Considering a geothermal heat pump? Here's what you need to know:
- Costs: Installation ranges from €15,000 to €25,000. Subsidies like the ISDE can reimburse up to €12,975.
- Subsidies: Up to 30% of the costs are covered by national and local subsidies.
- Savings: Energy costs decrease by 60-75%, with a payback period of 7 to 15 years.
- Advantages: Consistent performance, long lifespan (20-25 years), and up to 70% less CO2 emissions.
- Disadvantages: High initial costs and extensive installation; not suitable for every plot.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Geothermal Heat Pump | Air Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Installation costs | €15,000 - €25,000 | €12,000 - €14,000 |
| Lifespan | 20-25 years | 10-15 years |
| Subsidy | Up to €12,975 | Up to €4,150 |
| Energy savings | 60-75% | 40-60% |
| CO2 reduction | Up to 70% | Up to 50% |
With a geothermal heat pump, you save in the long run and contribute to a more sustainable home. Read on for a full cost analysis, subsidy conditions, and practical tips.
Operation of Geothermal Heat Pumps
What is a Geothermal Heat Pump?
A geothermal heat pump utilizes the constant temperature of the ground (approximately 10-12°C at a depth of 10-15 meters) to provide heat to a home. This is done through underground pipes that transport the warmth from the ground to the house.
Types of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
In the Netherlands, two types of geothermal heat pumps are prevalent, depending on the available space:
| Type | Characteristics | Suitable for | Average Costs (NL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal | Pipes 1-2 meters deep | Homes with large gardens | €15,000-€20,000 |
| Vertical | Boreholes of 50-150 meters | Smaller plots | €18,000-€25,000 |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Provides 3-4 times more heat than the electricity consumed.
- Lasts 20-25 years and increases home value by about 3%.
- Works stably, regardless of the outside temperature.
- Reduces CO2 emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional gas boilers.
Disadvantages:
- High initial costs, ranging from €15,000 to €25,000.
- Installation can be extensive, especially for existing homes.
- Permits from the municipality and water authority are often required.
- There are relatively few certified installers available.
- Requires a suitable electrical installation.
- Not all plots are suitable for a horizontal system.
These points are important to keep in mind when making a cost consideration, which is further discussed in the next chapter.
Costs of Geothermal Heat Pumps
Installation Costs and Influential Factors
The costs for a geothermal heat pump in the Netherlands can vary widely. They depend on several aspects. Generally, the costs consist of:
- Heat pump unit: €6,000 - €11,000
- Ground collectors/probes: €8,000 - €12,000
- Installation: €2,000 - €3,000
- Additional parts: €500 - €1,500
What determines the total costs? Here are some key factors:
- Soil type and accessibility: Difficult-to-reach locations or specific soil types can increase costs.
- Type of system: The type of heat pump system you choose plays a major role.
- Home size: The larger your house, the more capacity you need.
- Electrical modifications: Sometimes adjustments to the meter box are necessary, which incur additional costs.
Fortunately, subsidies are available, such as the ISDE program, which can mitigate costs. More about this in a later section.
Cost Comparison with Other Systems
While a geothermal heat pump requires a larger initial investment, the lower operational costs in the long run are a major advantage. Here's a comparison:
| System | Average Installation Costs |
|---|---|
| Air-water heat pump | €12,000 - €14,000 |
| Ground-water heat pump | €13,000 - €18,000 |
| Water-water heat pump | €13,000 - €19,000 |
| Geothermal heat pump | €14,000 - €23,000 |
Source: CBS and RVO 2024
What else should you know about the financial aspect of a geothermal heat pump?
- Lifespan: Lasts 20-25 years, which is longer than, for example, an air-water system (5-10 years difference).
- Maintenance costs: Expect €150 to €300 per year.
- Energy savings: The efficiency ranges between 300% and 400%.
- Additional investments: Consider home insulation or a new meter box.
Subsidies can make a big difference in the final costs. More about this in the next chapter.
Subsidies for Geothermal Heat Pumps
ISDE Subsidy Program
The Investment Subsidy for Sustainable Energy (ISDE) is the main scheme for geothermal heat pumps in the Netherlands. Until 2025, homeowners can receive a subsidy of up to €12,975 for a ground-source heat pump. This covers about 30% of the purchase and installation costs, making the switch to sustainable heating more attractive.
The amount of subsidy depends on the type of heat pump:
| Type | Maximum subsidy in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Ground/water heat pump | €12,975 |
| Air/water heat pump | €4,150 |
| Ventilation heat pump | €2,600 |
| All-Electric Ready (hybrid) | €4,150 |
Conditions and Application Process
To qualify for the ISDE subsidy, you must meet several conditions:
- Your home must be built before January 1, 2019.
- The heat pump must be new and intended for space heating or hot water.
- Installation must be performed by a certified company according to the requirements from chapter 3.
- The subsidy application must be submitted within 24 months of installation.
In the application via the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), you must provide several documents, such as the invoice, a proof of payment, an installation report, and performance data. The processing time is usually 8 to 13 weeks.
Local Subsidies
Besides the national ISDE subsidy, some municipalities offer additional financial support, which can amount to €2,500. This amount varies by region. Platforms like Bricknest help you find these local subsidies and approved installers.
Here's how you can discover local subsidy opportunities:
- Visit your municipality's website.
- Use the Verbeterjehuis tool.
- Request information at your municipal desk.
Return on Investment for Geothermal Heat Pumps
Energy Savings and Payback Period
A geothermal heat pump can lower energy costs by 60-75%. Suppose you spend €1,500 annually on gas, this amount can drop to €375-€600. The payback period varies from 7 to 15 years, depending on factors such as the size of the home, level of insulation, and available subsidies.
| Factor | Influence on Payback Period |
|---|---|
| Home size | Larger homes often have a shorter payback period |
| Energy prices | Higher gas prices accelerate the payback period |
| Subsidies | ISDE and local subsidies can shorten the period by 3-5 years |
ROI in Practice
Let's take an average Dutch home of 150 m² as an example. Here's the breakdown:
- Initial costs: €25,000
- ISDE subsidy: €12,975
- Net investment: €12,025
The energy costs change drastically:
- Before installation (gas heating): €2,000 per year
- After installation (geothermal heat pump): €600 per year
- Annual savings: €1,400
With these figures, the payback period is 8.6 years. Over a period of 25 years, this results in a total saving of €35,000, which equates to a return of 191%. This makes geothermal heat pumps not only attractive in terms of cost savings but also as an investment.
"Geothermal heat pumps offer significant long-term savings and environmental benefits, despite the higher initial costs. With proper sizing and installation, they can provide an excellent return on investment for homeowners." - Dr. Jan de Vries, Energy Efficiency Researcher, TU Delft
Additionally, a home with a geothermal heat pump can increase in value by 3-5%, making the financial picture even more attractive.
Installation of Geothermal Heat Pumps
Installation Steps
The installation of a geothermal heat pump usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. The exact duration depends on the type of system and the space required.
Permits and Regulations
For the installation of a geothermal heat pump, various permits and certifications are required:
- Environmental permit: This can be requested from the municipality.
- Water permit: Required for open systems.
- SIKB certification (Protocol 11001): Needed for safe ground drilling.
The installation must comply with the Activities Decree and local regulations. A proper permit application is essential and lays the groundwork for a successful installation. Always choose a certified installer to meet all the requirements.
Choosing an Installer
After securing the permits, choosing a qualified installer is the next step. A professional installation is crucial to achieving the return discussed earlier in this article. Ensure that the installer is BRL 6000-21 certified. This not only prevents problems but also ensures the system operates optimally.
"Proper installation of a ground source heat pump is critical for its long-term performance. A well-installed system can last over 20 years with minimal maintenance." - Dr. Jan van der Meer, Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems, TU Delft
When selecting an installer, it is wise to consider:
- Experience with similar projects.
- Membership in the DHPA (Dutch Heat Pump Association).
- A clear cost estimate and transparent warranty terms.
- Knowledge of local regulations.
An example from Utrecht shows the importance of a professional approach. In June 2022, GeoComfort BV installed a 10kW system with two vertical boreholes of 100 meters. The installation was completed within 4 days and cost €22,500. This aligns with an earlier calculated payback period of 8.6 years for a similar investment.
Bricknest offers extensive support with permits, installation, and quality control during renovation projects.
Conclusion
A geothermal heat pump can be a smart investment, especially considering the costs, subsidies, and potential savings. Although the installation costs are between €15,000 and €25,000, subsidies such as the ISDE and local schemes make the system more affordable. Thanks to the ISDE subsidy, the net costs drop to €10,500-€17,500. This results in annual savings of €500-€1,000, with a payback period between 7 and 15 years.
With a lifespan of 20-25 years, total savings can amount to €10,000-€20,000. According to TNO research, the internal rate of return (IRR) is between 8% and 12%. Additionally, a CO2 reduction of 50-70% directly contributes to Dutch climate goals.
For optimal results, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Ensure proper insulation of the home.
- Choose a BRL 6000-21 certified installer.
- Request all necessary permits on time.
- Account for regular maintenance.
With the combination of subsidies and proven performance, a geothermal heat pump is an interesting option for homeowners in the Netherlands looking to invest in sustainable heating.</
FAQs
Are Geothermal Heat Pumps More Expensive than Air Heat Pumps?
Yes, geothermal heat pumps are more costly to purchase than air heat pumps. Here's an overview of the main costs and properties:
| Aspect | Geothermal Heat Pump | Air Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase costs | €15,000 - €20,000 | €12,000 - €14,000 |
| Average lifespan | 20-25 years | 10-15 years |
| Maintenance costs per year | €150 - €300 | €100 - €200 |
For a complete picture, it's wise to also consider subsidies and payback time (see chapter 3 and 4) in your consideration.
Key differences:
- Higher initial costs due to ground drilling and specialized installation.
- Lower energy costs with a potential saving of €60 per year.
- Consistent performance thanks to stable ground temperature.
- Longer lifespan, averaging 10 years longer than an air heat pump.
- Increase in home value, often between 3-5%.
The higher purchase costs are often compensated in the long term by savings and other benefits, as discussed in chapter 4.
