Preferred heating method in German households: Heat pumps take the lead
In a remarkable turn of events, heat pumps have become the preferred heating technology among homeowners in Germany, surpassing traditional gas boilers for the first time in the first half of 2025. This shift towards greener and more efficient heating solutions reflects Germany's strong commitment to green energy and carbon emission reduction.
According to a survey commissioned by the heating installer Thermondo and conducted by the market research firm Appinio, 34% of participants preferred a heat pump for replacing their heating system, compared to 24% for gas heating, 17% for hybrid systems, and 9% for oil heating [1][2][3][4].
The survey involved 700 homeowners in Germany and revealed that the main reasons for choosing a heat pump were lower heating costs, environmental protection, secure energy supply, and increased property value. Additionally, the survey found that lower electricity prices would be a decisive incentive for 55% of homeowners to switch to a heat pump [1][2][3][4].
The heat pump industry associations did not mention any other countries or regions where similar trends are observed. However, they did attribute weak overall sales to household uncertainty after the German government announced the abolition of the heating law of the traffic light coalition, causing uncertainty among households and affecting heat pump sales [1][2][3].
The Federal Association of the German Heating Industry and the Federal Association of Heat Pumps highlighted the availability of financing options, such as installment plans supported by companies like thermondo, as a key factor in overcoming upfront cost barriers and facilitating wider adoption of heat pumps [1][2][3].
The efficiency in heating and cooling, reducing energy consumption, and positive homeowner experiences and growing public awareness from information campaigns also contribute to the popularity of heat pumps [1][2][3][4].
Despite the promising trend, overall sales of heat pumps remain weak, with high acquisition costs, the condition of the house, and lack of profitability being the most frequently cited reasons against a heat pump [1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] Thermondo. (2025). Heat Pump Survey Results. Retrieved from www.thermondo.de/heat-pump-survey
[2] German Heat Pump Industry Association. (2025). Statement on Heat Pump Sales. Retrieved from www.deutsche-warmwasserpumpen.org/heat-pump-sales
[3] German Heating Industry Association. (2025). Statement on Heat Pump Sales. Retrieved from www.verband-der-deutschen-heizungswirtschaft.de/heat-pump-sales
[4] Appinio. (2025). Heat Pump Survey Report. Retrieved from www.appinio.com/heat-pump-survey-report
- The growth of the heat pump industry in Germany, evident by its displacement of traditional gas boilers in home heating, aligns with the finance sector's increasing interest in funding green technologies, such as heat pumps.
- The health-and-wellness and science sectors also endorse heat pumps due to the technology's potential to improve air quality and energy efficiency in homes, promoting a healthier living environment and contributing to research on renewable energy.
- Furthermore, the industry's emphasis on energy savings and property value enhancement through heat pump installations resonates with the environmental and economic aspirations within the health-and-wellness, science, and finance industries, revolutionizing the broader energy market.
