Gas-free living costs
Costs of gas-free living 2026
Gas-free living costs between €17,000 and €40,000 on average, depending on the type of home and the current energy label. Gas-free living means that your home no longer has a gas connection and runs entirely on alternative energy sources for heating, hot water, and cooking. The costs for gas-free living are primarily determined by the required insulation, the type of heating system, and the surface area of your home. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of various elements and what to look out for during the transition.
Table of Contents
- What does gas-free living cost?
- Costs of gas-free living per home type and energy label
- Price-determining factors for gas-free living
- Extra costs and surcharges
- How do you proceed with gas-free living?
- How can you save on gas-free living?
- Common problems with gas-free living
- Find the best professional for gas-free living
- Frequently asked questions about gas-free living
- Book a professional for gas-free living
- Useful links
What does gas-free living cost?
Gas-free living costs between €17,000 and €30,000 on average, with an average of €20,000 for a standard family home. These costs include replacing your heating system, applying insulation, and any adjustments to your cooking facilities. The exact price depends heavily on the type of house, the surface area, and the current energy label.
Average costs for gas-free living
| Situation | Costs |
|---|---|
| Gas-free home (average) | €17,000 to €30,000 |
| Gas-free home (average family) | €20,000 |
| Gas-free home (Essent estimate) | €40,000 |
This table shows that the costs for gas-free living vary based on the starting situation. The higher amount of €40,000 occurs when your home is poorly insulated and requires many adjustments, such as full roof insulation, HR++ glass, and a completely new heating system. For homes with a higher energy label or those that are already partially insulated, costs are closer to the average.
The costs for a gas-free house are calculated per project. A professional first looks at your current situation: what insulation is already there, what is your energy label, and which heating system best suits your home. The total investment consists of various components such as insulation material, a heat pump or other heating solution, and the necessary installation work.
Prices include labour. For the installation of insulating glass and insulation material, the reduced VAT rate of 9% applies, making the total investment more affordable.
Costs of gas-free living per home type and energy label
The costs for gas-free living vary greatly per home type and energy label. An apartment of 90m² with energy label B requires fewer adjustments than a detached house of 160m² with label F. The investment for a gas-free home ranging from €7,150 for an apartment with a good energy label to €38,800 for a large detached house with extensive insulation work.
Costs of gas-free living apartment (90m²)
| Energy label | Investment |
|---|---|
| Energy label B | €7,150 |
| Energy label C and D | €22,050 |
| Energy label E and F | €17,150 |
Costs of gas-free living terraced house (125m²)
| Energy label | Investment |
|---|---|
| Energy label A and B | €11,950 |
| Energy label C and D | €20,650 |
| Energy label E and F | €28,600 |
Costs of gas-free living detached house (160m²)
| Energy label | Investment |
|---|---|
| Energy label A and B | €17,350 |
| Energy label D | €30,800 |
| Energy label F and G | €38,800 |
Price-determining factors for gas-free living
The costs for gas-free living are influenced by several factors. Some factors can be directly influenced, such as the insulation level and the timing of the work. Other factors, such as the size of your home and the house type, are fixed.
Home type and size
A larger living space requires more insulation material and a more powerful heat pump. An apartment of 90m² has less surface area to heat than a detached house of 160m². This translates directly into lower material costs and less installation time. The number of facades to be insulated also plays a role: a terraced house has two outer walls, a detached house four.
Current energy label
A home with energy label A or B is already well-insulated and needs fewer adjustments. With label E, F, or G, the entire insulation shell often needs to be addressed: roof, floor, cavity walls, and glass. This significantly increases both material costs and labour time. A better energy label also means you can suffice with a smaller, cheaper heat pump.
Type of heat pump
There are five main types of heat pumps: air-to-water, ground-to-water, water-to-water, air-to-air, and hybrid heat pumps. An air-to-water heat pump is cheaper to purchase but requires more electricity. A ground-to-water or water-to-water heat pump is more expensive to install due to excavation work but more efficient in use. The type therefore determines both the initial investment and the payback period.
Insulation level
Poorly insulated homes lose a lot of heat, requiring a larger heat pump. Good insulation of the roof, floor, cavity walls, and HR++ glazing reduces heat loss. This means you can manage with a smaller heat pump, which reduces purchase costs and energy consumption. Insulation is often the most cost-effective first step.
Existing heating system
If your current radiators are suitable for low-temperature heating, they can remain. Old radiators or a system designed for high temperatures must be replaced by larger radiators or underfloor heating. Installing underfloor heating requires extra work and material, which increases costs.
Electrical connection
A heat pump requires more electricity than a central heating boiler. Often, the fuse box needs to be adjusted or the connection upgraded from 1x25A to 3x25A. Grid operators may have waiting lists for this, especially in busy regions. An upgraded connection costs extra time and money and potentially delays the entire project.
Accessibility and complexity
A monumental building or an apartment with VvE (Owners' Association) approval is more complex than a standard terraced house. For apartments, permission from the VvE is often required, which takes time. For monuments, strict requirements apply to preserve the appearance. Difficult-to-reach locations or homes with limited workspace require more time from the professional.
Region
In large cities, the rates for professionals are often higher than in rural areas. The availability of professionals also differs by region. In areas with high demand for sustainability, waiting times and prices may be higher.
Municipal heating plans
Municipalities develop heat transition visions stating when neighbourhoods will become gas-free. If a heat network is planned for your neighbourhood, it might be more beneficial to wait. Connecting to a heat network requires different investments than an individual heat pump.
Preparation and planning
Ensure the workspace is clear and accessible for the professional. This saves time during the work. Implementing small improvements now is more cost-effective than waiting until major adjustments are needed. A phased approach, where you insulate first and install a heat pump later, can spread the costs.
Choice of professional
Local professionals have shorter travel times and can be on-site faster for service or warranty work. At Zoofy, you know what you pay in advance and only pay after the job is completed.
Extra costs and surcharges
The costs for gas-free living can increase due to additional investments required for a well-functioning gas-free home. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges for professionals booked via the platform.
- Upgrading electrical connection: Upgrading from 1x25A to 3x25A with the grid operator brings extra costs due to higher power consumption.
- Fuse box expansion: This is often necessary to add extra circuits for the heat pump, induction hob, and possibly a charging station.
- Buffer tank or boiler: Heat storage is often mandatory for larger homes or heat pumps, which increases the investment.
- Ventilation system with heat recovery: Necessary in well-insulated homes to prevent moisture problems.
- Removing gas connection: This is currently free of charge by the grid operator to encourage gas-free living.
How do you proceed with gas-free living?
Realising a gas-free home follows a fixed sequence of measures.
- Perform an energy scan: Have an energy advisor or installer assess your home. They will calculate which measures are most cost-effective and advise on the correct order to keep costs as low as possible.
- Improve insulation: Start with roof and floor insulation, followed by cavity wall insulation and HR++ insulation glass. Good insulation reduces the required capacity of the heating system, which lowers costs.
- Optimize ventilation: Have mechanical ventilation with heat recovery installed. Well-insulated homes need this for a healthy indoor climate without moisture issues.
- Install heating system: Choose the right heat pump (air-to-water, ground-to-water, or hybrid) matching the insulation value. Consider underfloor heating or low-temperature radiators for an efficient system.
- Apply for subsidies: Apply for ISDE subsidy for the heat pump and check local schemes before starting. Some subsidies are only available after official energy advice.
- Adjust electrical connection: Have an extra circuit installed or the connection upgraded from 1x25A to 3x25A for the higher power consumption.
- Install induction hob: Replace the gas stove with an induction hob for gas-free cooking.
- Remove gas connection: Have the grid operator shut off and remove the gas connection. This is currently free.
How can you save on gas-free living?
There are several ways to reduce the costs of gas-free living without compromising on quality.
- Choose a phased approach: Start with the most cost-effective measures like roof insulation and HR++ glass. Each step already provides energy savings, allowing you to spread the investment and earn it back faster.
- Apply for subsidies before you start: ISDE subsidy for heat pumps, SEEH subsidy for insulation, and local municipal subsidies can save thousands of pounds on the total costs.
- Combine the heat pump with solar panels: Use the heat pump especially when the solar panels are generating power. This significantly lowers your energy bill and maximises savings.
- Set the heat pump to a constant temperature: A heat pump works more efficiently with a constant low temperature than with regular switching on and off, as with old boilers.
- Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after completion of the job.
Common problems with gas-free living
When switching to gas-free living, several problems can occur that affect comfort and efficiency.
Incorrect sizing of the heat pump
A heat pump that is too large costs unnecessarily much to purchase and consumes more power. A heat pump that is too small cannot heat the home sufficiently, especially on cold days. This problem arises when no professional heat demand calculation is made based on insulation value and living space.
Noise nuisance from the outdoor unit
Heat pump outdoor units produce noise during operation, which can cause a nuisance for residents and neighbours. This is particularly problematic when placed near bedroom windows or the property boundary. The noise level varies by type and brand, making location choice important for living comfort.
Insufficient ventilation
Well-insulated homes ventilate less naturally, causing moisture to build up. Without mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, moisture problems, condensation, and potentially mould formation occur. This affects air quality and can cause health problems.
Slow heating
A heat pump heats up more slowly than a central heating boiler because it works with lower water temperatures. The home therefore cools down faster if the temperature is turned down too far at night. This requires an adjustment in heating behaviour for consistent comfort.
Existing radiators unsuitable
Old radiators are designed for high water temperatures from central heating boilers. With low-temperature heating, these have insufficient heat output, leading to a cold home despite a running heat pump. Replacement with larger radiators or underfloor heating increases costs significantly.
Find the best professional for gas-free living
Gas-free living requires multiple specialists, from an insulation company to a heat pump installer.
- Independent energy advice: In complex situations, first hire an independent energy advisor who calculates which measures are cost-effective and assists with subsidy applications.
- No call-out charges: At Zoofy, you never pay extra for the professional's arrival; you only pay for the work performed.
- Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the costs are before the job begins, without surprises afterwards.
- Quick booking without quote hassle: Arrange a professional for insulation, heat pump, or fuse box immediately without waiting weeks for quotes.
- Payment after completion: You only pay via QR code when the job is done and you are satisfied with the result.
- Vetted professionals: All affiliated installers and specialists are screened by Zoofy for reliable work on your gas-free home.
Frequently asked questions about gas-free living
What are the costs of gas-free living?
The costs for gas-free living are on average between €17,000 and €30,000 for a standard family home. This includes insulation, a heat pump, and adjustments to your cooking facilities. The exact price depends on your home type, surface area, and current energy label.
Can I switch to gas-free in phases?
Yes, a phased approach is possible and often wise. Start with insulation, then improve ventilation, and install the heat pump last. This spreads the investment, and each step already provides energy savings.
What do I pay if I don't use gas?
You no longer pay a fixed amount for the gas connection and no gas consumption. However, your electricity consumption for heating and hot water will increase. The total energy bill is often lower due to the high efficiency of a heat pump.
Is a gas-free home cheaper?
In the long run, yes. The initial costs for a gas-free house are high, but you save annually on energy. Through subsidies and lower consumption costs, you earn back the investment in 10 to 15 years.
Is it wise to disconnect gas?
That depends on your situation. With good insulation and a suitable heat pump, gas-free living is comfortable and cost-effective. With poor insulation, a hybrid system is often wiser as an intermediate step.
Do I have to go completely off-gas or can I go hybrid?
A hybrid heat pump combines a heat pump with a high-efficiency (HR) boiler as an intermediate step. This is less drastic but not completely gas-free. It does reduce your gas consumption by 60 to 70%.
Can I keep my existing radiators?
That depends on the type. Radiators must be suitable for low-temperature heating (35-55°C). Have this checked by an installer beforehand.
Which subsidies are available for gas-free living?
ISDE for heat pumps, SEEH for insulation, and local municipal schemes can significantly reduce costs. Apply for these before you start the work.
How long does the complete switch to gas-free take?
This varies from a few weeks to months, depending on the extent of insulation work and availability of professionals. A phased approach extends the total duration but makes the job more manageable.
Does a heat pump produce much noise?
Modern heat pumps are quieter than older models, but the outdoor unit does make noise. Proper placement and vibration dampers help prevent nuisance for you and your neighbours.
Book a professional for gas-free living
Ready to make your home gas-free? At Zoofy, you can directly book a professional for insulation, heat pump installation, or electrical work, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs in advance, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, vetted professional. You only pay when the work is done. Book a professional directly now.