Air heat pump or use gas and solar?

Was the funding from [BAFA] also taken into account?

Was the BAfA subsidy also taken into account?

No.

But that still wouldn't be enough, he says, since that's only about €4,000.

So you mean you would pay an extra €2000?

In that case, I would definitely go for the heat pump.

Assuming a 20-year lifespan, it would probably come out ahead given today's energy prices.
Take a look at a full cost calculation.

For example, the basic fee for the gas meter, chimney sweep, (chimney if no fireplace is planned), maintenance is cheaper and less frequent.

But: the heat pump needs to be properly planned and adjusted correctly by you once in winter.

So you would pay 2000€ more?

No, save.

The chimney is already included; it is a fixed house price offer.

I doubt that maintenance is cheaper. Waterkotte does not have a service every corner and I see it with our Nibe system, where four-figure amounts go to maintenance technicians every year. That is already an extreme example, but I don’t believe that a mature gas boiler overall consumes more maintenance than a heat pump.

The BUT is exactly the point. We are building with a general contractor and we have no great influence. They don’t even want to provide the heating load calculation (they initially sent one that apparently contains errors and the architect got in trouble for giving it to the client). How are you supposed to properly check if the heating is really properly designed? I am hugely worried that in the end the heat pump will not be used efficiently. And a Waterkotte service partner is not around the corner everywhere, whereas for a Viessmann gas boiler there is a large selection of partners.

Unfortunately, it is shocking what the contractor you paid delivers. Unfortunately, he also holds the upper hand and can make your life unpleasantly difficult. I absolutely understand your concern and cannot offer a convincing argument to reassure you. Honestly, in your situation, I would go for gas. By the time the boiler breaks down in 20 years, you can still consider whether a heat pump might be an option afterwards. Gas is proven and at least currently comparable in price. Even though I would personally opt for a heat pump, I have no intention of preaching here. Saving your nerves is also something valuable.

Apparently, there are also subsidies for gas / solar.

Google Bafa

500 € for a solar collector system

It also says something about gas-powered heat pumps. What is that supposed to be? A regular gas boiler? There is €4,500 for that.