Heat Pump Costs 2026: Purchase, Installation and Savings

More and more Dutch households are considering switching to sustainable heating, and the heat pump plays a major role in this. But the costs are often the first question: what will you pay for a heat pump in 2026, which factors determine the price, and what are the ultimate benefits? Below, we list the purchase, installation, subsidies, and payback period.

The initial investment may seem substantial at first glance. However, it is wiser to view a heat pump as a long-term investment — in lower energy costs, increased comfort, and reduced CO2 emissions — rather than a standalone expense.

The purchase price in 2026: hybrid vs. fully electric

The purchase price of a heat pump varies widely, mainly depending on the type you choose. For most Dutch households, two variants are relevant: the hybrid heat pump and the fully electric air-to-water heat pump.

Hybrid heat pump

A hybrid heat pump works in conjunction with your existing central heating boiler. The heat pump handles most of the heating; the central heating boiler only kicks in on the coldest days and for hot water. It is often a good first step, especially for homes that are not yet optimally insulated. Costs are typically lower than for a fully electric system.

• Price indication (device only, excluding installation): expect to pay €4,000 to €7,000 in 2026, depending on capacity and brand.

Fully electric (air-to-water) heat pump

An air-to-water heat pump completely replaces your central heating boiler. The system extracts heat from the outside air for both heating and tap water. This does require a well-insulated home and a heat distribution system suitable for low temperatures, such as underfloor heating or low-temperature radiators. The purchase price is higher, but the gas savings are maximised.

• Price indication (device only, excluding installation): in 2026, expect to pay €8,000 to €15,000, depending on capacity, brand, and extras such as an integrated hot water cylinder.

Other contributing factors include the device’s energy label, noise production, and smart features.

Installation Costs: a significant part of the total price

The purchase is only part of the story. Installation is at least as important and accounts for a significant portion of the total investment. Furthermore, professional installation is crucial for the efficiency and lifespan of your heat pump.

What influences installation costs?

• Type of heat pump: installing a hybrid system is generally simpler and faster. The central heating boiler usually remains in place, whereas with a fully electric variant, the boiler is removed, and sometimes adjustments to the pipework or the meter cupboard are necessary.
• Complexity: Is there space for the outdoor unit? Do pipes need to be relocated? Is the heat distribution system (radiators, underfloor heating) suitable? Sometimes a heavier connection is required (from 1-phase to 3-phase).
• Preparatory work: consider drilling holes, a foundation for the outdoor unit, or installing a buffer tank.
• Labour costs: these vary by company and region. Request quotes from certified installers with heat pump experience.

Installation price indication: expect to pay €2,500 to €5,000 for a hybrid system and €3,500 to €7,500 for a fully electric air-to-water heat pump, including materials, labour hours, and commissioning.

Always request at least three quotes. This will give you a realistic picture of the costs for your situation and allow you to compare prices and service.

The ISDE subsidy in 2026

An important factor that reduces the net price is the ISDE subsidy (Investment Subsidy for Sustainable Energy and Energy Saving). This national scheme makes investments in, among other things, heat pumps more attractive and runs until 31 December 2030.

The amount depends on the type of heat pump, its thermal capacity, and energy efficiency. The subsidy consists of a base amount (in 2026, €1,025) plus an amount per kilowatt of capacity (from €225 per kW), possibly supplemented by an energy label bonus of €200 for an A+++ device. For example, a 4 kW hybrid heat pump with an A+++ label would receive around €2,125. You will always receive a minimum of €500. For more powerful fully electric heat pumps, the subsidy amount can increase to over €4,000. The exact amounts per device are listed on the RVO meldcodelijst.

Please note — change in 2026: for split air-to-water heat pumps with a refrigerant charge weight under 3 kilograms AND a GWP higher than 750, you will no longer receive a subsidy from 2026 onwards. So, check whether your device is still eligible.

Conditions for the ISDE subsidy in 2026

• The heat pump must be installed by a specialist company (i.e., not self-installed).
• The device must be new and meet the technical requirements on the RVO apparatenlijst.
• You apply for the subsidy after installation, and within 3 months of the installation date. For example, if a heat pump is installed on 15 March 2026, the latest application date is 15 June 2026 — after this, RVO will automatically reject the application.
• The heat pump must be owned by the applicant.

With the ISDE subsidy, the net costs fall significantly. Always check the current conditions and amounts on RVO.nl. Often, you can combine the heat pump subsidy with a subsidy for insulation, which makes the entire sustainability effort even more advantageous.

Savings on gas and payback period: the return on your investment

Besides the purchase costs, saving on your energy bill is the most important reason to invest. A heat pump largely runs on electricity, meaning you consume less (hybrid) or no (fully electric) gas.

How much gas do you save?

• Hybrid heat pump: on average 60% to 80% less gas consumption, depending on the outdoor temperature, insulation, and your heating behaviour.
• Fully electric heat pump: no more gas for heating and hot water. You become completely independent of gas and only pay for electricity.

The precise savings depend on current gas and electricity prices, your current consumption, and the device’s efficiency. With gas expected to remain more expensive, the financial benefit is likely to increase over time rather than decrease.

Payback period

The payback period is the time during which your savings equal the net investment (purchase + installation − subsidy). What determines this period:

• Net investment: the lower it is (thanks to subsidy), the shorter the payback period.
• Gas savings: the more gas you save, the faster you recoup the investment.
• Energy prices: higher gas prices and stable or falling electricity prices help.
• Insulation: a well-insulated home requires less heat, so the heat pump operates more efficiently.

On average, the payback period is between 7 and 15 years. That may sound long, but a heat pump lasts 15 to 20 years. After the payback period, you will therefore benefit from low energy costs for many more years. Furthermore, a heat pump improves your energy label, and often the value of your home.

Conclusion: A Smart Investment in 2026

The purchase and installation of a heat pump in 2026 represent a serious investment. However, with the ISDE subsidy and the savings on your gas bill, it is a profitable choice for many households — and you gain a more comfortable, future-proof home with lower CO2 emissions in return.

Delve into the different types, the expected price, and the subsidy possibilities, and make a choice that suits your home and budget.

Ready for the switch to sustainable heating?

• Request quotes from accredited installers in your region for a concrete cost estimate.
• Check the ISDE subsidy on RVO.nl to see what amount you are entitled to.
• Get advice on the type of heat pump that suits your home.