The heat pump market in the Netherlands is changing rapidly. While air-to-water heat pumps have become the standard in recent years, we are increasingly seeing renewed interest in ground-source heat pumps. And rightly so.
A ground-source heat pump (also known as a geothermal heat pump) operates more stably, efficiently, and quietly than an air-to-water system. However, its application has remained relatively limited until now. The main reasons? Investment costs and the complexity of installation.
But there's another development becoming more important in the coming years: refrigerants.
Why refrigerants are suddenly so important
While previously the focus was mainly on power and efficiency, today the choice of refrigerant also plays a decisive role. What was standard for years is now under pressure due to stricter regulations and changing demands regarding sustainability.
Many existing systems still run on a familiar solution that has proven itself technically. But the market is shifting. Installers and manufacturers are actively looking for future-proof alternatives that not only perform but also meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.
This is where a new generation of refrigerants comes into play.
R290 is a notable development in this regard. This natural refrigerant combines minimal environmental impact with strong practical performance. It makes systems more efficient, more sustainable, and better prepared for future legislation.
While this technology previously gained ground mainly in other applications, the step towards ground-source systems is now being taken rapidly. This opens the door to installations that not only perform well today but will also be the right choice tomorrow.
What makes an R290 ground-source heat pump interesting?
A ground-source heat pump draws energy from a constant source in the ground, allowing the system to perform stably throughout the year. This ensures consistent efficiency, even in the coldest winter months, lower peak load on the energy grid, and high operating efficiency. Additionally, no outdoor unit is required, completely eliminating noise issues and making the system quieter and more discreet.
Combined with R290, this creates a future-proof solution. This natural refrigerant complies with stricter regulations, offers highly efficient thermodynamic behavior, and contributes to a strong sustainability profile. This makes the system suitable for both renovation projects and new construction, provided the basic conditions are met.
For homeowners, this primarily means certainty, comfort, and predictability in costs and performance. For installers, it offers a stable system that is less susceptible to weather influences and extremes, further increasing reliability in practice.
Is the ground-source heat pump suddenly the ideal solution?
A ground-source heat pump is a powerful and sustainable solution for anyone looking to save on energy costs and live in a future-proof way. However, not every home is automatically suitable — and this is precisely where the difference lies between a standard solution and a smart investment.
For optimal results, a few conditions are important: sufficient space for drilling, a low-temperature heating system, and a willingness to invest in long-term quality.
When these basics are in place, a ground-source heat pump immediately delivers value. Think of lower monthly costs, stable living comfort in every season, and less dependence on fluctuating energy prices. Especially for homes with sufficient outdoor space, the returns can be significant.
The real difference lies in the approach. Through efficient planning, streamlined installation, and strong collaborations, the investment can remain manageable and the result maximized.
Looking ahead pays off. Those who choose a well-considered solution now will benefit for years from comfort, certainty, and savings.
What does this mean for the Dutch market?
The energy transition requires future-proof solutions. Not just for the next five years, but for the next twenty.
R410A systems will not disappear immediately, but the direction is clear: In combination with R290 refrigerant , future-proof solutions like R290 are becoming increasingly important.
For ground-source heat pumps, this could mean a new phase. A phase where technology, sustainability, and regulations align better.
The question is not whether this development will come, but how quickly the market will adapt.
Looking ahead pays off
At New Heating, we closely follow these developments. Not because it is "new," but because we believe that ground-source systems with natural refrigerants can play a serious role in the next step of the Dutch heat pump market.
The coming years will be decisive for how ground-source heating positions itself alongside air-to-water systems.
And that's precisely why it's important to think now about what is truly future-proof.
Why a ground-source heat pump doesn't have to be just for the elite
Anyone delving into sustainable heating quickly comes across the ground-source heat pump. It is one of the most efficient and stable ways to heat a home, with consistent efficiency, no outdoor unit, virtually silent operation, and low long-term energy costs. Yet, in the Netherlands, this solution is often still seen as something for the higher segment, and that perception is not entirely unfounded. The total investment due to installation, drilling, and system setup makes it difficult for many households to access, often leading to the choice of an air-to-water heat pump, which is more accessible but not necessarily performs better. We believe this can be changed — by designing smarter, standardizing, and working more efficiently, so that the ground-source heat pump becomes a realistic and future-proof choice for a much larger group of homeowners as well.
Ground-source heating is technically superior — but commercially poorly organized
A ground-source heat pump works with a stable temperature from the ground. This means:
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More consistent efficiency
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Less wear and tear
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Higher SCOP values
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No outdoor noise pollution
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Better performance in cold winters
Technically, the system is superior to air-to-water in many situations.
The reason it is used less is not due to the technology — but to the organization and price structure.
Ground-source heating in the Netherlands is often still sold as a custom project. Many separate links, little standardization, high margins per project. And that makes it expensive.
We believe it can be done differently.
Our vision: making ground-source heating accessible
At New Heating, we don't just look at technology, but at structure.
We believe that a ground-source heat pump doesn't have to be a luxury product, but should be a smart choice for a much larger group of homeowners.
How?
By:
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Standardization of systems
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Smart cooperation with drilling partners
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Efficient installation processes
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Volume-driven purchasing
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Limited number of configurations
Instead of custom chaos, we opt for clarity and scale.
That is the only way to enable an extremely competitive price without compromising on quality.
New generation: R290 ground-source heat pumps
There's something else.
Many existing systems still work with R410A. Technically fine, but increasingly under pressure due to European regulations.
We focus on the next step: R290.
R290 (propane) is a natural refrigerant with a very low GWP and excellent thermodynamic properties. It is future-proof, efficient, and better aligned with where the market is heading.
For us, that's not a marketing term, but a conscious choice.
If you invest in a ground-source heat pump today, it must still be relevant in 10 to 15 years.
Lowest price guarantee — but with quality
We state it clearly: we want to offer the most competitively priced ground-source heat pump solution in the Netherlands.
Not by lowering quality.
Not by compromising on components.
But by structuring the model differently.
While many parties calculate high margins per project, we opt for a volume-driven approach. Lower margin per installation, but more installations. That is a fundamentally different strategy.
And that's precisely why we can be exceptionally competitive.
Currently, we see hardly any providers in the Netherlands making this combination:
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Ground-source system
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New refrigerant (R290)
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Strong standardization
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And a pricing strategy focused on accessibility
That makes this approach exceptional.
Not a hype, but a long-term vision
We see ground-source heating not as a trend, but as an underutilized segment within the energy transition.
Not every home is suitable.
Not every situation is ideal.
But where it is possible, it should be logical and affordable.
The market is changing rapidly. Regulations are becoming stricter. Customers are becoming more critical. Installers seek certainty.
Precisely because of this, we believe that the next step in sustainable heating is not just about technology — but about how we organize it.
And that's where we want to make a difference.
Why now is the time
The Dutch heat pump market is at a tipping point: while previously the focus was primarily on quick solutions, it is now shifting towards quality and long-term performance. Homeowners and installers are looking more critically at aspects such as efficiency over 15 years, noise levels, grid load, regulations, and preserving property value. It is precisely on these points that a well-designed ground-source heat pump clearly distinguishes itself, with stable performance and future-proof technology. The question remains whether this is affordable, and the answer lies in a smart approach where design, installation, and economies of scale come together to make a high-quality solution accessible.
What we stand for
New Heating consciously opts for a balanced approach: not a price fighter, but also no unnecessarily expensive customized solutions. We develop technically well-thought-out systems that are ready for the future, with transparent price structures, competitive purchasing, and a focus on long-term cooperation. We look not only at today's installation but at performance over the next 20 years. By combining a new generation of R290 technology with smart standardization, direct lines to production, and efficient execution, we achieve something that rarely comes together: high quality at a surprisingly competitive price level.
What sets us apart
In the Netherlands, ground-source heating is often seen as complex and costly, but we believe that the technology is not the problem — it is the way it is organized. By streamlining the process, we make high-quality systems more accessible and efficient. Less variation leads to fewer failure costs, working in volume reduces production costs, and fixed collaborations reduce drilling and installation costs. Combined with tight planning, this results in less waste of time and resources. While this sounds logical in theory but is rarely applied in practice, this is precisely our strength: we make it scalable, affordable, and reliable.
Why almost no one else does this yet
Because it requires a fundamentally different way of thinking. Many parties continue to work with customization and high margins per project — a model that performs well as long as the customer is willing to pay for it. We consciously choose a different course: lower margins per installation, combined with more volume, more scale, and a greater reach. This approach requires confidence in the market and a clear long-term vision, but it makes it possible to offer a ground-source heat pump at a price level normally only expected with air-to-water systems. That's precisely where the innovation — and the opportunity of this moment — lies.
Who this is interesting for
Not every home is suitable — and we are honest about that. But for detached houses, semi-detached houses, and houses with sufficient garden space, this solution offers enormous opportunities. Especially for homeowners who think ahead and want to live completely gas-free without compromising on comfort or performance. For that group, we make a high-quality ground-source heat pump not only feasible but also financially attractive and future-proof.
Looking ahead instead of following
We don't wait for regulations to force us to change — we lead the way. By now choosing solutions like R290, a sharp and scalable pricing strategy, and smart standardization instead of fragmented customization, we build systems that are ready for the future. The energy transition is not just about technology, but about vision and the courage to do things differently. That's precisely where we make the difference.
What does a ground-source heat pump cost in the Netherlands?
A frequently asked question is: what does a ground-source heat pump actually cost?
In the Netherlands, the total investment usually ranges between €18,000 and €30,000, depending on:
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Heat pump capacity
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Depth and type of drilling
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Heat emission system (underfloor heating or radiators)
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Installation complexity
For many people, that's the point where they drop out.
And that's exactly where we want to make a difference.
Through standardization and smart collaboration, we can significantly reduce the total system price. Not by simplifying components, but by removing waste from the process.
This suddenly makes a ground-source heat pump accessible to a much larger target group.
Ground-source heat pump vs air-to-water heat pump
Many homeowners are torn between an air-to-water heat pump and a ground-source heat pump.
Here are the key differences:
Air-to-water heat pump
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Lower purchase costs
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Quick installation
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Outdoor unit present
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Efficiency dependent on outdoor temperature
Ground-source heat pump
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Higher initial investment
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No outdoor unit
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Very stable efficiency
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Higher SCOP values
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Lower energy costs in the long term
For those looking purely at purchase price, air-to-water seems more attractive.
For those looking at return over 15–20 years, ground-source heat can be a much stronger choice.
And what if the price difference becomes smaller?
Then the comparison changes completely.
Why R290 is the future of the heat pump market
R290 (propane) is increasingly being referred to as the refrigerant of the future.
And not without reason.
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Very low GWP (Global Warming Potential)
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Natural origin
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High energy efficiency
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Prepared for stricter EU regulations
The European F-gas regulation is becoming increasingly stringent. Systems with a high GWP will eventually be further restricted.
Anyone investing in an R290 heat pump now is opting for future-proofing.
And precisely in combination with a ground-source heat pump, a very efficient, sustainable, and stable system is created.
Is a ground-source heat pump suitable for my home?
That depends on a number of factors:
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Is there enough garden space for drilling?
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Is the house well insulated?
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Is there underfloor heating or low-temperature heat emission?
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Is there a willingness to invest in long-term returns?
For detached houses and semi-detached houses, a ground-source heat pump is often very suitable.
For terraced houses or limited outdoor space, it can be more difficult.
We always recommend first looking at the technical feasibility and the financial picture.
Why we believe ground-source heating should become more accessible
The energy transition requires serious solutions. Not just quick fixes.
A ground-source heat pump is technically one of the most sustainable ways of heating available for private homes.
However, it is still relatively little used in the Netherlands.
Not because it doesn't work well.
But because it is too often made too expensive.
We are convinced that this can be different.
By:
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Efficient purchasing
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Direct collaboration with manufacturers
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Focus on R290 technology
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Standardized system design
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Low margin per project, higher scale
we can offer an exceptionally competitive price without compromising on quality.
That's not a marketing promise. That's a conscious strategic choice.
The future of ground-source heating in the Netherlands
In the coming years, the heat pump market will become more professional.
Homeowners will become more critical.
Installers will choose reliable partners.
Regulations will further steer refrigerants towards natural alternatives.
The combination of:
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Ground-source heat pump
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R290 refrigerant
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Aggressive pricing strategy
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Long-term vision
is, in our conviction, not a temporary trend, but a logical next step.
We do not see ground-source heat as an exclusive product for the top end of the market, but as an underutilized segment that can be organized more smartly.
And that's exactly where we want to make a difference.
