Choosing new heating is more than swapping one appliance for another with the same output. The building, hot-water requirements and installation constraints should guide the project. In Brussels, check the applicable rules before signing.
Start with the home and its needs
Prepare an overview: heated area, known insulation, radiators or underfloor heating, occupants and simultaneous hot-water use. Gather energy bills, distinguishing consumption from the amount paid, which also depends on tariffs. Mention rooms that are hard to heat and planned insulation work.
Ask how the professional sizes the proposed system. A sound estimate considers the home and renovation plans. The old boiler’s rated output alone does not describe current needs.
Check the Brussels rules applying to your project
Brussels Environment states that installing oil boilers has been prohibited since 1 June 2025, unless an exemption applies. The gas ban introduced in 2025 concerns, in particular, projects consisting entirely of new PEB units or units treated as new, depending on the permit application date. It does not mean every gas boiler in an existing home must be removed immediately.
Atmospheric B11BS appliances connected to a shared chimney also have specific requirements, including a feasibility assessment. Have the professional identify your situation and involve the property manager in co-owned buildings. The official summary of the rules is a starting point; your project’s conditions still need assessment.
Assess a heat pump against real constraints
The Brussels Environment guide shared by Homegrade explains how insulation and the temperature required by heat emitters influence heat-pump selection. Building improvements may sometimes allow existing radiators to remain. Location, noise, electrical supply and hot-water production also need assessment.
Request a documented comparison of suitable options. A hybrid solution combines two heat generators and has its own costs and constraints. No technology automatically suits every terraced house or apartment. Planning and co-ownership conditions may affect feasibility.
Compare quotations with equivalent scope
| Item to compare | Details to clarify |
|---|---|
| Equipment | References, selected output and controls |
| Adaptations | Connections, flue arrangements, electrics and heat emitters |
| Work | Dismantling, removal of old equipment and finishing |
| Documents | Commissioning, required inspections and manuals |
| Budget | Total including VAT, exclusions, options and terms |
Use this checklist to prepare questions. It does not prescribe identical work for every building. Ask about items ‘to be confirmed after opening’ and optional work: what remains uncertain and when will the final amount be available?
Plan the transition and ongoing care
Discuss timing, expected downtime and site access. If several homes depend on the system, coordinate communication with the manager. Check any grant conditions when planning the project; do not deduct a hypothetical grant from a confirmed budget.
At handover, request a demonstration of everyday controls and keep all documents together. Note explained user settings and required follow-up appointments. A well-documented installation is easier to maintain and adapt.
Useful sources and guidance
Sources consulted on 14 October 2026. For regulatory obligations or operating procedures, check the version applicable to your installation.
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