--- title: "Boiler or Heat Pump? Dutch Rules & Options | 2026 Guide" description: "Replacing a boiler in 2026? Understand the withdrawn heat-pump rule, check the plans for your home and compare practical options before choosing a system." url: https://www.englishplumber.nl/guides/heat-pump-rules/ language: en-NL alternate: https://www.englishplumber.nl/nl/advies/warmtepomp-regels/ --- 1. [Home](https://www.englishplumber.nl/) 2. [Guides](https://www.englishplumber.nl/guides/) 3. Heat pump rules # Replacing your boiler: what are your options? If your boiler needs replacing, you want to know what you can fit and what makes sense for your home. Start with the current rules, your heating needs and the condition of the system you already have. Written by Jordan · Last checked 24 October 2026 - 2026 announcement Earlier requirement withdrawn - Before deciding Check current and local requirements - Subsidy Verify the exact model with RVO - My boiler installations Fixed quote after assessment ## What happened to the 2026 heat-pump rule? The previously announced requirement to make more efficient heating the standard at boiler replacement in 2026 was withdrawn. The government confirmed this in its [October 2024 publication](https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/2024/10/31/rapporten-onderzoeken-voor-vervallen-normering-verwarmingsinstallaties-in-2026). That means the old announcement does not, by itself, require you to add a heat pump when replacing a boiler. You still need to check the requirements and local plans that apply to your property when making the decision. ## What about future dates in the news? Heating policy can change, and an announced plan needs to be distinguished from rules that have actually taken effect. Before committing to a long-term investment, check the current government information and your municipality’s plans for your neighbourhood. If you have received a letter about a heat network or changes to the gas supply, include it when discussing your options with an installer. The details for your address matter more than a general headline. ## Which options should I compare? | Option | Questions to ask | | ----------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Repair the existing boiler | What is the fault, what will repair cost and what condition is the appliance in? | | Replace the boiler | Which model suits the hot-water demand, existing connections and flue? | | Consider a hybrid system | How will it work with the boiler, radiators, controls and available space? | | Consider all-electric heating | What changes are needed to the heat supply, hot water and electrical installation? | | Check a proposed heat network | What is confirmed for your address, and what are the timing and connection conditions? | Ask for a proposal based on your home and usage, with the installation cost, expected performance and assumptions explained. Energy tariffs and how you use the system affect running costs. ## Is there a subsidy? Heat-pump subsidy depends on the appliance and the current scheme conditions. Use the [RVO ISDE information](https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/isde/woningeigenaren/warmtepomp) to check the model and eligibility before ordering. Treat a subsidy estimate as something to verify, rather than deducting a general figure from every quote. ## What can I help with? I can assess a [boiler replacement](https://www.englishplumber.nl/services/boiler-installation/) and the [radiators](https://www.englishplumber.nl/services/radiators/) or [pipework](https://www.englishplumber.nl/services/pipework-and-chasing/) involved. If you are planning a wider heating upgrade, tell me at the start so the work can be considered together. A standard boiler replacement is a fixed price: €2,095 incl. BTW for a CW4 and €2,195 incl. BTW for a CW5. Work on the flue is assessed per job, and you get the price in writing before I start. ## Boiler stopped working? Send me the make, model, fault code and what happened. A fault does not automatically mean you need a new boiler. I’ll help you work out the next step and explain the cost of a diagnostic visit where needed. [Message me on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/31642869931) with your postcode and a photo of the display. Don’t remove the casing to get a picture. ## More guides - [Servicing an ATAG boiler and reading its codes](https://www.englishplumber.nl/guides/atag-boiler/) - [Air in your underfloor heating, and how to get it out](https://www.englishplumber.nl/guides/bleeding-underfloor-heating/) - [Renting? Who looks after the cv-ketel](https://www.englishplumber.nl/guides/boiler-in-a-rented-home/) - [All guides](https://www.englishplumber.nl/guides/) ## Common questions Did the announced 2026 heat-pump requirement go ahead? The previously announced 2026 norm was withdrawn. Check current government information and the requirements for your property before choosing an installation. Does a broken boiler always need replacing? No. Diagnosis helps establish the fault and whether repair is sensible. Send the make, model and fault code when you enquire. Where do I check heat-pump subsidy? Check the current RVO ISDE conditions and the exact appliance before ordering. Eligibility and the amount depend on the scheme and model. Can you help prepare for a heating upgrade? I can assess the boiler, radiator and pipework work involved. Tell me what you are planning so the installation can be considered as a whole.