Assessment of the cost of a comprehensive energy renovation in Switzerland

What factors influence the cost of an energy renovation?

The budget required to fully improve the energy performance of a home can vary based on many criteria, including:

the size and type of the dwelling (dimensions, new or old building),
the structural condition of the building,
the performance and quality of the selected equipment and materials (durability, resistance, ecological impact),
the geographical location of the property in Switzerland,
the added technologies (solar panels, energy management devices),
the financial support and available aids.

The labor rate also depends on the canton and the reputation of the company. It is generally higher in major urban centers and highly populated areas.

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Average costs of work aimed at improving the energy performance of a home

In Switzerland, many buildings still have insufficient energy efficiency, especially older constructions. To sustainably improve indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption, energy renovation remains the most effective solution. It encompasses a range of interventions to optimize insulation, enhance airtightness, and install more efficient equipment.

Energy renovation includes several components: insulation of facades, slabs, attics, under-roofs, improvement of joinery, installation of modern heating systems, and appropriate ventilation. Each of these works significantly contributes to increasing thermal comfort while reducing heating costs.

1 - Thermal insulation work

Enhancing insulation can save up to 80% on heating costs, a significant advantage in a context where energy prices are regularly rising. The total cost varies depending on the surfaces, type of wall, and technique used.
For peripheral insulation carried out on facades, the budget generally ranges between 115 and 230 CHF/m².
For interior insulation, expect to pay between 35 and 105 CHF/m².
Regarding attic insulation — whether it is lost attics, convertible, under the roof, or done in sarking — the amount can vary between 20 and 290 CHF/m².
Insulation of slabs and floors ranges between 35 and 170 CHF/m² depending on the materials used (mineral wool, wood fibers, blown wool, etc.).

2 - Roofing work

The budget depends on the chosen technique: external insulation like sarking, internal insulation, choice of insulation materials, condition of the roof, or desired performance level.
In general, expect to budget between 50 and 460 CHF/m².
To refine your estimate, Avenir Rénovations Suisse offers a free and non-binding simulation.

3 - Installation or replacement of heating / air conditioning system

Modernizing an old heating system can significantly reduce energy consumption while improving environmental impact. Below is an estimate of Swiss costs related to different thermal equipment.

Type of equipment	Average cost	Installation and setup price
Air-air heat pump (PAC)	Starting from 2,300 CHF	Starting from 2,850 CHF
Air-water heat pump (PAC)	Starting from 14,500 CHF	Starting from 6,800 CHF
Condensing boiler	On average 5,900 CHF (generally gas)	Between 850 and 4,950 CHF
Thermodynamic water heater	Starting from 3,350 CHF	Starting from 3,200 CHF
Pellet stove	Between 4,200 and 12,300 CHF	Starting from 2,500 CHF
Wood stove	Between 900 and 23,500 CHF depending on style, power, and fuel	Between 1,700 and 11,000 CHF

The addition of solar panels is an effective solution to significantly reduce electricity expenses. For the installation of a solar water heater, the amount to budget is generally between 5,000 and 7,000 CHF. Combined solar systems, providing both hot water production and heating support, show amounts between 14,000 and 18,000 CHF. As for photovoltaic installations, prices generally range from 9,000 to 30,000 CHF, depending on the chosen power and desired yield.

4 - Installation of a ventilation system

To ensure regular air renewal and maintain a healthy atmosphere inside the home, implementing an efficient ventilation system is essential. A double flow VMC costs between 8,600 and 21,800 CHF. A regulated positive ventilation (VPH) requires a budget between 2,180 and 4,830 CHF, while a mechanical ventilation by insufflation (VMI) generally costs 2,180 to 5,750 CHF.
For a single flow VMC, expect to budget between 575 and 1,950 CHF depending on the models and technical configurations.

5 - Installation or replacement of joinery

The price applied for the installation or replacement of joinery depends on the chosen material, type of opening, size, number of elements to be installed, and the performance of the glazing. For replacing a front door, budget between 920 and 4,950 CHF, including installation and supply, depending on the selected range. Windows and skylights start from 345 CHF each.
To integrate a roller shutter, the purchase price averages between 1,035 and 1,150 CHF. Installation costs vary by company. Avenir Rénovations Suisse is at your disposal to provide a personalized offer tailored to your joinery project.

Estimate the true cost of your energy improvement work with Avenir Rénovations Suisse's online simulator

Do you want a reliable estimate of the cost of your energy improvement project in Switzerland? Our online simulator allows you to assess the budget needed for your work for free. The tool calculates an estimate taking into account several essential parameters: geographical location of the property, area, existing insulation level, condition of technical installations, and choice of materials and energy equipment.

Once the simulation is complete, you have the option to schedule an appointment with our specialists for a complete inspection of your home. This technical visit allows for an analysis of insulation, overall energy performance, and elements to modernize. Based on this, our experts guide you towards the most suitable solutions for your home. With their skills and certification, they perform high-quality work within the announced deadlines to maximize your access to available financial support in Switzerland.

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How to benefit from Swiss aids for energy renovation to reduce the cost of your project

In Switzerland, several public schemes encourage homeowners to undertake work aimed at improving the energy efficiency of their homes. The main aids come from:

The Building Program (Confederation + cantons), which subsidizes the insulation of the envelope, the replacement of fossil heating systems, the installation of heat pumps, and the installation of solar panels.
Complementary cantonal subsidies, defined by each canton according to its energy priorities (insulation, double-flow ventilation, overall renovation, etc.).
Municipal incentives, available in certain cities to support renewable installations or exemplary projects.
Tax deductions, allowing a portion of the costs of maintenance and energy improvement work to be deducted from taxable income.

The combination of these supports can significantly reduce the expenses incurred for your renovation. To be eligible, the work must generally be carried out by recognized companies and comply with Swiss energy standards (SIA, Minergie, cantonal directives). The granting conditions vary according to the canton, the type of building, its age, and the type of improvement considered.

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