How to heat with renewable energies

Replace your old heating system in 7 steps

Finally, renewable heating! Follow our step-by-step guide and start using local, renewable heating energy in the future.

Step 1: Plan early

Is your heating system more than 10 years old? Now is the ideal time to consider replacing it. You can also take this opportunity to have your entire property’s energy efficiency assessed using GEAK Plus. The energy performance certificate produced is prepared by experts and shows you a couple of energy modernisation options that are specifically tailored to your needs. Involve all those concerned, such as co-owners and your neighbours, at an early stage. We strongly recommend that you replace the heating system in the summer. If this is not possible, an auxiliary heating system can be installed during the conversion. Has your heating system stopped working unexpectedly? Don’t worry – bridging solutions such as emergency heating centres can buy you enough time to select a renewable heating system at your leisure.

Step 2: Benefit from a free advisory consultation

The ‘renewable heating’ advisory consultation is a Swiss national support programme. Owners of detached houses, apartment buildings and condominium owners receive advice from a heating and energy expert. The free advisory service supports you in choosing the right renewable heating system for your property, from the building inspection itself through to the on-site heating system recommendation. You retain full control and are free to decide when and how to replace your heating system.

Step 3: Calculating correctly pays off

In addition to the one-off investment costs, also consider your heating system’s operating costs. A heating system is in use for an average of 20 years. Your choice of heating system is therefore significant for your building’s CO₂ emissions and for the environment in the long term. For single-family homes and apartment buildings with up to six residential units, using the heating cost calculator on erneuerbarheizen.ch will help you estimate the effective costs.

Discuss the financing and tax advantages of a renewable energy heating system with your bank. You can claim tax benefits if the investment costs serve to save energy and protect the environment. In addition, many cantons are promoting the replacement of oil, gas and electric heating systems. You should also take these subsidies into account. You can get an overview of the cantonal subsidy programmes on energiefranken.ch or dasgebaeudeprogramm.ch.

Step 4: Compare several quotes

You’ve done it! You’ve selected the most suitable heating system for your property. Now it’s time to get down to business – installation. Gather two or three quotes from different heating installation agents for the heating system you have chosen.

Online platforms for tradespeople such as Buildigo allow you to obtain and compare quotations quickly. Also, ask for a heating system with a quality label, such as a performance guarantee or the ‘heat pump system module’.

Step 5: Inform the authorities

Be careful! Depending on the technology and location, a building permit may be required from your local council when replacing your heating system.

Step 6: Apply for subsidies

As mentioned in Step 3, the cantons are subsidising the replacement of oil, gas and electric heating systems. Apply for these subsidies and obtain confirmation before you start building. Banks and financial advisors will provide you with professional support.

Step 7: Replace your heating system

You’ve signed the contract with your contractors – now the renovations can begin. As a rule, your heating system will be replaced within a few weeks. While the work is being carried out, you’ll be provided with heat and hot water by an auxiliary heating system. Once the installation has been completed, you can apply to the canton for subsidies.

© This input for this content was provided by Raiffeisen Casa.