Flemish families who purchase a heat pump can count on a subsidy of up to 8,000 euros. They can also take out a low-interest or, in some cases, interest-free renovation loan to purchase a heat pump.

Because electricity is now four times as expensive as gas, the Flemish government will also implement an energy tax shift. “We are going to implement a double discount on energy bills,” says Flemish Minister of Housing, Energy, and Climate Hans Bonte (Vooruit).

Heat pump charter

Around 70% of Flemish homes are already suitable for a heat pump, but only 10% of families renovating their homes choose to install one. However, heat pumps do not emit CO2 and are therefore good for the climate.

To make heat pumps more affordable, reduce electricity costs, and provide households with the necessary guidance when renovating, the Flemish government has now signed a heat pump charter with the sector.

According to the agreement, the government will provide an appropriate regulatory and financial framework, and the sector will make additional efforts to improve the quality and affordability of heat pumps. Efforts will also be made to recruit additional skilled professionals.

Energy tax shift

Because electricity is currently four times more expensive than gas, the Flemish government will also implement an energy tax shift. “We are going to implement a double discount on the energy bill,” says Bonte.

“We are removing millions of euros in Flemish taxes from the electricity bill and shifting them to natural gas and fuel oil. We are further reducing the electricity bill by 173 million euros per year.

With this intervention, we are making the electricity bill cheaper for everyone, making heat pumps the most attractive choice, and protecting the purchasing power of those who still heat with gas.”

Hefty price tag

A heat pump extracts heat from the outside air, the ground, or groundwater and brings it indoors. It only provides heating at around 35-45°C, whereas a central heating boiler pumps water through your pipes at up to 80°C.

Nevertheless, it uses much less energy than a gas central heating system. For every kWh of electricity you use, you often get 3 to 5 kWh of heat in return. Many heat pumps can also reverse the process, allowing them to cool your home by a few degrees in the summer.

However, purchasing a heat pump comes with a hefty price tag. For a ground-source/geothermal unit that offers the highest efficiency, you can expect to pay between €18,000 and €28,000.

A fully electric air-water unit will cost between €9,000 and €16,000. A hybrid pump that works in conjunction with a central heating boiler costs between €5,000 and €8,000.

EVHACS

But charging a car and running your heat pump requires a lot of electricity. That’s why you often need Dynamic Load Balancing, a system that ensures the car charges slightly more slowly when the heat pump must work hard to heat the house.

However, there is now also EVHACS (Electric Vehicle, Heating and Air Conditioning System), an innovative technology that combines a heat pump and a charging station for your car in a single device.

It was developed by an Irish company in collaboration with major manufacturers, including Mitsubishi Electric. Instead of buying, installing, and wiring two separate systems, you buy a single unit that performs both functions.

Some packages start at around €5,000, but a complete air-to-water heat pump for your entire home costs €10,000 to €12,000.

Guidance

Plus, the government will guide on installing a heat pump. “Many families can’t see the wood for the trees. That’s why we’re ensuring they receive the necessary guidance for their renovation through the Energy Houses,” says Bonte.

“This means they can count on a detailed step-by-step plan with the necessary measures to make their home heat pump ready. The Energy Houses will also guide them to the available subsidies and loans.”