Subsidies for heating replacement in French-speaking Switzerland

Why replace your old heating system?

Old oil or gas heating systems are responsible for a significant portion of CO₂ emissions from the Swiss real estate sector.
Replacing them with modern installations allows for:

• Reducing energy expenses by 30 to 60 %,
• Significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
• Improving thermal comfort,
• Complying with the goals of the 2050 Energy Strategy,
• Enhancing the energy performance of the building (CECB label).

Public authorities actively encourage this initiative through a set of cumulative aids.

Main aids available for heating replacement

In French-speaking Switzerland, several programs provide funding for changing heating systems. They may come from the Confederation (Building Program), cantons, municipalities, or local energy partners.

1. The Building Program (Confederation + Cantons)

The Building Program is the main national aid for heating replacement.
It supports homeowners who replace a fossil (oil, gas) or direct electric system with a renewable energy solution.

Eligible systems:

• Air/water, water/water, or ground/water heat pumps,
• Pellet or wood boilers,
• Connection to a district heating network,
• Solar thermal installation for hot water production.

Indicative amounts:

• From 3,000 to 8,000 CHF depending on the technology and installed power,
• Amounts vary from one canton to another and depend on the type of building.

General conditions:

• The old system must be dismantled and replaced with renewable equipment.
• The building must be over 10 years old.
• The work must be carried out by an approved company.
• The application must be submitted before the start of the work.

Required documents:

• Energy certificate (CECB or CECB+),
• Detailed quotes and technical diagrams,
• Certificates from the supplier or installer.

2. Cantonal subsidies for heating replacement

Each canton adapts the Building Program to its energy needs.
Here is an overview of the main aids available in French-speaking Switzerland.

Canton of Vaud (VD)

• Grant for replacing an oil or gas heating system with:
  • an air/water heat pump: up to 6,000 CHF,
  • a geothermal heat pump: up to 8,000 CHF,
  • a pellet boiler: around 5,000 CHF,
  • a connection to a heat network: 3,000 CHF minimum.
• Bonus for "global renovation" if the work also includes insulation.

Canton of Geneva (GE)

• Subsidy for the installation of renewable energy systems:
  • Air/water heat pump: 5,000 CHF,
  • Geothermal heat pump: up to 8,000 CHF,
  • Wood/pellet boiler: 3,000 to 5,000 CHF,
  • District heating (CAD): grant proportional to the connected power.
• Complementary program Éco21 (SIG): additional grants for energy efficiency.

Canton of Fribourg (FR)

• Aid between 4,000 and 8,000 CHF depending on the type of heat pump or wood boiler.
• Bonus for collective buildings or global renovations (up to +30 %).
• Requirement to submit a CECB+ energy report before work begins.

Canton of Valais (VS)

• Subsidies of 2,000 to 8,000 CHF for replacing fossil systems.
• Bonus for projects combining renewable heating + insulation.
• Additional participation possible for solar thermal installations.

Canton of Neuchâtel (NE)

• Aids of 2,000 to 6,000 CHF depending on the installed power.
• Bonus for the combined installation of a solar thermal system.
• Requirement for an energy audit before the application is validated.

3. Municipal and regional aids

Some French-speaking municipalities complement cantonal subsidies with local grants.

Examples:

• City of Geneva: participation for connection to district heating.
• City of Vevey (VD): subsidy for replacing an oil heating system.
• City of Martigny (VS): municipal grant for biomass boilers.
• City of Lausanne (VD): aid for systems using local renewable energies.

Amounts vary between 1,000 and 3,000 CHF, depending on the municipality and the type of project.

4. Tax deductions

Cantons also allow for tax deductions for expenses related to heating replacement, provided that:

• the work improves...