A heat pump extracts heat from the outside air to heat your home and water, using much less (or even no) natural gas. There are two main types: the hybrid heat pump and the all-electric heat pump. The best choice depends primarily on your insulation, your current gas consumption, and your budget.
- Hybrid = the fastest, cheapest first step for most homes
- All-electric = completely off gas, requires good insulation
- ISDE subsidy applies to both in 2026
- Still unsure? We will check it for free during a site survey
Hybrid heat pump: the smart first step
A hybrid heat pump works in tandem with your existing central heating boiler. The heat pump handles the majority of the heating; on the coldest days, the central heating boiler kicks in. This way, you save significantly on gas immediately, without having to adapt your entire home.
- Works perfectly with existing radiators
- No heavy insulation requirements
- Lower investment than all-electric
- Ideal for most existing homes
All-electric heat pump: completely off gas
An all-electric (air-to-water) heat pump heats your home without gas. This does require a well-insulated home and preferably low-temperature heat distribution, such as underfloor heating or larger radiators. The investment is higher, but your gas bill disappears completely.
Which one suits you?
Rule of thumb: if your home is moderately to reasonably insulated, then a hybrid is the most sensible and fastest-earning step. If your home is well-insulated (or you plan to make it so) and you really want to go off gas, then all-electric is an interesting option. Still unsure? We will check it for you free of charge during an on-site survey.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need underfloor heating for a heat pump?
Not for a hybrid heat pump, as it works perfectly with existing radiators. For all-electric, low-temperature radiators or underfloor heating do help to keep efficiency high.
Can I switch from hybrid to all-electric later?
Yes. Many people start with a hybrid and switch later once the home has been further insulated. We are happy to advise you on a future-proof setup.
Do I get a subsidy?
For both hybrid and all-electric heat pumps, the 2026 ISDE subsidyWe will calculate your contribution for you and handle the application.
Curious about what this means for your home?
Take the free sustainability check with your address; you will immediately see your energy label, roof area and savings opportunities.
