install.res

install.res is an EU project that aims at stimulating large-scale demand for heat pumps in existing buildings. In five different countries, alternative and innovative business and delivery models are tested, demonstrated and scaled-up to support a simple and affordable heat pump roll-out.

install.res is focussing on existing buildings, as these have the greatest potential for reducing greenhouse gases and also for reducing dependence on imports of fossil fuels (especially natural gas). Most existing buildings are still heated with fossil fuels. However, further developments in heat pump technology are already enabling very efficient and widespread use of heat pumps in existing buildings. Modern heat pumps can supply flow temperatures of 55°C with a very high degree of efficiency, so that modern heat pumps can be installed in existing buildings - in some cases without replacing the radiators or carrying out thermal refurbishment measures on parts of the building envelope.

The project focuses on innovative, cost- and energy-efficient heat pump solutions and financing models that can be implemented in practice in existing buildings. The aim is not only to identify ways of installing heat pumps, but primarily to show how heat pumps can be installed more quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. In the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Austria, Poland and Slovenia, the install.res partners are developing demonstration projects to test and evaluate alternative and innovative technical solutions and financing models for heat pumps and to further develop them for scalability. Such models aim to reduce obstacles such as high investment costs, lack of financing options or risks for end users.

Building on the experience gained from the demonstration projects and the knowledge of practitioners, a series of customised resources and tools (such as manuals, online tools, guidelines and training courses) - the so-called fast-track schemes - will be developed. These materials will provide support in the areas of technical implementation, financing, communication and best practices and will be integrated into existing national and European platforms and training programmes for heat pump solutions.

The fast-track schemes are intended to help professionals, end consumers and other relevant stakeholders in the building sector to simplify the installation and operation of heat pumps and make them more affordable.

Catalogue of Heat Pump Delivery Models: With the help of this catalogue, end customers can acquire a basic understanding of the technical components of a heat pump supply. In addition, the catalogue supports the decision-making process for the appropriate combination of heat source and sink, central distribution, heat output and hot water preparation for their building.

Catalogue of Delivery Models

Catalogue of Heat Pump Business Models: The catalogue provides an overview of alternative financing models for the installation of a heat pump. 12 financing models are described in the profile and their strengths and weaknesses are analysed. The second part of this catalogue deals with the country-specific framework conditions and the potential of various financing models in the install.res partner countries (Netherlands, North Macedonia, Austria, Poland, Slovenia).

Catalogue of Business Models

The install.res EU Summit demonstrated the diversity of approaches to decarbonising heating systems in Europe. The Delivery and Business Model Catalogues for technical heat pump solutions and financing models were presented to help building owners find the right technical solution for their building and explore various business models for heat pumps.

In the five pilot countries, we saw business models and technologies that deliver comfort, reliability and lower emissions exactly where it matters most: in multi-apartment buildings, social housing and buildings with growing cooling needs.

• Austria: Component activation of the façade enables heating and cooling via a heat pump with minimal intervention and resident-friendly implementation.
• North Macedonia: Energy contracting and one-stop-shop models reduce the high up-front costs of heat pump installation.
• Slovenia: Manufacturers are focusing on plug-and-play heat pump systems with digital monitoring and long-term service.
• Poland: Energy savings through the optimised combination of heat pumps, PV, and hybrid solutions for large residential complexes.
• Netherlands: A digital comparison platform makes it easier to choose the right heat pump and find the right installer.

The discussion made it clear that the heat transition is not just about technology. It affects people – their concerns, their trust, and their financial security. Transparent communication, individual support and reliable costs are crucial for clean innovations to be accepted and replicated across the heating sector.

Conference Recording

Client / Funding organisation	LIFE Project co-funded by the European Union
Project management	Herbert Tretter
Project team	Louise Meister Barbara Alexander-Bittner Christian Furtwängler
Project partners	Institute for Building Research & Innovation, Austria Sozialbau AG, Austria Housing Europe, EU level The Heat Transition Makers (DWTM), The Netherlands SDEWES-Skopje, North Macedonia KAPE, Poland Jozef Stefan Institute, Slovenia Kronoterm, Slovenia
Project duration	November 2024 to October 2027