Heating Cost Comparison: Heat Pump, Gas and Pellets

Choose your living area and efficiency standard and compare the annual heating costs of the three systems. The price assumptions are editable, and all rates are as of 2026 as a simplified model calculation.

Your inputs

Living space: 140 m²

80 m²250 m²

Efficiency standard

A good, widely used new-build standard.Assumed heating energy demand per standard: GEG 60, EH55 40, EH40 28 kWh/m²a. Simplified model values, As of 2026.

Price assumptions (ct/kWh)You can adjust the prices. Starting values are simplified model assumptions, As of 2026.

Heat pumpHeat-pump electricity per kWh. The electricity consumption is the heat demand divided by the seasonal performance factor (Jahresarbeitszahl, JAZ).(SPF 3.8)

GasNatural gas per kWh including CO₂ pricing (simplified assumption, as of 2026).

PelletsWood pellets per kWh (simplified assumption, as of 2026).

The electricity consumption of the heat pump is the heat demand divided by the seasonal performance factor (SPF / Jahresarbeitszahl). All figures are simplified model assumptions, As of 2026.

Cheapest option

Heat pump: €442/year

Heating energy demand 5,600 kWh/year at 140 m²

Annual heating costs compared

Heat pump€442

Gas€672

Pellets€448

Bar length relative to the most expensive option. Pure operating costs (energy) without purchase, maintenance and funding.

Important note

This comparison is a simplified model calculation (As of 2026) and serves only as a first orientation. Real consumption, prices and the seasonal performance factor depend heavily on the building, the region and usage behaviour. Purchase costs, maintenance and funding are not included. The comparison does not replace energy advice.

Your heating cost comparison as a PDF

We send you the PDF and you can also download it directly.

More on the topic: guide to the heat pump in a prefabricated house.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Heating Cost Comparison

How does the comparison calculate annual heating costs?

First, the calculator determines the space-heating demand from the living area and the efficiency standard (model assumptions: GEG standard 60, Efficiency House 55 at 40 and Efficiency House 40 at 28 kWh per square metre and year). For the heat pump, this demand is divided by the seasonal performance factor to obtain the electricity consumption; for gas and pellets the heat demand counts directly. Multiplied by the respective price, this gives the pure energy costs per year. This is a simplified model calculation, as of 2026.

What does the seasonal performance factor mean for a heat pump?

The seasonal performance factor (Jahresarbeitszahl, JAZ) indicates how many kilowatt-hours of heat a heat pump produces from one kilowatt-hour of electricity on an annual average. A JAZ of 3.8 means that 1 kWh of electricity becomes around 3.8 kWh of heating energy. The higher the JAZ, the less electricity is needed. Well-insulated prefabricated houses with underfloor heating often achieve high values.

Can I adjust the price assumptions?

Yes. The starting values for electricity, gas and pellets in cents per kilowatt-hour are simplified model assumptions (as of 2026) and can be overwritten directly in the price table. This lets you enter your own terms or current offers and adapt the comparison to your situation.

Are purchase and maintenance included in the comparison?

No. The comparison shows only the ongoing energy costs per year. Purchase, installation, maintenance and possible subsidies are left out because they vary greatly. For a full economic assessment, an energy consultation is advisable. The comparison is a simplified model calculation for initial orientation.