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Replacing electric heating: why it pays off
What speaks for replacement, why an air conditioner with heating function is often the cheaper solution and which rules apply in Zurich, Lucerne, Zug, Aargau and Basel – in brief.
Photo: own installation
Why replacing pays off
Electric heating converts electricity directly into heat. A heat pump, by contrast, uses ambient heat – which is why an air/air heat pump does not count as electric heating.
- Heat pumps are electrically driven but use ambient heat and need several times less electricity.
- Several cantons have a replacement obligation – Zurich by 2030, Basel-Landschaft by 1.1.2032.
- New electric heating is generally not permitted in any of the six cantons.
- An air conditioner with heating function heats in winter and cools in summer.
- Cantonal subsidies are available for air/water heat pumps and new heat distribution systems – always submit the application before construction starts.
The affordable option: an air conditioner with heating function
An outdoor unit supplies one or more indoor units (wall, floor-standing or ceiling units) that heat the room air directly. No radiators or underfloor heating are needed – only refrigerant lines, condensate drain and power. In summer, the same system cools. Suitable for flats and houses with decentralised electric heating.
Why the air/air heat pump is often the more affordable solution
According to SwissEnergy, installing a new heat distribution system is a major intervention in the building that is usually carried out together with an extensive renovation. According to SwissEnergy, the air/air heat pump offers somewhat less comfort but is significantly cheaper than a new heating system with heat distribution. In a practical example, the canton of Zurich describes it as a pragmatic solution because no water-based heat distribution system is required.
None of the six cantons subsidises air/air heat pumps. In the EKZ grid area, the energy supplier offers a contribution.
Overview
Cantonal regulations at a glance
Canton of Zurich: Existing electric heating systems – central and decentralised, including storage heaters, direct electric radiators, infrared heaters and electric underfloor heating – as well as central electric water heaters must be replaced by renewable systems by 2030. New installation and like-for-like replacement are already not permitted today.
Canton of Lucerne: Replacement obligation only for central electric heating with a water distribution system and central electric water heaters in residential buildings – deadline 2034. There is no replacement obligation for decentralised electric heating; individual units may be replaced.
Canton of Zug: No replacement deadline for existing electric heating. However, new installation and the replacement of electric heating with a water distribution system are not permitted.
Canton of Aargau: No replacement obligation for existing electric heating. However, owners of buildings with electric heating must have a GEAK Plus prepared within five years from 1 April 2025.
Canton of Basel-Stadt: Electric heaters installed more than 25 years ago must be replaced within 15 years of the Energy Act taking effect. The Act has been in force since 1 October 2017.
Canton of Basel-Landschaft: According to the canton, all electric heating systems must be taken out of service by 1 January 2032 at the latest and replaced with a heating system that complies with the law.
As of October 2026. Information without guarantee – the regulations of the canton and municipality are authoritative.
All details, exceptions and subsidies
The detailed guide shows deadlines, exceptions, subsidies and all sources for each canton.
Services
Planning, building permits, installation, maintenance and repairs – for all brands
FAQ
Questions about replacing electric heating
Is an air conditioner with heating function a permissible replacement?
An air/air heat pump is a heat pump and not electric heating. SwissEnergy names it as one of the two ways to replace decentralised electric heating, and the canton of Zurich shows it in a practical example. What matters is that it keeps all rooms warm without the old electric heaters and is designed for sub-zero temperatures.
Is an air/air heat pump subsidised?
The cantonal programmes of Zurich, Lucerne and Zug do not list air/air heat pumps as a subsidised measure. For its own grid customers, EKZ subsidises the complete replacement of decentralised electric heating with air/air heat pumps at 20 % of the net investment, up to CHF 2 000 in a single-family house and up to CHF 8 000 in a multi-family house.
Do I have to replace my electric heating in the canton of Zurich?
Yes, generally by 2030. This applies to central and decentralised electric heating such as storage heaters, direct electric radiators, infrared and electric underfloor heating, as well as central electric water heaters in residential buildings. Exemptions are governed by § 45c BBV I, e.g. for bathrooms or buildings with no more than 3 kW or less than 50 m² of electrically heated floor area.
What does the replacement cost?
That depends on the number of rooms, the pipe routes and the chosen solution. You will receive a quote from us after an on-site visit.
Let’s discuss your project
We check which rules apply to your property and show you the right solution – via WhatsApp, phone or contact form.