What does a heat pump cost in the Netherlands in 2026?
What does a heat pump cost in the Netherlands in 2026?
Moving to the Netherlands or already living here and looking to replace your gas boiler? A heat pump is the most common alternative, and the Dutch government is actively pushing homeowners in that direction through generous subsidies. But what does the whole thing actually cost?
The answer ranges from 4,500 to 30,000 euros including installation, depending on the type of heat pump, your home's insulation, and which installer you hire. That is a wide range. This guide breaks it down so you know exactly what to expect.
Price overview: heat pump costs by type (2026)
Here are the average prices including installation, before subsidies.
| Heat pump type | Unit price | Installation cost | Total installed | ISDE subsidy 2026 | Net cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid heat pump | 2,500 - 5,000 | 1,500 - 3,000 | 4,000 - 8,000 | 2,500 - 3,500 | 1,500 - 5,500 |
| Air-to-water heat pump | 4,000 - 8,000 | 2,500 - 5,000 | 6,500 - 13,000 | 3,000 - 4,500 | 3,500 - 9,500 |
| Ground source heat pump | 8,000 - 14,000 | 7,000 - 16,000 | 15,000 - 30,000 | 4,000 - 5,000 | 11,000 - 26,000 |
| Air-to-air heat pump | 1,500 - 4,000 | 500 - 1,500 | 2,000 - 5,500 | -- | 2,000 - 5,500 |
Source: market averages based on quotes from our network of 623 installers, cross-referenced with data from Milieu Centraal (April 2026).
If you are coming from a country where heat pumps are uncommon, these numbers might seem steep. Keep in mind that the Dutch ISDE subsidy knocks 2,500-5,000 euros off the price, and the annual savings on gas bills typically pay back the remaining investment within 4-8 years.
Hybrid heat pump: the most popular choice
About 60% of heat pumps installed in the Netherlands in 2025-2026 are hybrid systems. A hybrid heat pump works alongside your existing HR boiler (high-efficiency gas boiler). When outdoor temperatures are above 2-5 degrees Celsius, the heat pump does the work. When it drops below that, the gas boiler takes over.
What you pay:
The outdoor unit costs between 2,500 and 5,000 euros. Popular models include the Daikin Altherma Hybrid, Remeha Elga Ace, Quatt (a Dutch brand), and Samsung EHS Mono. Installation runs 1,500 to 3,000 euros, covering placement of the outdoor unit, connection to your existing central heating system, electrical hookup, and commissioning.
Why it is popular:
You do not need to rip out your radiators or install underfloor heating. Your existing boiler stays as backup. The installation takes one day. And the net cost after subsidy can be as low as 1,500 euros. For a typical Dutch row house with energy label C or D, this is the most practical option.
Gas savings: 50-70% reduction. On a typical consumption of 1,500 m3 per year, that translates to savings of 1,050-1,470 euros annually (at the 2026 gas price of approximately 1.40 euros per m3).
For full details on the ISDE subsidy, read our complete subsidy guide.
Air-to-water heat pump: going fully gas-free
An air-to-water heat pump replaces your gas boiler entirely. It extracts heat from outdoor air and distributes it through water-based heating systems (underfloor heating or low-temperature radiators).
Costs: 6,500-13,000 euros installed. You will also need a hot water storage tank (boiler) for domestic hot water, which adds 700-1,500 euros. Models from Daikin (Altherma 3 R), Mitsubishi (Ecodan), Vaillant (aroTHERM plus), and NIBE (S-series) are the most common in the Netherlands.
Requirements: Good insulation is essential. Your home should have an energy label of B or better. The heat pump delivers water at 35-45 degrees Celsius, which is not enough for old-style radiators designed for 70-80 degrees. You need underfloor heating or low-temperature radiators (LT radiators).
Net cost after ISDE subsidy: 3,500-9,500 euros, depending on the system size and your home's requirements.
If your home was built after 2000 and already has underfloor heating, this is a straightforward upgrade. For older homes, read our guide on heat pumps in existing homes.
Ground source heat pump: expensive but efficient
A ground source heat pump (also called a geothermal heat pump or bodemwarmtepomp in Dutch) extracts heat from the ground via vertical boreholes or horizontal collectors.
The SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 -- significantly higher than air-source systems. That means lower electricity bills over time. NIBE (F1226, S1155) and Vaillant (flexoTHERM) dominate this market segment.
Why so expensive? The drilling. Vertical boreholes of 80-150 meters deep cost 5,000-12,000 euros depending on soil conditions. Horizontal collectors are cheaper (3,000-6,000 euros) but require a large garden (150-300 square meters).
When does it make sense? For larger detached homes (150+ m2) with good insulation and a planned occupancy of 15+ years. The higher efficiency compensates for the larger upfront investment over time.
Air-to-air heat pump: the budget option
Essentially a reversible air conditioning system. Cheapest to buy (2,000-5,500 euros installed) but with significant limitations: no domestic hot water, no connection to radiators or underfloor heating, and no ISDE subsidy. Useful as supplementary heating in well-insulated homes or specific rooms, but not a full replacement for your gas boiler.
Installation costs: what are you paying for?
The installation often costs as much as the heat pump itself. Here is what a typical installation includes and common extra costs.
Standard installation covers:
- Outdoor unit placement (wall bracket or ground console)
- Refrigerant lines between outdoor and indoor units
- Connection to the heating system
- Electrical connection (usually a dedicated circuit)
- System filling, testing, and commissioning
- Homeowner instruction
Common additional costs:
| Extra work | Estimated cost (euros) |
|---|---|
| Wall penetration for piping | 150 - 400 |
| Hot water storage tank | 700 - 1,500 |
| Electrical panel upgrade | 200 - 600 |
| Old boiler removal | 150 - 300 |
| Underfloor heating per m2 | 35 - 65 |
| Low-temperature radiators (each) | 200 - 500 |
| Scaffolding / difficult access | 200 - 800 |
| Noise-dampening base | 100 - 300 |
A reputable installer will discuss all these costs upfront. If you receive a quote with just a single lump sum and no breakdown, treat that as a warning sign. Our guide on finding a certified installer covers what to look for.
Factors that affect the price
1. Home type and construction year. A detached home from the 1960s requires more heating capacity (and a more expensive heat pump) than a terraced house from 2010.
2. Insulation level. Poor insulation means a larger heat pump. The guideline: minimum RC value of 2.5 for walls, 3.5 for roofs. Below that? Insulate first.
3. Heating distribution system. Underfloor heating is ideal (low supply temperature, 35-40 degrees Celsius). Standard radiators need higher temperatures. May need replacement with LT radiators.
4. Brand and model. A Daikin Altherma 3 R costs more than a Bosch Compress 3400i AWS, but offers a higher SCOP and lower noise. You generally get what you pay for.
5. The installer. This is where the biggest price differences hide. Hourly rates range from 45-75 euros, and markup on equipment varies. Always compare at least three quotes. Use our province pages to find installers near you.
6. Region. Labour rates in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht) run 10-15% higher than the national average. Competition is also greater, so comparing quotes pays off.
Payback period: when does the investment pay for itself?
Hybrid heat pump example:
- Net investment after subsidy: 3,500 euros
- Annual gas savings: 800 m3 x 1.40 euro = 1,120 euros
- Additional electricity cost: 1,200 kWh x 0.28 euro = 336 euros
- Net annual savings: 784 euros
- Payback: approximately 4.5 years
Air-to-water heat pump example:
- Net investment after subsidy: 6,000 euros
- Annual gas savings: 1,500 m3 x 1.40 euro = 2,100 euros
- Additional electricity cost: 3,500 kWh x 0.28 euro = 980 euros
- Net annual savings: 1,120 euros
- Payback: approximately 5.4 years
Ground source heat pump example:
- Net investment after subsidy: 18,000 euros
- Net annual savings: 1,350 euros
- Payback: approximately 13 years
Add solar panels and the payback shortens significantly. In some cases, a hybrid heat pump combined with solar panels pays back in under 3 years. More on that in our solar panel combination guide.
ISDE subsidy 2026: how much do you get back?
The ISDE (Investeringssubsidie Duurzame Energie en Energiebesparing) is the main Dutch subsidy for heat pumps. In 2026:
| Heat pump type | Base amount | Per kW bonus | Typical total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 2,500 | 150-200 | 2,500 - 3,500 |
| Air-to-water | 3,000 | 200-250 | 3,000 - 4,500 |
| Ground source | 3,500 | 250-300 | 4,000 - 5,000 |
| Air-to-air | -- | -- | Not eligible |
You apply after installation through Mijn RVO (the Dutch Enterprise Agency portal). You have 24 months after installation to submit your application. Full step-by-step instructions are in our subsidy application guide.
Some municipalities offer additional subsidies on top of the ISDE. Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam all have local programmes. Always check with your local gemeente.
Tips to reduce costs
Compare at least three quotes. Price differences between installers for the exact same heat pump can be as much as 2,000 euros. This is not unusual -- it is the norm.
Install in spring or summer. The autumn rush (September-December) means longer wait times and higher prices. Plan for March-June and you will pay less.
Insulate first, then install. Better insulation means a smaller heat pump. A smaller heat pump costs 500-1,500 euros less to buy. And it runs more efficiently, saving on electricity bills for years to come.
Choose the right type for your situation. Not everyone needs a ground source heat pump. For many Dutch households, a hybrid is the smartest choice financially and practically.
Claim your subsidy. Every year thousands of households leave subsidy money on the table. On a hybrid heat pump, that is at least 2,500 euros.
Consider a maintenance contract. Most installers offer a discounted maintenance contract at the time of purchase: 100-150 euros per year versus 150-250 euros for one-off service calls.
Key takeaways
- A hybrid heat pump costs 1,500-5,500 euros net (after ISDE subsidy) with a payback of 4-5 years.
- An air-to-water heat pump costs 3,500-9,500 euros net with a payback of 5-7 years.
- A ground source heat pump costs 11,000-26,000 euros net with a payback of 12-18 years.
- The ISDE subsidy for 2026 ranges from 2,500-5,000 euros depending on type and capacity.
- Comparing three quotes saves 1,000-2,000 euros on average.
- Insulating before installing saves on both the heat pump purchase and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
What does a heat pump cost including installation in the Netherlands?
On average, you pay 4,000-8,000 euros for a hybrid heat pump, 6,500-13,000 euros for an air-to-water model, and 15,000-30,000 euros for a ground source system. These figures include installation but exclude subsidy. After the ISDE subsidy, costs drop by 2,500-5,000 euros.
How much subsidy can I get for a heat pump in 2026?
Through the ISDE scheme, you receive a base amount plus a per-kW bonus. For a hybrid: 2,500-3,500 euros. Air-to-water: 3,000-4,500 euros. Ground source: 4,000-5,000 euros. Air-to-air heat pumps are not eligible.
How long until a heat pump pays for itself?
At current energy prices, a hybrid heat pump pays back in approximately 4-5 years, an air-to-water system in 5-7 years, and a ground source system in 12-18 years. Solar panels can significantly reduce these timelines.
Are heat pumps more expensive in 2026 than previous years?
Equipment prices have slightly decreased in 2026 as more manufacturers enter the Dutch market. Installation costs have remained stable. The ISDE subsidy amounts have been modestly increased for 2026, making the net cost to consumers comparable or slightly lower than 2025.
Which heat pump is the cheapest?
The air-to-air heat pump is cheapest to buy (2,000-5,500 euros), but it cannot provide domestic hot water and does not qualify for ISDE subsidy. If you are looking at the lowest net cost including subsidy, the hybrid heat pump wins: starting from approximately 1,500 euros after ISDE.
What are the annual electricity costs of running a heat pump?
A hybrid heat pump uses approximately 1,000-1,500 kWh of additional electricity per year, costing 280-420 euros at 0.28 euros/kWh. An all-electric heat pump uses 3,000-4,500 kWh extra, costing 840-1,260 euros per year. This is offset by the complete elimination of your gas bill.
Can I finance a heat pump purchase?
Yes. Many installers offer financing options, and the Nationaal Warmtefonds (National Heat Fund) provides low-interest loans specifically for sustainable home improvements. Heat pumps qualify for the Energiebespaarlening at approximately 3.5-4.5% interest.
Is a heat pump more expensive in Amsterdam or Rotterdam?
Generally yes. Labour rates in the Randstad are 10-15% above the national average. However, installer competition is also stronger in urban areas, so comparing multiple quotes is especially valuable. Browse installers in your area through our province pages.
Find an installer near you
Ready to get quotes? On warmtepompkiezen.nl you can compare 623 certified heat pump installers across all 12 Dutch provinces. Check ratings, specialisations, and request quotes directly.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a heat pump cost including installation in the Netherlands?
On average, you pay 4,000-8,000 euros for a hybrid heat pump, 6,500-13,000 euros for an air-to-water model, and 15,000-30,000 euros for a ground source system. These figures include installation but exclude subsidy. After the ISDE subsidy, costs drop by 2,500-5,000 euros.
How much subsidy can I get for a heat pump in 2026?
Through the ISDE scheme, you receive a base amount plus a per-kW bonus. For a hybrid: 2,500-3,500 euros. Air-to-water: 3,000-4,500 euros. Ground source: 4,000-5,000 euros. Air-to-air heat pumps are not eligible.
How long until a heat pump pays for itself?
At current energy prices, a hybrid heat pump pays back in approximately 4-5 years, an air-to-water system in 5-7 years, and a ground source system in 12-18 years. Solar panels can significantly reduce these timelines.
Are heat pumps more expensive in 2026 than previous years?
Equipment prices have slightly decreased in 2026 as more manufacturers enter the Dutch market. Installation costs have remained stable. The ISDE subsidy amounts have been modestly increased for 2026, making the net cost to consumers comparable or slightly lower than 2025.
Which heat pump is the cheapest?
The air-to-air heat pump is cheapest to buy (2,000-5,500 euros), but it cannot provide domestic hot water and does not qualify for ISDE subsidy. If you are looking at the lowest net cost including subsidy, the hybrid heat pump wins: starting from approximately 1,500 euros after ISDE.
What are the annual electricity costs of running a heat pump?
A hybrid heat pump uses approximately 1,000-1,500 kWh of additional electricity per year, costing 280-420 euros at 0.28 euros/kWh. An all-electric heat pump uses 3,000-4,500 kWh extra, costing 840-1,260 euros per year. This is offset by the complete elimination of your gas bill.
Can I finance a heat pump purchase?
Yes. Many installers offer financing options, and the Nationaal Warmtefonds (National Heat Fund) provides low-interest loans specifically for sustainable home improvements. Heat pumps qualify for the Energiebespaarlening at approximately 3.5-4.5% interest.
Is a heat pump more expensive in Amsterdam or Rotterdam?
Generally yes. Labour rates in the Randstad are 10-15% above the national average. However, installer competition is also stronger in urban areas, so comparing multiple quotes is especially valuable. Browse installers in your area through our [province pages][link:/provincie/noord-holland]. ## Find an installer near you Ready to get quotes? On warmtepompkiezen.nl you can compare 623 certified heat pump installers across all 12 Dutch provinces. Check ratings, specialisations, and request quotes directly. [Browse installers by province][link:/provincie/zuid-holland] ## Related articles - [Heat pump subsidy 2026: ISDE application guide][link:/gids/heat-pump-subsidy] - [Finding a certified heat pump installer in the Netherlands][link:/gids/finding-certified-installer] - [Best heat pump 2026: comparison by type and brand][link:/gids/best-heat-pump]
