The heating system (varmeinstallation) is the technical system that produces heat in your home — either directly (heat pump, boiler) or via a district network (fjernvarme). It is one of the most important variables for your energy bill and carbon footprint.
Why does it matter to you?
The choice of heat source has significant consequences:
- Running costs: District heating and heat pumps are typically cheaper to run than gas or oil
- Carbon footprint: Electric heat pumps have a low CO₂ impact — and it’s falling as the grid gets greener
- Property value: Homes with heat pumps or district heating typically sell at a premium
- Regulations: Denmark is phasing out oil and gas boilers, with requirements affecting various building types from 2026–2030
The main heating options in Denmark
District heating (fjernvarme): Hot water delivered via pipes from a shared heating plant. Easy to operate, competitively priced, and typically based on biomass or waste heat. Widespread in Danish cities.
Air-to-water heat pump: Extracts heat from outdoor air and transfers it to the heating system. Low running costs, but requires an investment of DKK 60,000–150,000.
Ground source heat pump: Extracts heat from the earth via buried pipes or boreholes. Even more efficient than air-to-water, but requires space for drilling.
Gas or oil boiler: Traditional fossil fuel solution. Higher CO₂ impact and politically being phased out.
Wood pellet boiler: Renewable alternative to gas/oil. Requires storage space for pellets.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register my new heat pump in the BBR?
Yes. Heating installations are registered in the Danish Building Register (BBR), and changes must be reported to the municipality.
Can I freely switch heat sources?
Mostly yes. However, in areas served by district heating, the municipality may require connection to the district network. Always check with your municipality before investing in a new system.
What is the COP of a heat pump?
The COP (Coefficient of Performance) indicates efficiency — typically 3–4, meaning the pump produces 3–4 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed.