Comparison
| District heating | Air-to-water heat pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | Unit + connection fee to the utility | Higher purchase cost – grants available |
| Annual heating cost | Depends on the utility's tariff | Depends on electricity price and insulation |
| Maintenance | Minimal – annual inspection recommended | Annual service inspection |
| Lifetime | Unit 20–25 years | 15–20 years |
| Space | Small wall-mounted unit | Outdoor unit in the garden + indoor unit/cylinder |
| Noise | None | 35–45 dB(A) from the outdoor unit |
| Climate | Depends on the utility's fuel | Greener as the grid gets greener |
Choose district heating if …
- Your house is within the supply area of Billund or Grindsted Varmeværk
- You want a solution with no maintenance and no noise
- You have a small plot or neighbours close by
Choose a heat pump if …
- District heating is not available – or not for many years
- Your house is reasonably insulated and has underfloor heating or large radiators
- You have or plan to install solar panels
- You can obtain a grant from the heat-pump scheme
Our recommendation
If district heating will be available within 1–2 years, it is the simplest solution for most people. If district heating is not on the way, a heat pump is clearly the best choice. We advise impartially – we install both. Read more about district heating and heat pumps, or book a site visit.