Switzerland has greatly expanded its support programmes for the energy transition. In 2026, replacing an oil or gas boiler with a heat pump may entitle you to federal and cantonal subsidies, the amount of which depends on the canton and on the building’s configuration. This guide explains the different types of support, the steps to follow and the factors that affect the cost of a project.
The Buildings Programme: the federal basis for subsidies
The Buildings Programme is Switzerland’s main energy policy instrument for residential buildings. Co-funded by the Confederation and the cantons, it has been managed since 2019 by PRONOVO AG for the federal part.
In 2026, the Buildings Programme grants contributions for two broad categories:
- Renewable-energy heating systems replacing a fossil-fuel system (oil, gas, direct electric): heat pumps, wood heating, solar thermal, district heating
- Building envelope insulation measures: facades, roofs, windows
Base contributions for a heat pump
The base federal contributions apply to a heat pump that replaces a fossil-fuel system. Cantons may add their own bonuses. The table below shows, for each type of heat pump, the relative level of support and the main conditions.
| Type of heat pump | Base support | Main conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pump | Standard base support | Replacement of a fossil-fuel heating system, minimum COP required |
| Geothermal heat pump (probe) | Higher base support | Replacement of a fossil-fuel heating system, more demanding minimum COP |
| Groundwater heat pump | Intermediate base support | Replacement of a fossil-fuel heating system, cantonal authorisation |
| Air-to-air heat pump (reversible air conditioning) | Not subsidised | — |
Conditions change regularly: the application is submitted to PRONOVO before the work begins, and PRONOVO publishes the current rates.
Additional cantonal subsidies in French-speaking Switzerland
The cantons of French-speaking Switzerland add their own support to the federal contributions, sometimes quite significantly. Here is an overview for 2026.
Canton of Vaud (VD)
The cantonal energy subsidy programme, managed by the Energy Directorate (DIREN), offers substantial top-ups. For an air-to-water heat pump replacing an oil boiler in a residential building, federal and cantonal support can be combined. The canton of Vaud also offers bonuses for buildings that achieve the MINERGIE label after the work.
Canton of Geneva (GE)
The OCEN (cantonal energy office) manages subsidies under the cantonal SénerGie programme. Geneva particularly supports geothermal systems (probes and heat exchangers) and district heating networks. Please note: Geneva subsidies are subject to an annual budget ceiling and may run out during the year.
Canton of Valais (VS)
The Service of Energy and Hydropower (SEFH) manages Valais subsidies. Support is generally more modest than in Geneva or the canton of Vaud, but Valais benefits from favourable electricity conditions that may improve the case for a heat pump.
Canton of Fribourg (FR)
The EnerFRI programme, run by the Energy Service (SdE), offers subsidies for heat pumps replacing a fossil-fuel heating system. The level of support depends on the output and the type of system.
Cantons of Neuchâtel (NE) and Jura (JU)
These two cantons essentially apply the base federal contributions, with moderate cantonal top-ups for a standard air-to-water heat pump. Check with the cantonal energy office which programmes are open when you apply.
What makes the cost of a heat pump vary
Before weighing the benefit of subsidies, you need to understand what determines the real cost of an installation. Quotes can differ considerably from one project to another, for specific reasons:
- The type of heat pump. An air-to-water heat pump is generally the simplest solution to install. A vertical-probe geothermal heat pump requires drilling, and therefore equipment, permits and a heavier worksite. Horizontal collectors need a sufficiently large plot.
- The output required. It depends on the heated area, the building’s insulation and domestic hot water needs.
- The condition of the existing installation. Removing the old boiler, dismantling and disposing of an oil tank, or reworking a chimney all widen the scope of the work.
- The distribution system. If the building is heated with high-temperature radiators, they may need to be replaced with oversized radiators or underfloor heating, which weighs heavily on the overall budget.
- The electrical connection. A heat pump may require reinforcement of the electrical panel or supply.
- The position of the outdoor unit. Noise constraints, distance from neighbours and access all affect installation.
- The hot water tank. A thermodynamic tank for domestic hot water alone is a smaller project than a full heating system.
To compare offers, ask for several detailed quotes itemised line by line, so that you can see clearly what is included: supply, installation, any drilling, ancillary work, commissioning.
Conditions and steps to obtain subsidies
Submit the application before the work
Critical point: federal PRONOVO subsidies must be applied for before work begins. An installation carried out without a prior application is generally not eligible. The online procedure allows you to submit a pre-application, which is validated before the worksite starts. Keep a record of every step of the procedure.
Use a recognised installer
The work must be carried out by a heating installer with recognised training (CFC, the Swiss federal vocational certificate, as a heating installer, a federal diploma or a master’s certificate). For geothermal heat pumps, the driller must also comply with cantonal water protection rules (authorisation is required in some cantons under the Waters Protection Ordinance, OEaux).
Receiving the payment
Once the work is finished, you must send the payment request with supporting documents (invoices, commissioning report, photos) within the period set by the programme. Payment is then made after the file has been checked. A complete and legible file avoids back-and-forth with the administration.
Preparing your file
A few habits make the process easier:
- gather the building’s documents (year of construction, current heating system, oil or gas consumption);
- have the installer draw up a technical description before you submit the application;
- check with the cantonal office whether other grants, for example for insulation, can be combined;
- keep all invoices and certificates until the payment has been made in full.
Profitability: how to estimate the return on investment
For a detached house heated with oil, switching to a heat pump generally reduces the energy bill, but the actual saving depends on several parameters: the trend in oil and electricity prices, the quality of the insulation, the flow temperature of the circuit, the appliance’s coefficient of performance and the occupants’ consumption habits.
The return on investment is calculated by comparing the net investment, that is, the total cost minus the subsidies obtained, with the annual energy saving, to which maintenance costs are added. The higher the support and the better insulated the building, the shorter this period becomes. Conversely, a poorly insulated building fitted with high-temperature radiators will give a less favourable result until the envelope has been improved.
Use PRONOVO’s online simulator or hire an energy adviser (such as a CECB, the building energy certificate, or Minergie specialist) for a personalised calculation before you decide. Once your project is defined, you can request a quote to receive proposals from tradespeople in your area and compare them.
Updated 29 October 2026