Energy crisis sees rise in European heat pump sales
Belgium – Residential heat pump sales rose by an average of 25% in the first quarter of 2026 in France, Germany and Poland. This includes the period after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz on 2 March, massively pushing up gas and oil prices.
Latest figures from the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) show that around 575,000 units were sold in 11 European countries from January to March, giving a 17% increase compared to 494,000 in the same period and countries in 2025. The overall average was brought down by Austria, where sales dropped by 30% due to the lack of government subsidies.
Paul Kenny, EHPA Director General, said: “If your streaming service doubled its price then blocked its movies you’d find a better one. Consumers have realised heat pumps are the solution when gas and oil are erratic in price and supply. The EU Commission has outlined important steps to help people get a heat pump in its energy crisis plan, from VAT and tax reductions to supporting social leasing for poorer households. EU governments must rapidly enact what they can.”
