A heat pump is the best solution for heating a home and producing hot water in Mallorca. From one kilowatt-hour of electricity, a modern air-to-water heat pump delivers about 3.4 kilowatt-hours of heat on average (Fraunhofer ISE, 2025). The mild island climate keeps it efficient all year, and the electric backup heater is barely needed. Through the Govern balear’s FACTOR 2026 programme, grants of up to 70% are also available. This article explains why switching pays off.
By the technical team at Greentech Balear · Published 1 February 2025 · Updated 7 October 2026
Why is a heat pump so efficient in Mallorca?
A heat pump works especially well in Mallorca because it draws heat from the outside air and the island climate is mild. In January, the coldest month, the average temperature in Palma is 9.5 °C (AEMET). The warmer the source, the more heat the unit delivers per kilowatt-hour of electricity. In a four-year field study of 77 systems, air-to-water heat pumps reached a seasonal performance factor of 3.4 on average (Fraunhofer ISE, 2025), the best ones 4.9. Ground-source systems averaged 4.3.
The mild winter is decisive: in the study the electric backup heater covered only 1.3% of the electrical work, because it rarely got truly cold. In Mallorca, where frost on the coast is the exception, that share is smaller still. To find the right heat pump for your home, see our page on the heat pump in Mallorca.
Heat pump versus gas, oil and electricity
Against gas, oil and direct electric heating, the heat pump is clearly better on efficiency and emissions. The table sums up the differences.
| System | Efficiency (useful heat per kWh of energy) | CO2 in operation | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pump | about 3.4 kWh per kWh of electricity (SPF) | 2024: around 64% less than gas (Fraunhofer ISE) | Heating, cooling and hot water in one unit |
| Ground-source heat pump | about 4.3 kWh per kWh of electricity | very low | Higher investment, needs a borehole or ground area |
| Gas boiler | under 1 kWh per kWh of gas | reference | Fuel-dependent, no cooling |
| Direct electric heating | 1 kWh per kWh of electricity | depends on the grid mix | Cheap to buy, expensive to run |
Choose an air-to-water heat pump if you want heating, cooling and hot water from one unit. Choose a ground-source system only if you have enough space and budget for the groundwork.
How does installation work, and what grants exist?
We support the installation from the first visit to legalisation.
- Site visit and heat-load calculation, so the unit is not oversized.
- A proposal with the right output, placement and, if you wish, a combination with photovoltaics.
- A grant application, if you meet the requirements.
- Installation of the indoor and outdoor units and connection to radiators or underfloor heating.
- Commissioning, balancing and legalisation of the system.
In the Balearics, the Govern supports aerothermal systems for hot water and water-based climate control through the FACTOR 2026 programme, with up to 70% of the cost, a maximum of €25,000 per private individual (Resolution, BOIB nº 83 of 2 July 2026). Pure air-to-air units are excluded. According to the call, the application window runs from 9 July 2026 to 28 February 2027, and funds are granted on a first-come basis. Check the current status and deadline, because grants expire. We handle the technical documentation for the application.
What we see with heat pumps in Mallorca
Demand for heat pumps in Mallorca is high and steady. According to Greentech Balear’s Search Console data (June to September 2026), we appear on Google’s first page for queries such as “Wärmepumpe Mallorca” and “Wärmepumpen Mallorca”, and for “pool Wärmepumpe Mallorca” we stand at an average position of 1.3. It matches our daily work on the island.
The heat pump works particularly well together with a photovoltaic system. In the Fraunhofer study, homes with PV reached 25 to 40% self-sufficiency without a battery, and 32 to 62% with one. A worked example shows the running costs: suppose a house needs 10,000 kWh of heat a year. At a seasonal performance factor of 3.4, that is about 2,940 kWh of electricity — part of it from your own roof. This is an example, not a measurement of a specific installation.
Frequently asked questions
Does a heat pump work in an older home in Mallorca?
Yes. In the Fraunhofer study, heat pumps ran efficiently in buildings dated 1826 to 2001, without refurbishment to new-build standard. What matters is correct sizing and adequately sized heat emitters. In Mallorca, the mild climate helps as well.
How much electricity does a heat pump save versus electric heating?
Direct electric heating gives 1 kWh of heat from 1 kWh of electricity. An air-to-water heat pump gives 3.4 kWh on average (Fraunhofer ISE, 2025). For the same heat, you therefore need about a third of the electricity.
Can the heat pump also cool and make hot water?
Yes. An air-to-water heat pump heats in winter, cools in summer and prepares hot water. In Mallorca this dual function is a real advantage, because you cover heating and climate control with one unit.
Is combining it with photovoltaics worthwhile?
Almost always. Solar electricity is cheaper than grid electricity, even on heat-pump tariffs. With a PV system, self-consumption rises and the heat pump’s running costs fall. A battery raises self-sufficiency further.
What grants are currently available in the Balearics?
Through the Govern balear’s FACTOR 2026 programme, up to 70% of the cost is eligible, with a maximum of €25,000 per private individual, for aerothermal systems for hot water and water-based climate control. According to the call, the window runs until 28 February 2027. Check the current status before applying.
Sources
- Fraunhofer ISE — Heat pumps heat efficiently in existing buildings (WP-QS im Bestand, 03.11.2025): 77 systems; air-to-water SPF Ø 3.4 (2.6–4.9), ground-source Ø 4.3; 64% less CO2 than gas in 2024.
- Umweltbundesamt — Heat pump: efficiency and climate impact of heat pumps.
- Govern de les Illes Balears — FACTOR 2026 (BOIB nº 83, 2 Jul 2026): aerothermal grants up to 70%, max €25,000, window to 28 Feb 2027.
- AEMET — Normal climate values, Palma de Mallorca Airport: January mean 9.5 °C.
Thinking about a heat pump for your home in Mallorca? Call us on +34 644 450 672, write to info@greentechbalear.com, or see our page on the heat pump in Mallorca.
*By the technical team at Greentech Balear – energy solutions and building technology in Mallorca: photovoltaics, air conditioning, heat pumps, heating and maintenance.*