In Switzerland, a heat pump generally costs between CHF 25,000 and CHF 40,000 for an air-to-water system, and between CHF 45,000 and CHF 70,000 for a ground-source system, including installation, for a detached house. This is more expensive than a boiler, but grants can cover a significant portion of the cost, and heating bills are reduced substantially. Here are the prices to expect, the financial assistance available depending on your canton, and the steps to ensure you don’t miss out on your grant.
How much does a heat pump cost in Switzerland?
The price depends on the type of heat pump, the size and insulation of the property, the canton and any additional work required (radiators, hot water tank, electricity, borehole). Approximate figures for a detached house, including installation:
| Type of heat pump | Approximate price | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-water | approx. CHF 25,000 to 40,000 | Suitable for most homes; quick installation |
| Ground-to-water (geothermal with borehole) | approx. CHF 45,000 to 70,000 | Houses with land, designed for high performance in winter |
These figures are indicative and vary depending on the canton, town and access to the site: only quotes from installers are binding.
The real calculation: the cost over 20 years
The purchase price isn’t the whole story. Raiffeisen has compared three systems for a 200 m² house that used 3,000 litres of heating oil per year:
| System | Investment | Annual cost (energy + maintenance) | Total cost over 20 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating oil | 20,000 CHF | CHF 4,169 | approx. 98,400 CHF |
| Geothermal heat pump | 59,000 CHF | CHF 1,535 | approx. 89,700 CHF |
| Air-to-water heat pump | CHF 32,200 | 1,881 CHF | approx. 69,800 CHF |
In this example, the air-to-water heat pump works out at around 30 per cent cheaper than heating oil over 20 years, even before subsidies (Raiffeisen).
Air-to-water or geothermal: which to choose?
| Air-to-water heat pump | Ground-to-water heat pump (geothermal) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | Lower | Higher (drilling package) |
| Grant | Lower | Significantly higher |
| Winter performance | Decreases in very cold weather | Stable all year round |
| Noise | Outdoor unit must be positioned carefully | Quiet |
| Permits | Often requires a local authority permit (noise, location) | Cantonal drilling permit |
Air-to-water heat pumps are suitable for most homes. Geothermal systems are more expensive initially but more efficient and sustainable; the higher subsidies available help to bridge the price gap.
Subsidies: 3 levels that add up
In Switzerland, funding comes from the Confederation, the canton and often the municipality. The amount and conditions vary from canton to canton.
- Your canton provides the bulk of the funding. Your municipality may sometimes add a top-up.
- Apply for the grant before signing the quote and before work begins. Afterwards, it’s too late.
- Expect to receive a few thousand francs for an air-to-water heat pump, and often more for geothermal systems. For example, in the canton of Vaud: CHF 5,000 for an air-to-water heat pump in a house.
1. The Confederation: the Buildings Programme and tax
The Buildings Programme is funded by the Confederation and the cantons. The Confederation sets the framework, but it is your canton that determines the amounts and processes the application. Energy-saving investments in an existing building may also be deducted from your taxable income, depending on your canton’s rules.
2. The canton: it is the canton that pays the grant
Amounts offered by the French-speaking cantons for a detached house:
| Canton | Air-to-water heat pump | Ground-to-water or water-to-water heat pump (geothermal) | Example for a 10 kW heat pump |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaud | CHF 5,000 flat rate (detached house, up to 15 kW) | CHF 20,000 flat rate (detached house, under 20 kW) | air-to-water CHF 5,000 · geothermal CHF 20,000 |
| Geneva | CHF 3,000 + CHF 400 per kW | CHF 3,000 + CHF 800 per kW | air-to-water CHF 7,000 · geothermal CHF 11,000 |
| Fribourg | CHF 3,500 + CHF 150 per kW, + CHF 1,000 if the heat pump provides hot water | See the canton’s website | air-to-water: 5,000 CHF (6,000 CHF including hot water) |
| Jura | CHF 3,500 flat rate (up to 15 kW) | CHF 5,000 + CHF 180 per kW | air-to-water CHF 3,500 · geothermal CHF 6,800 |
| Valais | Calculation based on the heat pump’s performance | Calculation based on the heat pump’s performance | See the canton’s website |
| Neuchâtel | Visit the canton’s website | Visit the canton’s website | — |
Amounts for a heat pump replacing an oil, gas or electric heating system, according to official websites consulted in November 2026. These may change during the year: always check with your canton before submitting your application. In Geneva, the application must be received at least 14 days before work begins.
Bern, Zurich, Ticino and the other cantons: each canton has its own scale of grants. Find yours on leprogrammebatiments.ch by selecting your canton.
Common requirements, for example in the canton of Vaud: the heat pump must be the primary heating source and provide both heating and hot water; radiators must have thermostatic valves; for a building constructed before 2000, a CECB is required; and nothing must be purchased or started before written approval has been granted by the canton.
3. The municipality: the often-overlooked bonus
Many municipalities supplement the canton’s support with their own schemes. Check with your municipality’s energy department or visit francsenergie.ch.
See the financial assistance available in your canton →
Steps to install your heat pump
- Carry out a building assessment: a CECB (cantonal energy performance certificate) is often required for older buildings, and it helps you choose the right capacity.
- Get several quotes from installers in your area for the same capacity and scope of work.
- Submit your grant application before making any purchases or carrying out any work. In most cantons, projects that have already begun are no longer eligible for grants.
- Obtain the necessary authorisations: a local authority permit for the outdoor unit (noise, location), and cantonal authorisation for drilling.
- Installation and commissioning: the work itself takes a few days, but allow several weeks, or even a few months, between signing the contract and commissioning.
- Send the supporting documents to the canton (invoices, certificates, updated CECB if required) to receive the grant.