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 house. Actual cost depends on size, access and region. Lifespan means technical lifespan with normal upkeep.
| Component | Lifespan | Replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-air heat pump | 15 yrs (10-20) | 20 000-45 000 kr |
| Air-to-water heat pump | 18 yrs (15-22) | 120 000-220 000 kr |
| Ground source heat pump | 20 yrs (18-25) | 180 000-350 000 kr |
| Oil boiler | 25 yrs (20-30) | 40 000-120 000 kr |
| District heating unit | 30 yrs (25-40) | 30 000-90 000 kr |
| Radiators | 40 yrs (30-50) | 30 000-100 000 kr |
| Hydronic underfloor heating | 50 yrs (40-60) | 60 000-180 000 kr |
| Electric underfloor heating | 30 yrs (25-40) | 20 000-70 000 kr |
How long does a heat pump last?
A brine-to-water pump (ground source) lasts longer than the air-based ones because the collector in the borehole is nearly permanent and it is the indoor unit that wears. Air-to-air and air-to-water 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 an oil boiler or direct electric heating 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 house.
Is it worth swapping an oil boiler for a heat pump?
Usually yes, both for the running cost and the value of the house. Oil heating has also been phased out in Norway, so an oil boiler is 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 grade reflect how much energy the home uses, and the heating system is a large part of that. A home with a heat pump and good insulation lands higher on the scale than one with direct electric heating.
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