Heat pump sales pick up speed again

25.04.2025

Source: E & M powernews

The heat pump industry is pleased with the significant increase in demand for systems. What's more, people are happy with the technology.

Sales rose by 35 percent to 62,000 heat pump appliances in the first three months of this year compared to the previous quarter of 2024. After a "difficult sales year in 2024", the heat transition is back on track for success, said Martin Sabel, Managing Director of the German Heat Pump Association (BWP), when presenting the figures.

In this context, he particularly praised the "Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings" (BEG), which has been supporting energy-efficient renovation projects with grants and low-interest loans since 2021. "Consumers want to move away from fossil fuel heating technologies and benefit from high quality both in terms of installation by German tradespeople and heat pumps. Both are excellently supported by federal funding for efficient buildings."

Sabel calls on the future government to support the trend of rising installation figures with high customer satisfaction through "reliable framework conditions". The fact that the coalition wants to continue the BEG heating subsidy is therefore "very welcome". According to the coalition agreement, the reduction in electricity tax and an additional reduction in grid fees should also lead to relief totaling 5 cents per kWh. The government is thus sending out an important signal for electrification.

However, Sabel also criticized unclear formulations in the coalition agreement. "On the one hand, there is the prospect of abolishing the Heating Act - a law that doesn't even exist. On the other hand, a reform of the Building Energy Act (GEG) has been announced." The industry expects that, if the government already wants to make changes, these requirements will be set before the end of this year. A revision that drags on for years should be avoided.

The fact that the heat pump still has a good image is confirmed by the association with figures from a Forsa survey. "96 percent, i.e. almost all homeowners surveyed with a heat pump, would opt for a heat pump again in retrospect." The function and comfort of their heat pump were rated positively by 96% of respondents, 92% were satisfied with the low noise levels and 84% particularly appreciated the low operating costs of their system.

Industry and trade have responded to the increased demand for heat pumps and have expanded production and installation capacities, particularly for existing buildings. "There is therefore no reason to continue relying on fossil fuel heating systems, but the heating transition must be consistently pursued," says Sabel.

The German heat pump industry employs around 35,000 people and generates an annual turnover of around 3.5 billion euros. Around 1.7 million heat pumps are currently in use in Germany. Around 95 percent of the systems installed are manufactured by BWP member companies.

Author: Stefan Sagmeister