District heating or heat pump?
If you live in an area with district heating, the choice is not always obvious. Here we compare the two options on the points that matter for your finances and comfort.
Comparison
| Feature | 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.