A heat pump in 2026: worth it for your renovation?

Heating is perhaps the question that comes up most often during a renovation. "Do I really have to switch to a heat pump now?" And above all: "Is that actually a good idea in my home?"

Honest answer: it depends. But the direction is clear, and with the right approach a heat pump can be an excellent choice. Let us explain.

Why everyone is talking about heat pumps

The government is betting heavily on fossil-free heating. For new builds, since 2026 only a fully electric system such as a heat pump is in practice allowed, and since 1 July 2025 new homes are no longer connected to the natural gas grid.

For a renovation, a heat pump is not yet mandatory today. But the direction is clear: those who choose a future-proof system now are set for the decades ahead.

How does a heat pump actually work?

A heat pump draws warmth from the air, the ground or the groundwater and raises it to a higher, usable level. You consume electricity, but you get more heat out than the power you put in.

In short, there are three types:

• Air-to-water: draws heat from the outside air, the most chosen option in renovation.
• Geothermal (ground-to-water): very efficient, but requires drilling or a collection network.
• Hybrid: combines a heat pump with an existing boiler for the coldest days.

Does a heat pump actually work in a renovated home?

This is the heart of the matter. A heat pump works best at low supply temperatures, and that is only possible in a well-insulated home with the right emission, such as underfloor heating or generous radiators.

That is exactly why a full renovation and a heat pump go together so well: while we are insulating and handling the finish anyway, we immediately lay the foundation for efficient electric heating.

Our tip: insulate first, heat afterwards. A heat pump in a draughty home is like a sports car in a traffic jam: a waste of the potential.

What does a heat pump cost and what grant do you get?

The price depends heavily on the type and on your home. An air-to-water heat pump is usually considerably more expensive than a classic boiler, but the consumption and the grant make up part of that difference.

Support runs through Mijn VerbouwPremie. From 1 March 2026 the amounts drop for the highest income categories, while the lower categories retain more support.

Note: grant amounts and conditions change regularly. Always check your situation on the official Mijn VerbouwPremie website.

Heat pump, hybrid or stick with gas a little longer?

Not every home is ready for a full heat pump in a single day. Sometimes a hybrid set-up is a sensible intermediate step, especially if you renovate in phases.

The right choice depends on your insulation level, your emission system and your budget. We look at that together, without talking you into a system that does not suit your home.

Frequently asked questions about heat pumps

Is a heat pump mandatory during a renovation?

No. During a renovation a heat pump is not legally required today. The obligation mainly applies to new builds, where fossil systems are being phased out.

Does a heat pump work without underfloor heating?

It can, provided the home is well insulated and the radiators are large enough to deliver enough heat at a low temperature.

How much grant do I get for a heat pump in 2026?

That depends on your income category and the type of heat pump. Since 1 March 2026 the amounts for the highest incomes are lower than for the lower categories.

Making the right choice together

At Borgwal Renovaties we never consider heating in isolation. We match insulation, emission and system to each other, so your home stays comfortable and efficient not only today, but also twenty years from now.

Are you considering a heat pump for your renovation? Get in touch without obligation and we will look at what delivers the most in your home.