Which is better: a hybrid heat pump or gas heating? The answer depends on your home and your preferences. A hybrid heat pump reduces your gas consumption and CO₂ emissions but requires more electricity and good insulation. Gas heating is simpler and powerful but more expensive due to rising gas prices.
Key points at a glance:
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Hybrid heat pump:
- Works efficiently in well-insulated homes (minimum energy label C).
- Combines electricity and gas, reducing CO₂ emissions.
- Higher electricity costs, but subsidies make it more affordable.
- Requires space for an outdoor unit and low-temperature heating (such as underfloor heating).
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Gas heating:
- Suitable for less well-insulated homes.
- Higher gas prices make it more expensive in the long term.
- No outdoor unit needed, compact and easy to install.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Hybrid heat pump | Gas heating |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Less gas, more electricity | Fully gas-fired |
| Insulation requirement | Minimum energy label C | Less stringent |
| Costs | Subsidies available, lower CO₂ | More expensive due to high gas prices |
| Installation | Space for indoor and outdoor unit | Compact, simple |
| Environmental impact | Lower CO₂ emissions | Higher CO₂ emissions |
Conclusion: For a well-insulated home, a hybrid heat pump is often more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. For older or poorly insulated homes, gas heating may be more practical until insulation improvements are made.
Basic principles of system operation
Hybrid heat pumps and traditional gas heating systems operate in different ways, affecting energy consumption.
How does a hybrid heat pump work?
A hybrid heat pump combines two heating methods. When the heat pump can efficiently extract heat from the surroundings, it is used as the main heat source. As outdoor temperatures drop or the demand for heat in the home increases, a gas-fired high-efficiency boiler kicks in. This system adapts to changing conditions without complex technical adjustments.
How does a gas-fired heating system work?
In a traditional gas heating system, heat is generated directly by gas combustion. The system is simple: a central high-efficiency boiler provides both heating and hot water.
Aligning the system with the home is crucial for efficient energy use. These basic principles form the basis for comparing energy consumption and costs. Keeping this information in mind, let’s proceed with a practical analysis of energy consumption.
Energy consumption comparison
The energy performances of hybrid heat pumps and gas heating differ due to several factors.
Annual consumption and costs
Hybrid heat pumps reduce gas consumption but lead to higher electricity consumption. How much you save depends on the characteristics of your home and your energy use. Below, we clarify some important aspects.
Important factors
Various elements determine the balance between energy use and costs:
Home insulation
The degree of insulation plays a major role in the efficiency of heating systems. A well-insulated home requires less energy, reducing overall consumption.
Energy prices 2025
Current energy prices in the Netherlands are:
- Gas: €1.45 per m³
- Electricity: €0.40 per kWh
Heating needs of homes
The amount of required heat varies per home type:
- Apartment (70 m²): 8,000 kWh per year
- Terraced house (120 m²): 13,000 kWh per year
- Detached house (150 m²): 18,000 kWh per year
These points help homeowners choose an efficient and affordable heating option. It is important to consider both the properties of your home and your own energy consumption in this assessment.
Financial and CO₂ impact
Besides energy consumption, costs and environmental effects play a big role in choosing a heating system.
Cost savings and subsidies
A hybrid heat pump can significantly reduce gas consumption, depending on your home. In the Netherlands, the government makes it more attractive to invest in such a system through subsidies like the ISDE, VAT refund, and municipal schemes. This makes the purchase more financially feasible. The payback period depends on factors such as the type of home, the degree of insulation, and how intensively the system is used.
Reduction of CO₂ emissions
A hybrid heat pump offers clear environmental benefits. The system helps reduce CO₂ emissions and thereby supports national climate goals. By smartly using sustainable energy, the pump heats on electricity when possible. During extremely cold days, the system switches to gas, ensuring more efficient energy consumption and a lower emission. This makes it a smart choice for those who want to save costs and act environmentally conscious.
Home requirements
Suitable conditions for hybrid systems
A hybrid heat pump works optimally in a well-insulated home with a heating system that operates at low temperatures, such as underfloor heating or adapted radiators. Additionally, a suitable outdoor location for the unit is needed that complies with local noise standards and distance regulations. Below are the technical requirements for both systems summarized.
Technical requirements for installation
The installation conditions play a big role in the successful placement of both heating systems. In the table below are the main criteria per system:
| Feature | Hybrid heat pump | Gas heating |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation level | Minimum energy label C needed for good performance | Less strict insulation requirements |
| Heating system | Suitable for low temperature | Compatible with standard systems |
| Installation space | Space needed for indoor and outdoor units | More compact setup with ventilation and flue gas discharge |
| Noise standards | Outdoor unit must comply with local noise regulations | Noise restrictions less significant |
| Additional connections | Requires electricity and refrigerant connections | Safe connection of gas and water pipes |
When choosing between a hybrid heat pump and gas heating, it's important to consider the features of your home. If the proper conditions are met, a hybrid heat pump can be an efficient and environmentally friendly choice.
Bricknest is ready to advise and support you in renovations, ensuring your home is fully prepared for the installation of a hybrid heat pump.
Final judgment on energy efficiency
From the analysis of savings and CO₂ emissions, it appears that the choice of a heating system is heavily dependent on the condition of the home. Hybrid heat pumps perform better in well-insulated homes with at least an energy label C, a low temperature system, and sufficient installation space. This aligns with the previously discussed technical requirements. If a home does not meet these, a traditional gas heating system is often a more suitable option.
For older homes with a lower energy label, gas heating can be more practical, especially until improvements are made in insulation and the heating system.
This analysis emphasizes that professional installation is crucial to get the most out of a system. Bricknest offers support in ensuring a correct installation, which can contribute to lower energy consumption and reduced monthly costs. A well-installed hybrid heat pump can truly make a difference.
FAQs
What are the advantages of a hybrid heat pump over traditional gas heating?
A hybrid heat pump offers various advantages over traditional gas heating. First, a hybrid heat pump is more energy-efficient because it uses sustainable energy sources, such as outside air, to heat your home. This can lead to lower energy costs and a smaller CO₂ footprint. Additionally, with a hybrid system, you retain the assurance of gas heating as a backup, which is handy on very cold days.
Moreover, a hybrid heat pump can help you comply with the increasingly strict environmental regulations and energy standards in the Netherlands. Considering a hybrid heat pump as part of a home renovation? It might be wise to seek expert advice on the best solution for your situation.
What is the effect of home insulation on the choice between a hybrid heat pump and gas heating?
The degree of insulation in your home plays a significant role when choosing between a hybrid heat pump and gas heating. Well-insulated homes have less heat loss, allowing a hybrid heat pump to operate more efficiently and saving you more energy. In poorly insulated homes, gas heating may sometimes be more effective, as the heat pump needs to work harder to reach the desired temperature.
Consider improving your home's insulation before switching to a hybrid heat pump. This not only reduces your energy consumption but also increases comfort in your home.
What subsidies are available for installing a hybrid heat pump in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, you can utilize various subsidy schemes for the installation of a hybrid heat pump. The most well-known is the Investment Subsidy for Sustainable Energy and Energy Saving (ISDE). This subsidy helps homeowners and business users transition to sustainable heating systems.
The subsidy amount depends on the type of heat pump and its capacity. For a hybrid heat pump, you can typically receive an amount between €500 and €1,500. Always check the current conditions, as they can change annually. More information about the ISDE can be found on the website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Additionally, some municipalities offer extra subsidies or loans for energy-saving measures. Contact your municipality to find out which local schemes are available.
