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Old houses in Switzerland have undeniable charm: stone facades, exposed beams, generous volumes... but also a major flaw: often insufficient thermal insulation.
These buildings, built before modern energy standards, easily let heat escape. The result: high heating bills, winter discomfort, a feeling of cold walls, and sometimes even dampness or mold.
The good news? Thanks to advances in insulating materials and modern techniques, it is entirely possible to improve the insulation of an old house without altering its style.
In this guide, Avenir Rénovations Switzerland explains how to successfully achieve this transformation: diagnosis, insulation methods, material choices, average costs, and available aids.
Thermal insulation is the most effective lever to reduce energy consumption in a home.
According to the Federal Office of Energy, up to 60% of heat loss comes from defective insulation.
A well-insulated house requires less heating, reduces its CO₂ emissions, and allows for savings of several hundred francs per year.
Beyond savings, good insulation ensures sustainable living comfort.
An energy renovation improves the market value of your house.
A well-rated property on the CECB label (Cantonal Energy Certificate for Buildings) sells better and inspires confidence in buyers.
It is a profitable investment, combining performance and property enhancement.
The Swiss authorities actively encourage these works:
Before installing any insulation, it is essential to understand where energy losses occur.
Each old house is different, depending on its construction date, materials, and exposure.
The CECB is the first step: it evaluates the energy performance of the building and identifies areas of loss.
The more comprehensive CECB+ version offers renovation scenarios and cost estimates.
This diagnosis is often required to qualify for cantonal subsidies.
Thermography allows you to visualize heat losses:
Thermal bridges are areas where heat escapes: wall/floor junctions, wall corners, window frames.
In old houses, these weak points are numerous, especially if the original materials (stone, brick, wood) have never been treated.
Correcting them is essential before any complete renovation.
Every house has its specifics: insulation from the outside or inside, roofing, floors, joinery... The approach must be personalized according to the type of building and its condition.
The choice of material is crucial: it must be both efficient, durable, and compatible with the existing structure.
Here are the main families of insulators used in French-speaking Switzerland.
Old houses breathe: it is often preferable to use bio-based materials capable of regulating humidity.
These natural insulators, widely used by Avenir Rénovations Suisse, improve energy performance while preserving the health of the building.
| Material | Conductivity λ (W/m.K) | Recommended usage type |
| Rock wool | 0.035 | Roof, walls, attics |
| Wood fiber | 0.038 | Old walls, floors, roofs |
| Expanded polystyrene | 0.032 | Facades, floors |
| Expanded cork | 0.040 | Walls, basements, floors |
| Cellulose wadding | 0.037 | Attics, partitions, walls |
The budget depends on the type of insulation, the area to be treated, and the choice of materials. Here is an average estimate for French-speaking Switzerland:
| Type of insulation | Average price per m² (CHF) | Estimated total cost |
| Roof / attic | 80 – 180 CHF/m² | 10,000 – 25,000 CHF |
| Exterior walls (ITE) | 150 – 300 CHF/m² | 20,000 – 60,000 CHF |
| Interior walls (ITI) | 90 – 180 CHF/m² | 12,000 – 35,000 CHF |
| Floors | 100 – 200 CHF/m² | 8,000 – 20,000 CHF |
| Double glazed windows | 700 – 1,200 CHF/unit | 5,000 – 15,000 CHF |
This is the main aid available in Switzerland.
It finances insulation work, heating system replacement, and energy audits.
Each canton has its own programs:
Expenses related to energy improvement are deductible from taxable income.
This measure makes renovation more attractive, especially for owner-occupiers.
Avenir Rénovations Suisse assists you in preparing the administrative file to maximize grants.
1. Can you insulate an old house without losing interior space?
Yes, by opting for external insulation (ITE) or high-performance thin insulators.
2. What is the average lifespan of an insulator?
Between 25 and 50 years depending on the material and humidity conditions.
3. What is the difference between interior and exterior insulation?
ITE is more effective but more expensive; ITI is quicker and more economical.
4. Is a building permit required to insulate a facade?
Yes, in most municipalities, especially if the exterior appearance of the building changes.
5. Which insulators are the most eco-friendly?
Wood fiber, cellulose wadding, and expanded cork are the most sustainable and breathable.
6. How long does it take to recoup the costs of the work?
On average between 6 and 10 years, depending on the type of insulation and the energy savings achieved.
Insulating an old house is investing in comfort, durability, and the value of your property.
Current solutions allow for a combination of energy efficiency, heritage respect, and financial savings.
Whether it is a wooden chalet, a renovated farmhouse, or a stone villa, each project deserves a tailored approach.
With Avenir Rénovations Switzerland, you benefit from comprehensive support:
We operate throughout French-speaking Switzerland: Geneva, Vaud, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Valais, and Jura.
Contact our experts for a free and no-obligation quote, and discover how to transform your old house into a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient home.
