Heat pumps in the Netherlands: types, costs and subsidy (2026)
How heat pumps work in the Netherlands, the main types, what they cost in 2026 and how much ISDE subsidy you can get. A clear guide for homeowners and expats.
A heat pump is the most common way Dutch homes are moving off gas. It pulls warmth from the outside air or the ground and lifts it to a useful temperature to heat your home and your tap water, using electricity instead of gas. This guide explains how heat pumps work in the Netherlands, the main types, what they cost in 2026, and how much ISDE subsidy you can claim back.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump moves existing heat rather than burning fuel to create it. It extracts low-temperature heat from the air, ground or water outside, compresses it to raise the temperature, and releases it inside through radiators, underfloor heating or a fan unit. Because it moves heat instead of generating it, a good heat pump delivers three to five units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses, which is what makes it so efficient.
In the Netherlands a heat pump is central to making a home natural-gas-free (aardgasvrij). It pairs especially well with a well-insulated home, underfloor heating and solar panels.
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Types of heat pumps
There are four types you'll come across in the Netherlands, from cheapest to most efficient:
| Type of heat pump | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-air (lucht-lucht) | Warms and cools indoor air directly; doesn't heat tap water | Extra heating and summer cooling |
| Hybrid (hybride) | Works alongside your existing gas boiler | A first step without full renovation |
| Air-to-water / all-electric (lucht-water) | Replaces the gas boiler; heats rooms and hot water | Well-insulated homes going gas-free |
| Ground-source (bodem / grond-water) | Draws heat from the ground via a borehole | Lowest running costs, highest efficiency |
The hybrid and air-to-water types are by far the most popular in Dutch homes. A hybrid keeps your boiler for the coldest days and is the easiest upgrade; an all-electric air-to-water system removes gas completely and suits an insulated home.
What does a heat pump cost in the Netherlands?
In 2026, prices range from around €4,000 for a simple air-to-air unit to €30,000 for a full ground-source system, including installation and VAT and before subsidy. A hybrid typically costs €5,000–€11,000 and a full air-to-water system €8,000–€18,000.
For the full price breakdown per type, the factors that drive the cost, and worked ISDE subsidy examples, see our dedicated guide:
Cost of a heat pump in the Netherlands
See 2026 prices per type, what drives the cost, and how much ISDE subsidy you get back.
ISDE subsidy for a heat pump
The Dutch government rewards switching to a heat pump through the ISDE subsidy (Investeringssubsidie Duurzame Energie). In 2026 it is built up from a start amount of €1,025 plus €225 per kW of capacity plus a label bonus, so a hybrid typically yields €1,800–€2,700 and a full air-to-water system around €2,500–€4,000. To qualify, the device must be on the RVO product list, be fitted by a recognised installer, and your home needs at least energy label D or proven insulation. You apply after installation. See the full subsidy breakdown for worked examples per type.
Running costs and savings
A heat pump runs on electricity instead of gas, so your gas bill falls while your electricity use rises. For most Dutch homes the net effect is a lower energy bill, especially in a well-insulated home. Pairing a heat pump with solar panels lowers running costs further, though note that net metering (saldering) ends on 1 January 2027, so the benefit is greatest when you use the power you generate directly. Budget for a yearly maintenance check of the filters and compressor as well.
Is a heat pump worth it in the Netherlands?
For most homes, yes. Lower monthly energy bills, the ISDE subsidy and a more sustainable home together make the investment pay off over time. If you're buying or refinancing, you can often finance the heat pump through a sustainable mortgage and borrow a little extra for the upgrade. How quickly it pays back depends on your current gas use, your insulation and the system you choose, which is why a tailored quote beats any average.
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A heat pump extracts low-temperature heat from the outside air, ground or water, compresses it to raise the temperature, and releases it inside through radiators, underfloor heating or a fan unit. It moves heat using electricity rather than burning gas, which is why it's so efficient.
Including installation and VAT, prices range from about €4,000 for an air-to-air unit to €30,000 for a full ground-source system. A hybrid costs about €5,000–€11,000 and a full air-to-water (all-electric) system about €8,000–€18,000, before ISDE subsidy.
If your home is well insulated, a full air-to-water heat pump is realistic and removes gas entirely. If not, a hybrid is usually the more cost-effective first step, cutting gas use by around 60% without a full renovation.
Yes. The ISDE subsidy in 2026 typically yields €1,800–€2,700 for a hybrid and around €2,500–€4,000 for a full air-to-water system, provided the device is on the RVO list, fitted by a recognised installer, and your home has at least energy label D or proven insulation.
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