Amsterdam is working towards a future where all homes and buildings in the city are heated sustainably. A heat pump could be a good solution for your home.
Step by step towards a sustainable home
Many houses in Amsterdam still use a natural gas boiler for heating and hot water. Many people also still cook using gas. With more sustainable alternatives, such as a heat pump, we will use less natural gas or none at all. As a result, we emit less CO₂. Lower gas consumption can also mean lower energy bills.
The best sustainable heat solution for a neighbourhood or home depends on several factors. For each neighbourhood, we look at a solution that is most sustainable, affordable and has enough space. This is how we move step by step away from natural gas.
Which heating solution for you
You can check your address. You will then see which heating solution currently seems the most suitable for your neighbourhood.
The result may show that a hybrid heat pump is already a good choice for your home. This is based on the available space for an outdoor unit and the gas consumption for your type of home.
Paying for a heat pump
Buying a heat pump and having it installed costs money. Various subsidies and loans are available from the City of Amsterdam and the central government, such as:
- the City of Amsterdam subsidy scheme for hybrid heat pumps;
- the national ISDE subsidy for making your home more sustainable.
Find more information and conditions for subsidies and loans.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an electrical appliance that efficiently heats your home and tap water. A heat pump extracts heat from the air or ground. The system uses electricity to raise the heat to a usable temperature.
Which heat pump suits your home?
There are different types of heat pumps. Which one is best for you depends on your home, requirements and budget. In all cases, CO₂ emissions go down significantly. Always get advice from an expert on which heat pump is right for your home.
Hybrid heat pump
A hybrid heat pump works in conjunction with your boiler. The heat pump extracts heat from the air and heats your home on most days. The boiler is used only on colder days and for heating tap water. This way, you heat your home more sustainably and can already save up to 60% natural gas. The hybrid heat pump is cheaper than an all-electric heat pump and you usually do not need to make many modifications to your home. With a hybrid heat pump, your home is not yet completely off gas. If your home is suitable for a hybrid heat pump, it is a good intermediate step that immediately reduces CO₂ emissions and saves on energy costs.
All-electric ready
Some hybrid heat pumps are all-electric ready. This means they have a higher output and can become an all-electric heat pump. The boiler can be removed at a later stage, and a hot water storage tank will need to be added. This way, you can move away from natural gas step by step.
Modifications to your home
- Usually, little to no modifications to your home are required.
- The heat pump needs space, outside your home and sometimes next to your boiler.
Subsidy for a hybrid heat pump
The City of Amsterdam is currently offering a subsidy for hybrid heat pumps. Owners of single-family homes with a WOZ value (property value) below €666,000 receive a €2,500 subsidy.
All-electric heat pump
You can opt for an electric heat pump if your house is sufficiently insulated. If you also cook electrically, this makes your home completely natural gas-free. There are two well-known types of electric heat pumps. One extracts heat from the air: an air-water heat pump. The other extracts heat from groundwater: a ground-source heat pump. The heat pump raises that heat to a usable temperature. A heat pump has a storage tank, so hot water is always available.
Modifications to your home
- Your home should be well insulated.
- Sometimes new radiators or underfloor heating is needed.
- You often need a higher-capacity grid connection. If the power grid in your district is full, it will take longer.
- The heat pump needs space outside and inside your home.
Rules and permits for an outdoor unit
The outdoor unit of a (hybrid) air-water heat pump makes noise. Therefore, consult with your neighbours. In addition, there are rules for installing the outdoor unit of a heat pump in a busy city like Amsterdam. This is to protect the aesthetics and quality of buildings. In some cases, you need a permit.
Our practical guide tells you more about the rules and permits(Open www.amsterdam.nl in een nieuw tabblad) .
With a heat pump:
- You use much less gas, or none at all;
- your home emits less CO₂ and takes a step towards becoming a future-proof home;
- can lower your energy bills, especially if your home is well insulated. You are less dependent on fluctuating gas prices;
- you can cool your home on hot days in some cases.
More information
Would you like advice on your home? Or do you have questions about heat pumps? Then go to duurzaamwonen.amsterdam or contact us by e-mail or phone.
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Phone number: 14020 (business days between 08:00 – 18:00)
The information here was carefully compiled in April 2026. Energy transition policies are constantly evolving.