The heat pump has just been installed — and suddenly the municipality is announcing the expansion of the district heating network. What does this mean for existing heating systems: Is there a risk of dismantling or can the heat pump simply continue running? You can find out here.

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What happens to a heat pump when the district heating network comes in?

As a rule, a heat pump may continue to operate even if a district heating network is available. According to a Legal opinion of the Federal Heat Pump Association (BWP) There is no legal dismantling obligation. Existing plants enjoy protection and are considered climate-friendly according to the Building Energy Act — a connection to district heating is usually voluntary.

The concern of having to remove a newly installed heat pump when the municipality expands a district heating network is understandable — but in most cases unfounded. According to Section 71 of the Building Energy Act (GEG), a heat pump meets the requirements for a renewable heating system. It may therefore be operated even if district heating is available in the future. In addition, the so-called inventory protection protects existing heating systems as long as they are functional and there is no obligation to connect and use them by municipalities.

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Is there an obligation to use district heating?

There is only an obligation to use district heating if the municipality expressly prescribes it as part of heating planning. This is done through a so-called connection and use obligation (AnBP), which, however, is only permitted under certain conditions.

From 2026, large cities, and from 2028 also smaller municipalities, must submit municipal heating plans. This planning may identify areas in which district heating is intended as a preferred form of supply. Only if the municipality imposes a binding connection and use obligation in such an area can the use of district heating become mandatory. The prerequisite is that this measure is proportionate, i.e. economically reasonable and technically feasible. Homeowners with modern heating systems such as heat pumps can usually claim exceptions.

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What do I have to consider when installing new heat pumps?

Anyone installing a heat pump today should check possible municipal heating plans. Even if there is no threat of dismantling, future requirements may influence long-term use — for example through economic disadvantages or restrictions on new permits.

The installation of a heat pump is still permitted, even if a district heating network is installed in the future. There is no dismantling obligation. Nevertheless, building owners and renovators should check in advance whether district heating expansion is specifically planned in their municipality. This is because subsidies for heat pumps usually require long-term use. If the heating system is shut down within a few years — for example because a district heating pipeline is in front of the door and the changeover is economically viable — this can lead to reclaims.

In addition, municipal heating plans can influence new construction projects — for example through requirements in the development plan or through subsequent conversion obligations. It is therefore important to know the local heating strategy right from the planning stage.

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What happens if the heat pump fails technically?

If a heat pump fails completely technically and can no longer be repaired, the question is how to proceed. In areas with an existing district heating connection, the municipality may impose a connection and use obligation. However, this only applies if it has already been legally decided and is reasonable for the owner. If there is no such obligation or if a new heat pump is in line with the municipal heating plan, a heat pump can also be reinstalled. Before making a decision, homeowners should check whether subsidies are affected or whether a technical reconciliation with district heating would make more economic sense.

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When does it make sense to switch to district heating?

Switching to district heating makes sense if you are in Comparison with a heat pump is cheaper to operate, is provided in a more climate-friendly way or can be implemented in a technically simpler way. District heating does not require its own heating technology, which reduces maintenance and repair costs. Comfort and space savings also play a role.

While heat pumps are particularly convincing due to their low operating costs, high investment costs and structural requirements such as outdoor units or drilling can be an obstacle. District heating, on the other hand, entails one-time connection costs, but there are no maintenance, repair and electricity costs for heat pump operation.

The following is a comparison of the costs for a single-family house with heating requirements of 15,000 kilowatt hours per year.

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Although the investment costs for district heating are lower, the heating costs are comparatively higher than for a heat pump. In the long term, you can save more with a heat pump. You can also combine them with a PV system and make yourself more independent of energy suppliers.

What is the role of municipal heating planning?

Municipal heating planning determines how cities and municipalities will make their heat supply climate-neutral by 2045. It is based on the Heat Planning Act, which has been in force since 2024. Large cities must submit a binding heating plan by mid-2026 and smaller municipalities by mid-2028.

On the one hand, this creates planning security for owners, as it becomes clear whether district heating, heat pumps or other solutions are planned in the respective area in the future. On the other hand, connection and use obligations for district heating can be introduced on the basis of these plans — in particular when replacing heating or new buildings. As long as there is no heating plan, homeowners are generally free to decide which climate-friendly heating system they want to install.

Remove the heat pump — yes or no?

It is generally not necessary to dismantle an existing heat pump. It is considered climate-friendly and remains permitted even with a subsequent district heating connection. There is no fundamental conflict between heat pump and district heating — both complement each other in municipal heating planning. Especially in detached and two-family houses in rural areas, a heating network is usually not worthwhile. There, owners can plan for the long term with their heat pump. Municipalities must make it clear in advance of planning where a connection is actually planned. Anyone who already operates a functioning heat pump can continue to use it in almost all cases.

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