Heat pump heating is no longer a luxury, but increasingly basic alternative compared to gas heating and electric heating panel systems. Whether renovating or building new, the question arises in almost every home: is it worth switching to a heat pump?
The price of energy is constantly changing, environmental concerns are increasing, and the overheating cuts have been modified in many places - all of which means that many people are looking for an economical and predictable heating solution. And the technology is ripe to become a real alternative to conventional heating systems.
In the following chapters, we explain in detail how it works, what types it is, how much it costs and what criteria you should consider.
1. What is heat pump heating and how does it work?
A heat pump is a device that environmental energy - air, soil or water - to generate heat. The device collects low-temperature energy from the environment and uses it to generate heat in a compressor to a higher temperature and use it for your heating system.
Its operation is surprisingly similar to that of a refrigerator or air conditioner, but in the "reverse" direction.
The main steps in the operation of a heat pump
- The outdoor unit collects ambient energy.
- The refrigerant draws heat away from the environment (even below 0 °C).
- The compressor compresses the refrigerant and the temperature rises.
- The system transfers the heat to your heating: radiator, underfloor heating, fan-coil, tank.
- The process is repeated in a circular cycle with extremely high efficiency.
Why is it more efficient than conventional heating?
The heat pump does not produce heat, but also delivers heat.
It collects most of its energy from the environment, so it uses much less electricity.
The COP (coefficient of performance) value of modern systems:
- Between 3.5 and 5 moves, i.e.
- turns 1 kWh of electricity into up to 3.5-5 kWh of heat.
Therefore, in many places even 70-75% could reduce heating costs with a modern heat pump.
2. What types of heat pumps are there?
Heat pumps are differentiated by where they take heat from (air, ground, water) and where they deliver it (air, water).
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The most common types:
1. Air-to-air heat pump
It is quick to install, relatively inexpensive and can be installed in most homes.
This is in fact a professional form of "climate heating".
Benefits: low price, fast installation, wide range of performance
Disadvantages: may become less efficient in very cold weather
2. Air-to-water heat pump
It extracts heat from the outdoor air and transfers it to the heating of the home via a water circuit:
- underfloor heating,
- radiators,
- wall heating,
- domestic hot water.
Benefits: a complete heating solution
Disadvantages: higher investment costs
3. Ground source (geothermal) heat pump
It uses constant temperature ground heat through drilled probes.
A highly effective system that lasts for decades.
Benefits: the most stable heating efficiency
Disadvantages: very high investment costs, authorisation required
4. Water-to-water heat pump
It collects heat from lakes, wells and groundwater.
It is feasible in few places, but highly effective.
Summary:
Hungarian homes are about. 90% with air-to-water or air-to-air heat pump is the ideal - it offers the best value for money and ease of installation.
3. Price of heat pump heating in 2025 - What is the real investment cost?
There is a wide variation in prices, because it all depends on the size of the property, its insulation, the heating system and the type of heat pump chosen.
Average price ranges in 2025
|
System type |
Equipment price |
Full deployment |
Total costs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Air-to-air heat pump (air-conditioned heating) |
250-450 thousand Ft |
100-200 thousand Ft |
350-600 thousand Ft |
|
Air-to-water heat pump |
HUF 1,2-2,5 million |
1-2,5 million HUF |
HUF 2,2-5 million |
|
Soil probe system |
HUF 2,5-4 million |
2-4 million Ft |
4,5-8 million HUF |
Important note:
They may still be included in the total investment cost:
- buffer tank
- hot water tank
- radiator or underfloor heating modification
- electrical expansion
- control / regulation
Therefore, the cost of two apparently identical houses can be million difference can also show.
4. What is the heat pump consumption? - Real numbers and influencing factors
One of the most important issues in heat pump heating:
How much does it cost per month?
The answer depends on several factors, such as:
Factors affecting consumption
- thermal insulation of the house
- condition of windows and doors
- heated floor area
- type of system
- outside temperature
- COP value of the equipment
- the set internal temperature
- hot water demand
Average monthly consumption in a well-insulated family house
- air-air system: 5 000 - 12 000 Ft
- for air-to-water heat pumps: 8 000 - 18 000 Ft
- Including DHW (hot water) supply: + 2 500 - 6 000 Ft
The key message:
A heat pump is really efficient when it good insulation, and the system is professionally sized.
5. Heat pump heating or gas heating? - Which is better for you?
This issue has become particularly pronounced in 2024-2025, as the cost of gas consumption has increased in many households and the installation of new gas boilers has become less subsidised.
Comparison - in brief
- Cost: a well sized heat pump is significantly cheaper on an annual basis.
- Comfort: both systems are good, but the heat pump is more versatile (heating, cooling, hot water).
- Maintenance: gas boiler → mandatory annually; heat pump → recommended annually, cheaper.
- Security: heat pump = zero combustion products, zero CO risk.
- Environmental impact: heat pump is by far a cleaner system.
When is heat pump heating better?
- for new construction
- underfloor heating, wall heating
- for well-insulated houses
- where gas dependence is not or would be eliminated
When is gas still beneficial?
- old houses with poor insulation
- where the investment cost is limited
- where the conditions for heat pump installation are not given
6. Advantages and disadvantages of heat pump heating - The full picture
Heat pump heating offers many benefits, but it's important to get the full picture before making a decision. There is no one-size-fits-all answer: your property's characteristics, your budget and your needs will all determine which system is best for you.
Benefits
1. Extremely low running costs
Due to the COP value, the heat pump can be 3-5 times more effectivethan direct electric heating. This can save hundreds of thousands of forints a year.
2. Heating and cooling with a single system
Most modern heat pumps air-water or air-air can also cool in the system.
You can "buy" heating, hot water and air conditioning with a single investment.
3. No combustion products, no CO risk
No carbon monoxide, no flue gas, no chimney, no explosion hazard.
This is particularly important for old houses or families with children.
4. Environmentally friendly operation
A heat pump generates heat largely from renewable ambient energy.
If you combine it with a solar panel, you can near zero overheads also available.
5. Convenient and automated operation
The system:
- remote control
- automatically regulates the temperature
- self-optimising
This is a much more modern comfort than conventional heating.
Disadvantages
1. Higher investment costs
An air-to-water heat pump system with complete installation up to HUF 2-5 million can also be.
Although the payback is quick, start-up capital is a major issue for many.
2. May be sensitive to very cold weather
The efficiency of air-based systems drops around minus 10-15 °C.
Although today's appliances are reliable even in very cold temperatures, consumption is higher.
3. Requires accurate sizing
If the property is not properly insulated, or the system is not sized properly, the heat pump will not be as efficient as expected.
4. Sound load
The outdoor unit is quiet, but not completely silent. If badly placed, it may disturb rest areas or neighbours.
7. Heat pump or air conditioning? - Important differences
Many people confuse the two, but there are significant differences between conventional air-conditioned heating and professional heat pumps.
When is air-conditioned heating a good choice?
- for small flats
- low investment cost
- during transitional periods
- in properties with very good insulation
Advantage: quick installation, cheap investment.
Disadvantage: less efficient, less comfortable, spot heat dissipation in very cold conditions.
When is a heat pump better?
- as a full-fledged heating system
- for radiator or underfloor heating
- for hot water production
- for houses with larger floor areas
- where a stable annual cost is the target
The bottom line:
Air conditioning is a good supplementary or temporary solution, but a heat pump complete, year-round heating and cooling system.
8. Installing a heat pump - What are the conditions?
There are several aspects to consider when installing a heat pump heating system to ensure the highest efficiency.
1. Thorough assessment
Required:
- heat loss calculation
- Inspection of insulation
- heating system testing
- power demand assessment (32A / 3 phase advantage)
2. Space requirements
Air-to-water heat pumps need:
- outdoor unit location
- internal unit or hydrobox
- sometimes for buffer and HMV tanks
3. Noise protection aspects
Do not place the outdoor unit:
- bedroom under window
- next to neighbour's fence
- echoing in a narrow courtyard
4. Compatibility of existing heating system
The heat pump works best at low flow temperatures.
Ideal:
- underfloor heating
- wall heating
- ceiling heating
Good:
- modern, large-surface radiators
Less effective:
- old steel radiators with small surface areas
- poorly insulated houses
9. Common mistakes to avoid
1. Undersized heat pump
Equipment that is too small is constantly running at maximum → high consumption, faster wear and tear.
2. Oversized heat pump
More expensive investment, more frequent switching on and off, lower efficiency.
3. Calculation of the heat loss
To choose a device "by the square metre" is a huge mistake.
4. Ignoring poor insulation
A poorly insulated house will "eat away" at the best system.
5. Improper installation
Installing a heat pump requires expertise and experience; poor workmanship can leave you with a broken system for many years.
10. Heat pump heating subsidies and rebates in 2025
The purchase of heat pumps can still be supported in several ways (depending on the region and current tenders). The most typical options are:
1. Energy efficiency subsidies
They can be achieved in combination with insulation, window replacement or heat pumps.
2. Green energy tenders
They are available for systems combined with solar panels.
3. Residential discounts
Seasonal coupons, discount installation packages, permanent extended warranties.
4. 0% loan for certain investments
Related to energy efficiency upgrades.
(As the support scheme changes several times a year, it is always worth asking for an update.)
11. Summary - Is heat pump heating worth it?
Modern heat pumps are now a reliable, energy-efficient and long-term cheap heating solution. Although the investment is higher, the low running costs and comfort often make them the best choice in the long term.
It is most worthwhile if:
- you have good insulation
- you have underfloor heating or modern radiators
- you want a stable, predictable monthly cost
- minimise dependence on gas
- combine your system with solar panels
It is less ideal if:
- you have a property in poor condition, with a heat loss
- you have a very limited investment budget
- you have only radiators and a high temperature system
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