After three years of using an air-source heat pump, a homeowner in Poland saw her annual heating and hot water costs drop from over 8,000 PLN to around 4,000-4,500 PLN. The investment, however, turned out to be more expensive than planned, and its success depended on additional modernization work and access to a government subsidy.
Rising energy prices have pushed many Polish homeowners to consider replacing their gas boilers with heat pumps. One such case is Marta, the owner of a 140-square-meter single-family house, who made the switch in 2022. At the time, her gas bills for the 2021/2022 heating season had exceeded 8,000 PLN annually. The decision to move to an air-source heat pump seemed a logical step to cut costs.
The purchase and installation of the heat pump cost around 38,000 PLN. Additional work on the heating system and replacement of some radiators drove the total bill higher. Thanks to a subsidy from the „Clean Air” program, the net cost dropped to approximately 26,000 PLN. After three heating seasons, Marta meticulously compared her expenses.
A costly transition with a payoff
The annual cost of heating and hot water fell to between 4,000 and 4,500 PLN, translating into savings of several thousand zlotys each year compared to the old gas system. However, the heat pump alone was not the only factor. Marta had previously carried out thermal modernization of the building and installed photovoltaic panels. These upgrades significantly reduced energy consumption.
– The profitability of such an investment depends mainly on the building’s insulation and the proper selection of the device – stated a representative of the portal KB.pl, which originally reported the story. In poorly insulated homes, operating costs can be much higher and the payback period extends considerably.
Comfort and predictability
Beyond the numbers, users appreciate the low-maintenance operation of heat pumps. They eliminate the need for gas infrastructure and offer greater cost predictability over the long term. Marta’s experience illustrates that heat pumps can deliver real savings, but only under the right conditions.
Key factors include a well-insulated building, an appropriately sized unit, and ideally, an accompanying photovoltaic installation. Without these, the return on investment may be disappointing. The case also highlights the importance of state support programs like „Clean Air” in making the financial leap more manageable.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. Shutterstock/Sardak Roman
