Future-proof Warmth from Nature: Support Programme for Heat Pumps in Switzerland

Although the installation of a heat pump would be feasible and much more climate-friendly in most cases, two thirds of all home owners in Switzerland continue to opt for a new oil or gas heating system

The main reason why many homeowners nevertheless do not choose a heat pump is probably the comparatively higher investment costs. However, it is often forgotten that the running costs for electricity and maintenance are significantly lower with a heat pump. The costs for oil or gas are completely omitted and so is the uncertainty, which so far accompanied the price development of the oil and gas prices. Therefore, the heat pump is a future-oriented and sustainable heating solution. Per installed heat pump, around 2000 litres of heating oil or 2000 cubic metres of natural gas are saved annually. With this step, every private household can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Secure your subsidy contribution for your heat pump

Are you a homeowner and would you like to replace your old oil or gas heating soon? myclimate calculates the amount of the subsidy for the heat pump after successful registration based on past annual energy consumption (0.18 CHF/kWh), whereas the subsidy amounts to at least CHF 2'000. The funding calculator offers you an initial estimate. With the subsidy, we would like to remove investment barriers and make it easier for you to decide on a heat pump and protect the climate.

High Quality thanks to a Quality Standard

In order to guarantee the quality of the programme, only those heat pump systems developed in accordance with the quality standard Heat Pump System Module (HP System Module) will receive a subsidy. This standard was developed by the Swiss Heat Pump Association FWS and guarantees high energy efficiency and optimal processes. According to a study by SwissEnergy (EnergieSchweiz), this leads to an annual reduction of electricity costs by approx. 15 per cent. Generally, the additional expenditures for a HPSM pay off within a few years due to the lower operating costs of the heating system (lower electricity consumption) and fewer service visits.

In principle, any heating installation company with trained specialists can plan and install heat pump systems according to HP-system module. You can refer to the list of qualified installers or contact an installer directly. Interested installers will find further information here.

By the way: If you obtain the electricity for your heat pump from renewable energy sources, the environmental footprint of the heat pump is even better.

Notes regarding sustainable renovations

While the following points are not participation criteria for the support programme, we nevertheless strongly suggest that they be taken into consideration:

• Natural refrigerants: So-called natural refrigerants are a new trend as they have little to no greenhouse gas potential if they happen to escape. These include carbon dioxide (R744, CO₂), hydrocarbons (propane R290, isobutane R600a) and ammonia (R717, NH₃). A list with efficient heat pumps and their refrigerants can be found under topten.ch. You often have to explicitly ask the company whether the device or system is offered with a natural refrigerant.
• Renovating the building shell: Prior or simultaneous renovation of the building shell is recommendable when replacing your heater. The new heating system can be smaller because of this and the running costs can be decreased.

Where does the funding come from?

This climate protection programme has been made possible thanks to funding from the KliK Foundation. Go to our Info page to learn how the funding mechanism works for mandatory contributions to climate protection.

Contact

Do you have any questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us, Tel. +41 44 500 43 50.

Please refer to topten.ch for the most efficient WPSM-certified heat pumps.

Did you know that...?

Thanks to participation in the funding programme for heat pumps, you...

• receive a subsidy ranging from 2’000 to 10’000 CHF when replacing an old oil or natural gas heating.
• install a high quality heat pump system, which is 15% more energy efficient than a plant without heat pump system module and thus reduces maintenance costs.
• reduce the CO₂ output of your heating system.
• contribute to climate action and engage for future generations.

This project contributes to 2 SDGs*

*as at the end of 2024. Find out how myclimate reports these SDGs in our FAQ.

In 2024, 10,674,337 MWh of renewable heat was produced in the project. By 2025, 49,338,815 MWh of renewable heat had already been produced in the project.

In 2024, 3,043 tonnes of CO2 were saved. Since the start of the project, 13,811 tonnes of CO2 have already been saved.