
Rules of thumb
- Modern heat pumps are 3 to 5 times more efficient than gas boilers. [SW-S16]
- Flow temperature: at most 45–55 °C. [SW-S46]
- Insulation: at least 8–12 cm of roof and floor insulation (Rc 2.5 or more) and HR++ glass. [SW-S46]
- Dutch cost indication: about € 12 000 (air) to € 30 000 (ground), before subsidy. [SW-S46]
- CO2 emissions from heating fall by about 60 to 70 % compared with a gas boiler. [SW-S46]
Pitfalls
- A heat pump in a poorly insulated house often runs at high temperature and loses efficiency. [SW-S46]
- Noise from the outdoor unit: choose the location in advance (see the noise item). [SW-S16]
By region
- Belgium
- Grants and EPB conditions per region; see Mijn VerbouwPremie (Flanders), Wallonie énergie or Renolution (Brussels). (practical tip, not a source value)
- Netherlands
- ISDE subsidy via RVO. [SW-S46]
Search terms
These search terms are in Dutch; only terms that also find a topic in English are links.
warmtepomp lagetemperatuurverwarming isolatie radiatoren
Read also
- How do I heat efficiently with a heat pump?
- How much noise may a heat pump make for the neighbours?
- What should I insulate first?
General information, not personal advice. Check the source and reference date.
Sources
- SW-S16 5 things you should know about heat pumps — Europese Commissie, DG Energie (Reference date 2026-09-27)
- SW-S46 Volledig elektrische warmtepomp: alle info — Milieu Centraal (Reference date 2026-09-27)
Reference date: 2026-09-27 · Translated with AI from the Dutch original.