New calculations reveal that heat pumps are cheaper than gas and pellet for heating a home, with annual savings exceeding 1,000 PLN. Data from the Polish Smog Alarm shows that despite media reports of 'horror bills’, heat pump users are the most satisfied with their heating costs.
The study, described by Onet, compared average annual heating costs for different sources. Heat pumps came in at 5,055 PLN, compared to 5,644 PLN for gas and 6,080 PLN for pellet. Only coal and wood were cheaper at 4,318 PLN, but often due to access to cheap or free fuel.
Heat pump vs. gas and pellet: the numbers
In the peak month of January, heat pump costs averaged 1,361 PLN, almost identical to coal/wood (1,338 PLN), while gas cost 1,454 PLN and pellet 1,563 PLN. This shows that even in the coldest month, heat pumps can be cost-competitive.
The critical factor: insulation
The authors emphasize that insulation is key. In uninsulated buildings, 51% of heat pump users complained about thermal discomfort, while only 14% in well-insulated homes reported such problems.
– The widespread narrative about heat pumps being uneconomical does not hold up against reality – said Piotr Siergiej, spokesman for the Polish Smog Alarm. – In a well-insulated house, this solution can be one of the cheapest and most predictable in terms of costs.
Thus, the decision on heating source must be combined with investment in building insulation.
Źródło: WNP.PL/Budownictwo, Fot. Shutterstock/Halina1601
