A heat pump is the most effective way to move off natural gas and cut your heating costs significantly. But which type suits your home, what does it cost, and how much subsidy can you get? This guide explains the choices — from a hybrid heat pump that supports your existing boiler to a fully electric system — so you can make an informed decision.

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump extracts warmth from the outside air (or ground) and uses it to heat your home and water. It consumes electricity, but delivers several units of heat per unit of power — making it far more efficient than a gas boiler. A hybrid heat pump combines this with your existing boiler for the coldest days; an all-electric system replaces gas entirely.

Hybrid or fully electric?

For many existing homes a hybrid heat pump is the logical first step: lower investment, no major renovation, and still up to 60-70% less gas use. Well-insulated homes can often go fully electric straight away. We help you choose in hybrid vs. all-electric: what is the best choice for you?.

Costs and the ISDE subsidy

A hybrid heat pump costs €4,000 to €6,000 on average, but the ISDE scheme refunds a substantial part — often €2,500 or more. Extra budget has been made available for 2026; read the details in the ISDE subsidy update for heat pumps. For a full overview of schemes, see our energy subsidies guide.

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