In Switzerland, oil and gas heating systems for room heating and warm water, which are in need of modernising, are generally replaced by other heating systems that run on fossil fuels. From a climate protection perspective, replacing the old heating system with automated pellet heating or another non-fossil technology would be a better choice. This support programme aims to reduce the high investment costs needed for pellet heating. The climate protection programme was developed with the support of proPellets.ch and Holzenergie Schweiz and can be implemented thanks to the financial contributions of the KliK Foundation.

The amount of the subsidy is calculated by myclimate on the basis of the previous yearly energy consumption (adjusted for climatic conditions) and corresponds to 18 centimes per kilowatt hour. This corresponds to approximately 360 francs per kilowatt of installed capacity, if the pellet heating system is properly dimensioned.

Our funding calculator provides an initial estimate of the amount of the subsidies. The subsidies from this program are partly higher than those of the cantonal subsidy programs, a comparison is worthwhile. The subsidies from myclimate will be paid out in full after submission of the valid commissioning documents (valid registration required).

Where does the funding come from?

This carbon offset 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 carbon offsetting.

How does a pellet heating system work?

Pellet heating systems are fully automated wood heating systems. During the production of pellets, dried sawdust and wood shavings from the manufacturing industry are compressed into cylindrical rods. Two kilograms of pellets contain about the same energy as a litre of heating oil or a cubic metre of natural gas.

The pellets are delivered by tanker and kept in the buildings storage, which is often located in the former oil tank room. From there the fuel is automatically transported into the combustion chamber by means of a conveyor or suction system. The burning provides warmth for room heating and the production of warm water, and leaves behind a small amount of ash. The incorporation of a buffer tank allows for needs-based control of heat distribution to users.

Funding Criteria

• Replacement of an existing oil or gas heating system with a pellet heating system. The replacement of an electric heating system, wood furnace, heat pump or other heating system is excluded.
• Only fully automatic pellet heating systems are eligible. Single-room heating systems, pellet furnaces with day tanks, log boilers, wood chip boilers and other categories of systems are excluded.
• The pellet heating system is used as a central heating system for the production of space heat and domestic hot water (no process heat).
• No double funding: no additional private financial assistance, or funding from the federal, cantonal or municipal government may be applied for.
• At the time of registration the order and work (significant investments) must not have been commissioned already.
• The pellet heating system has the quality seal of Holzenergie Schweiz.
• The installation/planning company must provide the system owner with a performance guarantee from Energie Schweiz.
• For pellet systems >70 kW, the quality management system QMmini from Holzheizwerke Schweiz must be applied.
• At the property location, there are no regulations at federal, cantonal or communal level that exclude replacement with a fossil heating system or require a renewable heating system. Accordingly, properties in the following cantons are excluded from funding: BS, GE, NE, ZH