Heating: lifespan and cost
The heating system is both an upkeep and a running cost, and the two are linked. The table shows how long the parts last and what a replacement usually costs.
The ranges apply to a normal-sized house. Actual cost depends on size, access and region. Lifespan means technical lifespan with normal upkeep. In a share-based flat the big repairs are a share of the housing company’s project and show up in the charge or the company loan.
| Component | Lifespan | Replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ground source heat pump | 22 yrs (18-27) | 15 000-30 000 € |
| Air heat pump | 15 yrs (10-20) | 1 500-4 000 € |
| Air-to-water heat pump | 18 yrs (15-22) | 10 000-20 000 € |
| Oil boiler | 25 yrs (20-30) | 6 000-15 000 € |
| District heating | 30 yrs (25-40) | 3 000-10 000 € |
| Radiators | 40 yrs (30-50) | 5 000-15 000 € |
| Hydronic underfloor heating | 50 yrs (40-60) | 8 000-25 000 € |
| Electric underfloor heating | 30 yrs (25-40) | 3 000-10 000 € |
How long does a heat pump last?
A ground source heat pump lasts longer than air heat pumps because the collector in the borehole is nearly permanent and it is the indoor unit that wears. Air heat pumps sit out in the weather and are replaced more often. A pump nearing the end costs more to run before it fails, so the age is worth asking about.
What does replacing a heating system cost?
Replacing an existing heat pump with a new one is a contained job. Moving from oil or direct electric to ground source is more expensive because a borehole and radiators may be added, but it lowers the running cost the most. Radiators and hydronic underfloor heating last a long time and are rarely replaced. The cost in the table applies to a normal-sized house.
What the age of the house tells you
Certain build years carry known risks for exactly these parts. Here are the most common ones.
Oil tank Houses built 1950–2005
Oil tank — leak risk and possible soil contamination.
Is it worth swapping an oil boiler for a heat pump?
Usually yes, both for the running cost and the value of the house. An oil boiler is expensive to run and near the end of its era. The investment in a heat pump pays back over time in lower heating costs.
What does the energy certificate say about heating?
The energy certificate and energy class reflect how much energy the house uses, and the heating system is a large part of that. See the guide on the energy certificate and energy class.
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