In recent years, heat pumps have been aggressively marketed as the “future of heating”—an eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas boilers. But how much of that is true, and how much is just smart marketing? If you’ve recently built a new single-story house with underfloor heating, 130 sqm of usable space, two bathrooms, and a kitchen—does it really make sense to pay double for a heat pump?
This article uncovers the truth that green ads often hide: in most real-life scenarios, heat pumps are not more economical. In fact, for many homeowners, they are a more expensive, slower-to-pay-off option, built on promises that don’t translate into actual savings.
1. Purchase and Installation Costs: A Huge Gap
| System | Equipment Cost | Installation + Accessories | Total Estimated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler | €900 – €1,300 | €1,600 – €2,200 | €2,500 – €3,500 |
| Heat Pump | €4,700 – €6,600 | €2,200 – €3,000 | €6,900 – €9,600 |
Starting price difference? Between €4,400 and €7,100 in favor of the gas boiler. You’re paying double or even triple just to be “green.”
2. Annual Energy Consumption: Who Really Saves?
| System | Energy Used | Annual Cost (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler | ~768 m³ gas | ~€240 |
| Heat Pump | ~2,143 kWh | ~€515 |
Heat pump promoters say you “save money.” In reality: annual running costs are over twice as high compared to a gas boiler. The difference? Around €275 per year, favoring the gas boiler.
3. Maintenance and Reliability
| System | Yearly Maintenance | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler | €40 – €60 | 10 – 15 years |
| Heat Pump | €80 – €120 | 15 – 20 years |
Not only is maintenance more expensive for heat pumps, but replacement parts are harder to find and more expensive. Many users report weak service networks and repair delays of up to 2–3 weeks during winter.
4. Total 10-Year Costs: The Harsh Truth
| System | Initial Investment | Operation (10 yrs) | Maintenance (10 yrs) | Total 10-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler | ~€3,000 | ~€2,400 | ~€500 | ~€5,900 |
| Heat Pump | ~€8,000 | ~€5,150 | ~€1,000 | ~€14,150 |
So the heat pump costs over €8,000 more in 10 years. How exactly is this “economically efficient”?
5. Real Energy Prices (2019–2030)
Natural Gas (€/m³)
- 2019: €0.24
- 2024: €0.31
- 2030 projection: €0.44 (+40–50%)
Electricity (€/kWh)
- 2019: €0.13
- 2024: €0.24
- 2030 projection: €0.30 (+25–30%)
Even with rising prices, gas remains cheaper than electricity. Ads claiming “exploding gas prices” conveniently ignore that electricity prices rise just as fast—or faster.
6. The Truth About “Payback Time”
- Investment difference: ~€5,000 – €7,000
- Annual savings: negative
Bottom line? The heat pump never pays for itself without solar panels. In fact, you lose money every year.
7. Pro-Heat Pump Arguments (and the Reality)
- “They don’t pollute” – but 50% of EU electricity still comes from fossil fuels.
- “You save in the long run” – only with subsidies or solar panels.
- “They meet EU standards” – true, but that doesn’t mean they’re cheaper, just more regulated.
8. Final Verdict: Smart Investment or Industry Profit Scheme?
| Criterion | Gas Boiler | Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | ✅ Low (~€3,000) | ❌ High (~€8,000) |
| Annual Operating Cost | ✅ Lower | ❌ Higher |
| Maintenance | ✅ Simple & cheap | ❌ More expensive |
| Lifespan | ❌ 10–15 years | ✅ 15–20 years |
| EU Regulations | ❌ Likely restricted | ✅ Favored |
| Ecological Efficiency | ❌ Local CO2 emissions | ✅ Clean (locally) |
Honest Verdict:
- Unless you have a large budget or solar panels, a heat pump is not a financially efficient investment.
- A gas boiler remains more affordable, easier to maintain, and faster to pay off.
Next time someone tells you a heat pump is “cheaper,” ask them: “On paper or on the bill?”