How high are the subsidies for the installation of heat pumps in Switzerland?

Overview of funding amounts 2026

In Switzerland, subsidies for installing a heat pump in 2026 range from 5,000 CHF to over 25,000 CHF. The amount depends primarily on the system and the canton: Owners usually receive between 5,000 and 12,000 CHF for air-water heat pumps. The contributions for more efficient brine-water heat pumps (geothermal probes) are significantly higher at 10,000 to 25,000 CHF. Additional bonuses of up to 5,000 CHF are possible if an electric heating system is replaced or a new heat distribution system (floor heating) is installed at the same time.

The cantonal mosaic: The building program

The basis for almost all subsidies is the Switzerland-wide buildings program. Although it is coordinated by the federal government, the cantons implement the specific funding models (Harmonised Cantonal Funding Models, HFDK) individually.

Why the differences are so big

Each canton has its own energy strategy and a corresponding budget. There are significant trends in 2026:

• City-cantons (e.g. Basel-Stadt, Geneva): Funding is often highest here, as the pressure to decarbonize is extremely high in densely populated areas.
• Rural cantons: Here, the focus is often on replacing old oil heating systems in remote areas.
• Efficiency bonuses: Many cantons link the amount of the subsidy to the efficiency of the device (COP value) or the proof of a GEAK Plus report.

System comparison: air vs. earth vs. water

The amount of the subsidy in 2026 is consistently based on the ecological benefits and construction costs of the system.

Air to water heat pumps (LWWP)

This is the most frequently installed system as it requires no drilling.

• basic amount: Usually between 4,000 and 8,000 CHF.
• additional benefit: In some cantons, there is an output-based amount (e.g. 500 CHF per thermal kW output).
• prerequisite: A noise protection certificate must often be provided in order to be eligible for funding.

brine-water heat pumps (geothermal probes)

Since geothermal probes are highly efficient and use a constant heat source in winter, the state rewards this with significantly higher sums.

• basic amount: Often from 10,000 CHF to 15,000 CHF.
• Drilling bonus: Since drilling is expensive, many cantons contribute a lump sum per meter of drilling or an increased basic lump sum.
• Maximum sums: In cantons such as Zurich or Bern, the total contributions for a geothermal probe solution for a single-family house may well exceed 20,000 CHF.

The “bonus world”: How to increase the sum

The pure heating replacement is often just the basis. In 2026, there are numerous additional programs that increase the check from the state.

The electric replacement bonus

The replacement of inefficient electric central heating systems or individual electric ovens is a federal priority.

Additional cash: Anyone who switches from electric to heat pump receives an additional bonus of 2,000 to 5,000 CHF in many cantons, as this massively reduces the load on the power grids in winter.

Installing a heat distribution system for the first time

Do you still have heating with very high flow temperatures (e.g. old radiators) and are upgrading to floor heating or large low-temperature radiators?

Incentive: Some cantons are funding this conversion with lump sums, as this allows the heat pump to work more efficiently.

Combination with photovoltaic (PV)

Although PV systems are subsidized separately through the “one-time fee” (Pronovo), some cantons offer “combined bonuses” when heating and power generation are renovated at the same time.

The profitability calculation: A practical example 2026

To understand the dimensions, let's look at the replacement of an oil heating system in an average single-family house (Canton of Zurich).

| Cost point | air-water WP | brine-water WP (probe) |

|: -: |: -: |: -: |

| Installation costs (gross) | 35,000 CHF | 55,000 CHF |

| Basic cantonal contribution | - 6,000 CHF | - 12,000 CHF |

| Power contribution (10 kW) | - 2,000 CHF | - 3,000 CHF |

| Additional bonus (oil replacement) | - 2,000 CHF | - 2,000 CHF |

| Net costs (before tax) | 25,000 CHF | 38,000 CHF |

In this example, the state pays between 25% and 31% of investment costs directly through subsidies.

The process: The path to money

A critical point where many owners fail: bureaucracy. Although the process has largely been digitized in 2026, the rules are strict.

• GEAK-Plus (optional but recommended): In many cantons, this is a prerequisite for higher funding levels.
• Submission of applications BEFORE construction starts: This is the most important rule. Anyone who signs the contract or starts to remove the old heating system before funding approval has been received loses all claim.
• Certified specialist partners: The installation must be carried out by companies that have appropriate certifications (e.g. heat pump system module, WPSM).
• Closing report: After installation, invoices and start-up reports must be submitted so that the money is paid out.

Tax treatment: The “second discount”

Subsidies are one thing, tax savings are another. In Swiss tax law in 2026, heating replacement remains a powerful instrument for tax optimization.

• deductibility: The investment costs (minus the subsidies received\!) 100% of taxable income can be deducted.
• Break progression: In the case of high investments, it is worthwhile to spread the costs over two tax periods, provided that this is permitted by the cantons. This can increase effective savings by a further 15% to 25% of net costs.

Conclusion: Speed and planning pay off

How high are the subsidies? They are substantial and can reduce the payback period of a heat pump to less than 10 years. However, funding sources are limited annually. Anyone who renovates in 2026 should not only look at technology, but also see the cantonal funding strategy as an integral part of their financing.

In summary, it can be stated that the combination of direct subsidies of over 10,000 CHF and massive tax deductions makes heating replacement the most profitable owner due diligence of the decade. In a market that is increasingly rewarding energy efficiency with a higher resale value, the “gift from the state” is an invitation to sustainably increase the value of one's own property. If you plan wisely, you let the state pay for a significant part of its new heating system.

glossary

• WPSM (heat pump system module): A quality standard for the planning and installation of heat pumps, which is often a prerequisite for subsidies.
• COP (Coefficient of Performance): Key figure for the efficiency of the heat pump. Higher values often result in higher subsidies.
• GEAK (cantonal building energy certificate): The official rating of building energy efficiency.
• Owner due diligence: The systematic analysis of investment opportunities (such as subsidies) to optimize real estate costs.
• Pronovo: The cantonal/national enforcement agency for the promotion of renewable energies (primarily photovoltaics).