According to the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA), in the first quarter of 2026 sales of residential heat pumps in France, Germany, and Poland rose by an average of 25 percent. This growth occurred amid a sharp worsening of the energy situation caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz on March 2, which led to a significant increase in gas and oil prices.
Overall, across eleven European countries, about 575 thousand heat pumps were sold from January to March 2026. This is 17 percent more than in the same period of 2025, when sales totaled 494 thousand units.
However, the overall positive trend masks significant differences between countries. In Austria 📉 sales fell by 30 percent, which experts attribute to the lack of government support. Overall, national results largely depend on the support measures in place.
The main factors driving demand were:
- Rising energy prices
- Growing concerns about supply reliability, especially intensified starting in March
EHPA CEO Paul Kenny noted that consumers have begun to view heat pumps as a reliable alternative to unstable gas and oil supplies.
The European Commission included the development of heat pumps in its energy crisis response plan, providing for:
- Reductions in VAT and taxes
- Special financing programs for low-income families
According to Kenny, EU governments need to implement these support measures promptly.