diff --git a/config/config.default.yaml b/config/config.default.yaml
index b32031eaf..61ef34e4c 100644
--- a/config/config.default.yaml
+++ b/config/config.default.yaml
@@ -521,6 +521,7 @@ sector:
   dac: true
   co2_vent: false
   central_heat_vent: false
+  central_heat_everywhere: false
   allam_cycle: false
   hydrogen_fuel_cell: true
   hydrogen_turbine: false
diff --git a/scripts/prepare_sector_network.py b/scripts/prepare_sector_network.py
index f2880e04c..87120fcff 100755
--- a/scripts/prepare_sector_network.py
+++ b/scripts/prepare_sector_network.py
@@ -1760,7 +1760,7 @@ def add_heat(n, costs):
     for name in heat_systems:
         name_type = "central" if name == "urban central" else "decentral"
 
-        if name == "urban central":
+        if name == "urban central" and not options["central_heat_everywhere"]:
             nodes = dist_fraction.index[dist_fraction > 0]
         else:
             nodes = pop_layout.index