Frequently Asked Questions

A heat pump works best when at least 2 of 3 conditions are met: good insulation, low-temperature emitters (underfloor heating or oversized radiators), and solar panels. If only one is met, a hybrid gas/HP is usually the smarter move. We assess this during the free on-site visit.

A modern Buderus air/water outdoor unit runs at 35-50 dB(A) at 3 metres — comparable to a fridge or a quiet conversation. Placement (wall vs. floor), distance to windows and neighbours matters more than the datasheet. We also check your municipality's noise rules.

Air/water HP: €12,000–€20,000 depending on capacity and complexity. Hybrid (HP + existing boiler): €8,000–€14,000. Geothermal: €25,000–€40,000 (highest efficiency). After subsidy, real cost is often €3,000–€8,000 less. Calculate your subsidy here.

Yes. Modern air/water heat pumps deliver up to 100% of their nominal capacity at -7 °C and keep running down to -20 °C or colder. COP does drop: from ~4.5 at +7 °C to ~2.5 at -10 °C. In extreme cold, a hybrid is also a smart choice.

Air/water is cheaper to install (€12-20k), faster to deploy, but needs an outdoor unit and has lower COP in cold weather. Geothermal is pricier (€25-40k, vertical boreholes), but runs silently, has no visible outdoor unit and the highest efficiency (SCOP 5+). Geothermal pays off long-term in new builds or deep renovations; air/water has the faster payback on a retrofit.

A well-maintained Buderus heat pump lasts 20 to 25 years. The compressor (the heart of the unit) typically has a 10-15 year life and can be replaced later. Annual service is not legally required but strongly recommended to keep your warranty.

Yes — usually via an individual heat-pump water heater (DHW) or by connecting to a collective heat pump. For individual installation in a flat we look at the building's noise rules, ventilation options and co-ownership regulations. Collective installations go through our boiler room renovation.

Mijn VerbouwPremie in Flanders: up to €8,000 (Cat. 4, geothermal) or €6,000 (Cat. 4, air/water). Cat. 1 was removed on 01/03/2026. Cat. 2 was halved. VAT: 6% through 2029 for buildings older than 10 years; from 1 Jan 2026 also 6% on new builds for 5 years. Full table in our subsidy campaign.

Flanders: no, banned since 1 Jan 2022. Brussels: no, banned since June 2025. Wallonia: banned in new builds (March 2025), replacement ban from January 2026. An existing oil boiler can stay until it breaks down. When it fails: replace with gas, heat pump or hybrid. See our blog on the phase-out timeline.

Since 01/07/2025 VAT on gas-boiler installation in homes 10+ years old is 21% (was 6%). On a €5,000 project that's €750 extra. If you're planning a gas boiler, consider hybrid (gas + HP) — the heat-pump component keeps its 6% VAT, and you're ready for the next generation.

Our main brands are Buderus (we're an official Buderus System Partner), Bosch and Vaillant. For heat pumps we also work with Thermia, Atlantic and Panasonic. We pick the brand that fits your configuration — not the other way around.

Standard gas- or oil-boiler swap (same type, same location): 1 working day. Switch from oil to gas with a new gas connection: 2-3 days. Conversion to hybrid heat pump: 2-4 days. We plan around your schedule and make sure you have hot water the same evening.

Buderus condensing gas boiler, installed and commissioned: €3,500–€6,500 depending on capacity (24kW for a family home, 30-35kW for larger homes or combis with a DHW tank). Included: flue-gas adaptation, hydraulic connections, first commissioning and mandatory inspection.

Yes — a modern condensing boiler reaches 108-110% efficiency (HHV basis, vs. 85-92% for a 15+ year-old boiler). Annual saving: €150-€350 on the gas bill depending on consumption, plus 20-30% lower CO2 emissions.

For now: no — filing is on your side. We provide a subsidy calculator, a full checklist of required documents and guidance on the application process. We're building a service to take over filing for you — coming soon.

HP subsidy Cat. 1 was removed on 01/03/2026. Cat. 2 was halved. EPC Label premium (up to €2,500) ends on 01/07/2026. All HP subsidies stop on 31 Dec 2027. In Cat. 2-4, acting in 2026 is worth €2,000-€8,000 vs. waiting. See thefull subsidy overview.

2026 categories: Cat. 4 (modest): single ≤ €24,750 / household ≤ €35,300. Cat. 3: €24,750-€43,240 / €35,300-€61,680. Cat. 2: €43,240-€55,020 / €61,680-€78,500. Cat. 1 (high): above those thresholds. +€4,420 per dependent. Based on your most recent tax assessment.

Yes: Mijn VerbouwPremie + EPC Label premium (until 01/07/2026) + reduced VAT (6%) + tax deduction. Collective subsidies for apartment buildings. Our calculator combines everything based on your situation.

Mijn VerbouwPremie: typically 4-8 weeks after a complete application. Your invoice must meet the criteria (VAT rate, installer accreditation, inspection certificate). We help you assemble the file correctly.

For most subsidies: no — filing happens after invoicing. For some subsidies (e.g. loans) you must apply before works start. Our project manager walks through these preconditions with you before we start.

Since 1 Jan 2023, every buyer of a home with EPC label E or F in Flanders must renovate to label C within 5 years of the deed. Non-compliance = fine from €500 to €200,000. The obligation follows the home on resale. Full explanation + deadline calculator.

No. The obligation only applies to transfers of ownership from 1 Jan 2023 onward. If you've been in your home longer than that, renovation is not mandatory — but strongly recommended for comfort and future resale value.

Heat pump: +1 to +2 labels. Roof insulation: +1 label. External wall insulation: +1 label, internal: +0.5. New windows: +0.5. System-D ventilation: usually +0 but legally required for renovation. The smartest combo to jump from E to C: heat pump + attic insulation + ventilation.

Typically €25,000–€45,000 for a 120 m² terraced house (heat pump + insulation + ventilation). After subsidies often €18,000–€32,000 net. Our calculator gives you a personalised estimate.

Typical lead time: 2-4 weeks from demolition to finish. Demolition: 1-2 days. Plumbing + electrical: 3-5 days. Tiling: 5-8 days. Fixtures + finish: 2-3 days. We plan around your life — alternative shower arranged if needed.

Compact (6-8 m², mid-range materials): €8,000–€14,000 all-in. Standard family bathroom (10-12 m²): €15,000–€25,000. Luxury bathroom with bath, shower and double sink: €25,000–€45,000+. Includes plumbing, tiling, lighting and ventilation.

Everything. We coordinate plumbing, tiling, electrical and ventilation under one contractor. One point of contact, one invoice, one warranty. If you already have a tiler, we're happy to work together.

Yes. For collective boiler-room renovations we plan a phased changeover: the old boiler stays active while we build the new cascade, then switch over in a short window. If needed we rent a temporary backup boiler for the transition.

One point of contact from us (project manager), weekly progress update, AGM-ready document with scenarios + cost per apartment + schedule. The syndic gets all the admin bundled and can inform residents correctly.

Small calorimeters on each radiator or a heat meter per flat record actual consumption. Annual readings deliver a fair cost split, instead of a flat-rate share allocation. Can be retrofitted to existing collective installations. More info.

Yes for gas and oil boilers — a legal requirement in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia. Insurers reject damage claims without a valid certificate. Not legally required for heat pumps, but strongly recommended for your warranty. See our maintenance contracts.

Basic: annual inspection + cleaning + certificate. Premium OGP contract (Buderus): also priority breakdown response + parts coverage + labour included. Outside office hours: on-call rota for urgent interventions.

As a Buderus System Partner we can offer a Buderus extended warranty on your installation — available as a paid option on request. Not included by default.

Yes. As long as we get the documentation (install manual, device type), we take over the maintenance. Clients from other installers are welcome.

Free on-site visit within 7 working days of your request. For urgent repairs: our on-call rota ensures you always reach someone — including outside office hours and on weekends.

We're active across the Brussels-Mechelen-Leuven triangle: Vilvoorde (HQ), Mechelen, Zemst, Grimbergen, Zaventem, Kortenberg, Leuven, Tervuren, Kraainem, Watermael-Boitsfort, Uccle, Evere, Bertem and all 19 Brussels municipalities. Not on the list? Ask us.

Yes — full service in Dutch, French and English. Ideal for the expat community in Brussels, EU institutions or international companies. Our technicians work in multiple languages every day.

Our technicians hold all required certifications: G-I (gas installations), Cedicol (oil), CERGA (gas piping installation), RESCert (renewable energy), certified heat-pump installer, and Buderus System Partner accreditation.