Heating
How much does a heat pump cost in Switzerland?
Updated 2026-07-28 · 8 min read
Replacing an oil or gas boiler with a heat pump has become the norm in Switzerland, driven by cantonal restrictions on fossil fuels and substantial subsidies. The budget remains high, but the net cost after grants and tax deductions changes the picture considerably.
Installation prices
| Heat pump type | Installed (CHF) | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pump | 30,000 – 40,000 | Most common in renovation |
| Ground-source, borehole | 45,000 – 70,000 | Drilling required, higher efficiency |
| Water-to-water (groundwater) | 40,000 – 65,000 | Abstraction permit required |
| Borehole drilling alone | 80 – 120 per metre | Typical depth 100 to 250 m |
These figures are markedly higher than French prices, reflecting Swiss labour costs and technical requirements. They include removal of the old boiler, hydraulic installation, commissioning and electrical connection.
The Buildings Programme: measures M-05 and M-06
The Buildings Programme is co-funded by the Confederation and the 26 cantons. Each canton publishes its own benefit sheets via the shared portal, which is why the same measure code translates into very different amounts depending on the canton.
| Canton | Heat pump grant (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Geneva | from CHF 9,000, more for geothermal |
| Vaud | from CHF 6,000 — air-water 3,500 + 150/kW, ground 5,000 + 300/kW |
| Valais | up to CHF 9,000 |
| Fribourg | rates close to canton Vaud |
| Other cantons | CHF 5,000 flat up to 15 kW, then CHF 400/kW in several schedules |
Conditions to meet
- The heat pump must replace a fossil-fuel or fixed electric resistance system
- The building must be existing: new builds are excluded
- A CECB energy certificate is required in several cantons — class A to E in Vaud for buildings predating 2000, at least class E in Fribourg
- Up to 15 kW the system-module standard applies; above that, a SwissEnergy performance guarantee and recognised label
- Existing radiators must be fitted with thermostatic valves
- Some cantons require the CECB to be updated after completion
The tax deduction, often underestimated
In Switzerland, energy renovation costs are deductible from taxable income. The unsubsidised share can be deducted in full and spread over several tax periods where the amount exceeds annual income. On a CHF 35,000 installation with a CHF 7,000 grant, the deduction covers CHF 28,000.
How much does a heat pump cost in Switzerland?
CHF 30,000 to 40,000 for an installed air-to-water unit, and CHF 45,000 to 70,000 for a geothermal system with drilling.
What subsidy is available?
It depends on the canton: from CHF 6,000 in Vaud, from CHF 9,000 in Geneva, up to CHF 9,000 in Valais. Several cantons pay a flat rate up to 15 kW then a per-kilowatt rate.
Is a CECB certificate required?
In several cantons, yes. Vaud requires class A to E for buildings predating 2000, Fribourg at least class E. The owner bears the cost.
Are the works tax deductible?
Yes. The unsubsidised share is deductible from taxable income and may be spread across several tax periods.
When should the application be filed?
Before work begins, without exception. An application lodged afterwards is refused.
Official sources