Replacing an oil heating system in Canton Zürich: process, costs & 2026 subsidies

When your old oil or gas heating reaches the end of its life, it is the right moment to switch to a climate-friendly system. If you want to replace your oil heating in the Zürich area, you can benefit from cantonal subsidies – provided the application is filed correctly and on time.

Do you really have to replace your oil heating?

In Canton Zürich the rule is clear: when a fossil heating system (oil, gas) is replaced, a renewable system generally has to be installed. A new oil or gas boiler is only permitted in justified exceptional cases – for example, when a renewable replacement would be technically or economically disproportionate.

A planned replacement therefore pays off twice: you avoid an expensive emergency swap in winter and secure the subsidies, instead of deciding under time pressure.

Which alternative suits your home?

For most single- and multi-family homes in the Limmattal, the air-to-water heat pump is the most economical solution. It retrofits well and is especially efficient when the flow temperature is low – for instance with underfloor heating.

For what a heat pump actually costs, see our article on heat pump cost. To keep it running reliably, regular servicing matters.

Subsidies in Canton Zürich 2026

The cantonal funding programme continues unchanged in 2026. As rough guidance (as of 2026, no guarantee of accuracy):

• Air-to-water heat pump: around CHF 4,000 base contribution plus about CHF 60 per kW of thermal output.
• Ground- and water-source heat pumps as well as connection to a district-heating network are also funded.
• In the City of Zürich, an additional residual-value compensation may be available for an early replacement.

Important: The subsidy application must be submitted before installation begins, via the “Gebäudeprogramm” portal. Build first and you lose the entitlement. Current amounts are listed at the Canton Zürich energy funding page.

How the heating replacement works

1. Consultation & heat-load calculation – we assess your building and size the new system correctly.
2. Fixed-price quote – transparent, including a note on the possible subsidy.
3. File the subsidy application – before construction starts, so the contribution is secured.
4. Removal & installation – the old heating is disposed of professionally and the new system installed.
5. Commissioning & balancing – for maximum efficiency from day one.

Everything about our heating work is on the Heating page.

Plan now instead of reacting in winter

A heating replacement is easy to plan – as long as you don’t put it off. We guide you from the consultation through the subsidy application to commissioning, all from a single source.

Call us on +41 44 747 06 61 or request your free quote.