Heat pump subsidy Switzerland 2026

Anyone planning a heat pump in 2026 should check for subsidies early – they can significantly reduce the investment. However, there is no uniform subsidy fund in Switzerland: The central instrument is the Buildings Programme of the federal government and cantons, but it is implemented at the cantonal level. The amounts and conditions therefore vary depending on location, and an important rule applies in many programmes: The application must be submitted before implementation or according to cantonal conditions.

• As of 13.07.2026
• Sources at the end of the article

How does the subsidy work?

The Buildings Programme is supported by the federal government and cantons. However, the specific implementation lies with the cantons: they individually determine which measures they subsidise under which conditions. The basis is the Harmonised Subsidy Model of the Cantons (HFM). Therefore, there is no uniform national flat rate for heat pumps.

In addition, depending on the location, municipalities or energy suppliers may offer their own programmes. For an initial overview, Energiefranken is suitable because it aggregates subsidy programmes by address or location. However, the subsidy conditions of the responsible canton or programme always remain binding.

Important: Subsidies should be checked before implementation. In many programmes, the application must be submitted and approved before work begins or binding orders are placed.

How high is the subsidy?

As of July 2026. The amount of the subsidy cannot be stated uniformly across Switzerland. The Buildings Programme explicitly points out that cantons individually determine which measures they subsidise under which conditions. Depending on location, existing heating system, heat pump type, building and cantonal budget, contributions may vary.

Instead of working with general amounts, the subsidy should always be checked on a location-specific basis:

• via the cantonal energy office,
• via the cantonal application portal,
• via Energiefranken,
• and within the scope of the specific quote.

A good quote specifies which subsidy assumptions were made, whether these have already been confirmed and who submits the application. Subsidies are not a guarantee and should not be budgeted as a secure amount before confirmation is received.

Have subsidy options included in the calculation Specialist installers can consider possible subsidies when preparing a quote. Through waermepumpen-guide.ch, you can submit your request free of charge and without obligation. It will be forwarded to up to three suitable specialist installers in your region. Compare quotes for free

Requirements for the subsidy

The prerequisites vary depending on the canton and programme. Typical points that may appear in subsidy conditions:

• The heat pump replaces an existing fossil fuel heating system, an electric heating system or another non-renewable system.
• The dismantling of the old heating system must be documented.
• Depending on the canton, quality certificates such as the heat pump system module, a recognised quality seal or a performance guarantee may be required.
• The system must be professionally planned and installed.
• The application must be submitted before implementation.
• Depending on the building or measure, a GEAK Plus may be a prerequisite or helpful.

These points are typical examples, not a uniform rule across Switzerland. The current conditions of the responsible canton always apply.

typical subsidy cases

In the case of replacing an existing heat pump, different subsidy conditions often apply than when switching from a fossil fuel heating system. This case must therefore also be checked on a site-specific basis before implementation.

Photovoltaic systems are subject to their own subsidy instruments, which must be considered separately from heat pump subsidies. An up-to-date overview is provided by Subsidies for solar and photovoltaic systems in Switzerland 2026.

Process and important rules

1. Check the location: The canton, municipality and energy supplier determine which programmes are eligible.
2. Read the conditions: The current cantonal subsidy conditions apply.
3. Submit the application before implementation: In many programmes, the application must be submitted before construction begins or before binding implementation.
4. Wait for confirmation: Work should only begin after written assurance, provided the programme requires this.
5. Implement professionally: The system must comply with the programme’s requirements.
6. Submit evidence: After completion, invoices, commissioning reports and other evidence are usually required.

Conditions, budgets and deadlines may change. If the budget is exhausted, programmes may be adjusted, postponed or temporarily closed.

Clarify responsibility early It should be recorded in writing whether the specialist installer prepares the application or you do so yourself. Through waermepumpen-guide.ch you can reach up to three suitable specialist installers from your region who will clarify this as part of the quote – free of charge and without obligation. Compare quotes for free

Tax aspects

Tax aspects should be checked separately before implementation. Depending on the canton, building type and measure, energy-related investments may be treated differently. Binding information is provided by the cantonal tax office or a tax professional.

Checklist for the subsidy application

• Location, canton and municipality determine the conditions
• record the existing heating system and the planned heat pump type
• Take building condition and, if applicable, GEAK / GEAK Plus into account
• check possible quality certificates in accordance with the cantonal programme
• Check application deadlines and required documents before implementation
• Responsibility for the submission to be defined in writing
• have the subsidy assumptions transparently stated in the quote
• Clarify tax-related questions separately

Typical errors regarding the subsidy

• Applying too late. Those who submit an application only after implementation often lose their entitlement.
• Budgeting for the subsidy as a certainty. Contributions are subject to conditions and budget limits.
• Checking only cantonal programmes. Municipalities and energy suppliers may have additional programmes.
• Overlooking quality requirements. Depending on the programme, proof may be required.
• Not clarifying responsibility. The quote should state who submits the application.
• Checking tax matters only at the end. These should be clarified separately and early on.

Whether a project is eligible for funding depends heavily on the initial situation: The process for switching from oil is described under Replacing an oil heating system with a heat pump, and for older buildings, the review under Heat pump in an older building is helpful. It is also important to avoid typical planning errors with heat pumps, as starting construction too early can jeopardise the subsidy claim.

When is it worth comparing multiple quotes?

Subsidy assumptions are handled differently in quotes – sometimes as a rough estimate, sometimes as a confirmed contribution. Comparing several specialist installers shows who assesses the subsidy realistically and who takes care of the application. Two to three complete quotes are generally sensible for this purpose. What you should look out for is shown in the Checklist for comparing quotes. How the subsidy affects net costs can be read under What does a heat pump cost in Switzerland?.

Conclusion

Subsidies can significantly improve the economic viability of a heat pump – but only if they are checked on a site-specific basis and applied for in good time. Because the programmes are regulated at cantonal level and budget-dependent, there is no guarantee and no flat-rate sum. A good quote transparently lists the assumed subsidies and specifies who submits the application.

Compare heat pump quotes Through waermepumpen-guide.ch you can submit your request free of charge and without obligation. Your request is forwarded to up to three suitable specialist installers in your region, who can take subsidy opportunities into account when preparing their quotes. Compare quotes for free

Frequently asked questions and answers