https://www.vcn.be/en/blog Advice, guides and news on heating, plumbing, air conditioning and ventilation in Belgium, from the VCN Energy technicians. en Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/renopack-renopret-wallonia-2026 https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/renopack-renopret-wallonia-2026 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Grants & VAT Wallonia's home grants ended on 30 September 2026. Since 1 October, two loans replace them: Rénopack and Rénoprêt. Conditions, ceilings, the home audit and what it means for a heating project. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/renolution-grants-brussels-suspended-2026 https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/renolution-grants-brussels-suspended-2026 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Grants & VAT Since 1 January 2025, RENOLUTION grants have been suspended in Brussels, pending a regional government. What remains possible, the impact on the sector, and how to move forward without waiting on a grant with no clear timeline. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/energy-prices-belgium-winter-2026-2027 https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/energy-prices-belgium-winter-2026-2027 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Energy Gas, oil, pellets, electricity: where prices stand in early October 2026, and what it means for choosing between a gas boiler and a heat pump before the heating season. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/carbon-tax-ets2-heating-2027 https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/carbon-tax-ets2-heating-2027 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Energy From 1 January 2027, Europe's ETS2 hits gas and heating oil: between €154 and €325 more a year for an average household. What this means in practice and why planning ahead pays off. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/certibeau-rainwater-brussels https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/certibeau-rainwater-brussels Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Plumbing In Brussels, a rainwater tank is mandatory for new builds and large extensions, with precise sizing. In Wallonia, CertIBEau governs network separation. What owners often don't know. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/oil-boiler-ban-belgium-2026 https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/oil-boiler-ban-belgium-2026 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT Heating Brussels has banned new oil boilers since June 2025, Flanders since 2022 where gas is in the street, and Wallonia in new builds since 2026, with existing homes following in 2031. What you can keep, what to do with your tank, the alternatives and support available in September 2026. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/heat-pump-older-house-radiators https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/heat-pump-older-house-radiators Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT Heat Pump Switching an older Belgian house to a heat pump does not mean replacing every radiator. The 55 °C test, heat loss calculation, low-temperature radiator output, insulation priorities and a worked example. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/vat-6-21-boiler-heat-pump-belgium-2026 https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/vat-6-21-boiler-heat-pump-belgium-2026 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT Grants & VAT In 2026, a heat pump installed by a professional is charged at 6% VAT in almost every private home in Belgium, while gas and oil boilers have been at 21% since 29 July 2025. Conditions, special cases, worked examples and what to check on your quote. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/hybrid-vs-heat-pump-15-year-cost https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/hybrid-vs-heat-pump-15-year-cost Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT Heat Pump At September 2026 prices, a hybrid costs about €43,000 over 15 years, against €37,600 for gas alone and €43,700 for a heat pump alone. Assumptions, full cost table and when a hybrid does pay off. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/carbon-monoxide-boiler-symptoms-detectors https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/carbon-monoxide-boiler-symptoms-detectors Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT Safety Invisible and odourless, carbon monoxide still kills people in Belgium every year. Symptoms, sources in the home, EN 50291 detectors, regional rules and what to do in an emergency. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/boiler-maintenance-certificate-belgium https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/boiler-maintenance-certificate-belgium Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT Heating Heating oil every year, gas every 2 or 3 years depending on the region: what Belgian law says in 2026, what the certificate shows, who pays in a rental and why your insurer wants to see it. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/prepare-heat-pump-winter https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/prepare-heat-pump-winter Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT Heat Pump Autumn checklist, defrosting, heating curve, hot water, backup heater, noise, F-gas rules and normal consumption: everything to get your heat pump ready before the cold. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/maintenance-contract-vs-one-off-service https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/maintenance-contract-vs-one-off-service Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT Heating Service contract or one-off boiler service? Rules by Belgian region, what contracts really include, your rights on automatic renewal and worked break-even maths for gas, heating oil and heat pumps. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/water-hardness-walloon-brabant-brussels https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/water-hardness-walloon-brabant-brussels Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT Plumbing Water hardness by municipality in Brussels and Walloon Brabant (September 2026), °f, °dH and mmol/l explained, what limescale does to boilers, water heaters and heat pumps, and which solutions are proven. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/air-conditioning-f-gas-ban-2027 https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/air-conditioning-f-gas-ban-2027 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT Air Conditioning Your R410A air conditioner is not banned in 2027. Regulation (EU) 2024/573 targets new equipment: heat pumps and monoblocs from 2027, air-to-air splits in 2029. What is still allowed, mandatory leak checks and how to choose in 2026. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/guide-debouchage https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/guide-debouchage Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT Plumbing Clogged sink, blocked toilet, backed-up shower? Discover professional drain unclogging techniques used by our plumbers in Belgium. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/chauffe-eau-thermodynamique https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/chauffe-eau-thermodynamique Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT Plumbing The thermodynamic water heater cuts your hot water bill by 3 thanks to its integrated heat pump. Discover how it works, prices and subsidies. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/chaudiere-gaz-vs-pompe-a-chaleur-2025 https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/chaudiere-gaz-vs-pompe-a-chaleur-2025 Sat, 25 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT Comparison Guide Discover the detailed comparison between condensing gas boiler and heat pump. Price, efficiency, subsidies, maintenance: all criteria to choose the best heating system in Belgium. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/panneaux-solaires-guide https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/panneaux-solaires-guide Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT Renewable Energy Investing in solar panels in Belgium: profitability, regional grants, installation and expert advice to maximize your photovoltaic production. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/chaudiere-condensation-guide https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/chaudiere-condensation-guide Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT Heating Discover why the condensing boiler is the most economical and ecological choice for your heating. Subsidies, savings and installation. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/geothermie-guide-complet https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/geothermie-guide-complet Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT Renewable energy Harness the Earth's energy to heat your home. Discover geothermal, its advantages, costs and available subsidies in Belgium. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/ramonage-cheminee-guide https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/ramonage-cheminee-guide Fri, 20 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT Heating Everything about chimney sweeping in Belgium: mandatory frequency, risks, prices and professional advice for a safe home. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/climatisation-guide-complet https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/climatisation-guide-complet Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT Air Conditioning Everything about air conditioning in Belgium: system types, energy consumption, installation and maintenance. Expert guide for optimal comfort summer and winter. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/entretien-chaudiere-annuel https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/entretien-chaudiere-annuel Sun, 15 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT Heating Annual boiler maintenance is mandatory in Belgium. Discover why it's essential for your safety, savings and equipment longevity. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/pompe-chaleur-guide-complet https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/pompe-chaleur-guide-complet Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT Heat Pump Everything you need to know about heat pumps: types, benefits, grants, installation and expert advice for making the right choice in 2025. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/primes-energie-wallonie-2025 https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/primes-energie-wallonie-2025 Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT Grants Discover all Habitation grants available in Wallonia for your energy renovation work: heating, insulation, ventilation. Amounts and conditions. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/chauffe-eau-thermodynamique-guide https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/chauffe-eau-thermodynamique-guide Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT Plumbing Discover everything about thermodynamic water heaters: operation, benefits, savings, grants and installation advice in Belgium. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/choisir-adoucisseur-eau https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/choisir-adoucisseur-eau Sun, 01 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT Plumbing Practical guide to selecting the softener suited to your needs: water hardness, capacity, technologies and installation. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/radiateurs-guide-complet https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/radiateurs-guide-complet Thu, 28 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT Heating Complete guide to different types of radiators: steel, cast iron, aluminum, design. Tips for choosing, sizing and optimizing your heating. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/ventilation-simple-double-flux https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/ventilation-simple-double-flux Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT Ventilation Complete comparison of VMC ventilation systems for your home: operation, advantages, disadvantages, price and grants in Belgium. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/preparer-chaudiere-hiver https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/preparer-chaudiere-hiver Wed, 20 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT Heating The essential steps to ensure your heating system is ready for winter. Practical tips and professional checklist. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/plancher-chauffant-guide https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/plancher-chauffant-guide Wed, 20 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT Heating Discover everything about underfloor heating: types (hydraulic, electric), benefits, installation costs, savings and heat pump compatibility. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/nettoyage-panneaux-solaires https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/nettoyage-panneaux-solaires Sat, 12 Oct 2024 08:00:00 GMT Renewable energy A poorly maintained solar panel can lose up to 25% of its efficiency. Discover our practical tips for cleaning, maintaining and maximizing your solar panel production in Belgium. https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/entretien-poele-pellets https://www.vcn.be/en/blog/entretien-poele-pellets Sat, 12 Oct 2024 08:00:00 GMT Heating A poorly maintained pellet stove can lose efficiency and pose risks. Discover our complete guide: cleaning frequency, detailed steps, costs and professional advice.