Electric heating in containers
Electric heating in a container or temporary building – is it still allowed?
Site containers, office containers, temporary school buildings: they often contain an electric heater. However, cantonal energy regulations basically no longer permit new electric heating. What applies, where there are exceptions and why an air/air heat pump is usually the better solution.
Photo: own installation
The basic rule: MuKEn 2014
The cantons’ model energy regulations (MuKEn 2014) state in Art. 1.13: the new installation of fixed electric resistance heating for heating buildings is basically not permitted.
Under Art. 1.14 para. 4, a permit may exceptionally be granted on justified request if the building is remote or difficult to access and another heating system is technically impossible, economically unreasonable or disproportionate. Examples named in the MuKEn include temporary buildings and heating individual workplaces in insufficiently heated or unheated rooms (EnergieHub Gebäude – MuKEn 2014).
As of October 2026. The cantons have implemented the MuKEn differently – the regulations of your canton and municipality are decisive.
What applies in Aargau, Zurich, Lucerne and Zug?
| Canton | New electric heating | Exception temporary building / container | Replacement duty for existing electric heating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aargau | Not permitted in containers (fact sheet) | Heated containers: air/air heat pump required | No replacement duty; GEAK Plus within 5 years from 1 April 2025 |
| Zurich | Basically not permitted | Exceptions incl. individual workplaces, buildings ≤ 3 kW or < 50 m² heated electrically, remote buildings | Replacement by 2030 (§ 45c BBV I) |
| Lucerne | New installation prohibited (§ 12 KEnG) | Exception possible for temporary buildings and individual insufficiently heated workplaces | Central electric heating with water distribution by 2034 |
| Zug | Basically not permitted (§ 4a EnG-ZG) | Exception on justified request, incl. temporary buildings (Art. 1.14 V EnG-ZG) | No deadline in the law; replacing electric heating with water distribution by resistance heating not permitted |
Canton of Aargau
According to the canton’s fact sheet «Transportable Bauten», temporary (maximum 3 years) and permanent containers must comply with the cantonal energy regulations. Heated containers must be heated with an air/air heat pump; resistance heating is not permitted. For permanent containers, it must first be checked whether a connection to an existing heating system is possible (Kanton Aargau, Merkblatt Transportable Bauten). For existing buildings with electric heating there is no replacement duty in Aargau; owners must, however, have a GEAK Plus prepared within five years from 1 April 2025 (Kanton Aargau – Vorschriften und Energievollzug).
Canton of Zurich / City of Zurich
Existing electric heating must be replaced by 2030 (§ 45c BBV I). Exemptions include emergency heating for heat pumps and wood heating, heating in wet rooms/WCs, buildings with at most 3 kW electric heating output or less than 50 m² electrically heated area, individual workplaces, buildings with photovoltaic self-generation of at least 110 %, churches and remote buildings (Stadt Zürich – Elektroheizung).
Canton of Lucerne
The new installation of fixed electric resistance heating is prohibited, as is the replacement of central electric heating with water distribution; these must be replaced by 2034. Individual decentralised electric heaters may be replaced (Kanton Luzern – KEnG kompakt). Exceptions are possible, among others, for temporary buildings and individual insufficiently heated workplaces (Kanton Luzern – Hinweise zu Ausnahmebewilligungen).
Canton of Zug
The new installation of fixed electric resistance heating for heating buildings is basically not permitted; nor is replacing electric heating with water distribution by resistance heating (§ 4a EnG-ZG). Exceptions on justified request – including for temporary buildings – are governed by Art. 1.14 para. 4 in the annex to the V EnG-ZG. We are not aware of a specific container rule; the adopted MuKEn rule applies. Please ask your municipality.
Official information without guarantee – the rules differ from canton to canton. Clarify your project with the municipality or canton.
Advantages
Air/air heat pump instead of electric heating
Legally compliant
Required for heated containers in the canton of Aargau – and without the exemption request that electric heating would need.
Around 60 % less heating energy
According to the canton of Aargau, an air/air heat pump saves around 60 % of heating energy in a container.
Heating and cooling
One unit for winter and summer – containers quickly get hot in summer.
Lower electricity costs
Lower power consumption means lower running costs (see sample calculation).
Manageable investment
According to the canton of Aargau, an investment of under CHF 5000 and a payback period of under 10 years.
Quick to install
Split units can usually be installed quickly in containers.
Reusable
The unit can move with the container or be reused at a new location.
More comfort
Even temperature, dehumidification and air filtration.
Remote control possible
Many units can be controlled via app or Wi-Fi module – practical on construction sites and with changing use.
Source of the figures: Kanton Aargau, Merkblatt Transportable Bauten.
Example: energy costs compared
Sample calculation with assumptions – no guarantee for your case:
- An office container of around 15 m² (6 × 2.5 m)
- Assumed heat demand: 3000 kWh per year
- Electricity price: 27.7 ct/kWh – 2026 median for a typical household according to ElCom
- Electric heating: 1 kWh of electricity gives 1 kWh of heat
- Air/air heat pump: assumed seasonal performance factor of 3
| Electric heating | Air/air heat pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Assumed efficiency | 1 (1 kWh electricity = 1 kWh heat) | Seasonal performance factor 3 |
| Electricity consumption per year | 3,000 kWh | 1,000 kWh |
| Electricity costs per year (27.7 ct/kWh) | CHF 831 | CHF 277 |
| Savings per year, 1 container | 2,000 kWh or around CHF 554 | |
| Savings per year, 10 containers | 20,000 kWh or around CHF 5,540 | |
The assumed seasonal performance factor of 3 corresponds to around 67 % less electricity for heating and is thus in the same order of magnitude as the around 60 % savings stated by the canton of Aargau. With an investment of under CHF 5000 (canton of Aargau) and savings of around CHF 554 per year, the payback period is in the order of 9 years – in line with the canton’s figure of under 10 years.
Actual values depend heavily on insulation, location, use, unit and electricity tariff.
We equip your containers and temporary buildings
Infra Haustechnik installs split air conditioners or air/air heat pumps in containers and temporary buildings – for heating and cooling. We advise you on the right solution and provide a quote after an on-site visit.
Further topics
FAQ
Questions about electric heating in containers
May I install electric heating in a site container?
Under MuKEn 2014, new fixed electric resistance heating is basically not permitted. For temporary buildings, exceptions are possible on justified request. In the canton of Aargau, heated containers must be heated with an air/air heat pump according to the cantonal fact sheet.
Does this also apply to containers that are only used for a short time?
Yes. According to the canton of Aargau, the energy regulations apply to temporary (maximum 3 years) and permanent containers.
What is the alternative to electric heating in a container?
An air/air heat pump (split air conditioner). It heats and can also cool. The canton of Aargau states around 60 % savings in heating energy.
How much does an air/air heat pump for a container cost?
The canton of Aargau puts the investment at under CHF 5000 and the payback period at under 10 years. We will quote the exact price for your container after an on-site visit.
Who decides on an exception?
Depending on the canton, the municipality or the cantonal authority. Clarify your project early with the municipality or canton.
Heating and cooling containers – legally compliant
Call us or write to us – we will be happy to advise you.