Why replacing your heating system makes sense now
Numerous residential buildings in Switzerland are still heated with oil. However, many of these systems have reached the end of their technical life or no longer meet today's requirements for efficiency and climate protection. At the same time, rising oil prices and CO₂ taxes are making operation noticeably more expensive. Owners are therefore increasingly asking themselves whether replacing their oil heating system makes sense or is even necessary.
Anyone planning to replace their heating system needs clarity above all else: Which systems are suitable, what investments are realistic, and what financial support is available? This guide provides you with a sound basis for decision-making, offering an overview of costs, alternatives, subsidies, and long-term benefits.
What are the costs involved in replacing an oil heating system?
The amount of the investment depends heavily on the heating technology chosen and the structural conditions. To enable a realistic assessment, here is an overview of the most important cost frameworks.
Investment costs by heating system
Air-to-air heat pump
- Total costs generally between CHF 36,000 and CHF 40,000
- Low installation effort, quick implementation
Air-to-water heat pump
- Typical costs: approx. $39,000–$46,000
- Suitable for existing radiators and underfloor heating systems
Brine-water heat pump (ground source)
- Total costs often range between CHF 52,000 and CHF 62,000
- Including drilling, installation, and commissioning
Dismantling and disposal of the old oil heating system
- Cost: approximately $4,500–7,500
- Depending on tank type, accessibility, and safety requirements
Annual operating costs (guideline values)
- Air-to-air systems: $1,300 to $1,900
- Air-water systems: $1,400–$2,400
- Ground source heat pumps: $1,200–$2,200
- Maintenance costs for all variants: approx. 300–450 CHF/year
Practical experience: For many single-family homes, completely replacing an oil heating system with a heat pump costs between CHF 38,000 and CHF 48,000.
Why costs vary greatly depending on the building
Actual expenses are significantly influenced by the condition of the building. Houses with high heat requirements need more powerful heating systems, which increases the investment. The existing heat distribution system is also relevant: radiators require higher flow temperatures than underfloor heating systems.
Other cost factors include long cable runs, adjustments to the electrical installation, or limited space in the technical room. In the case of geothermal probe systems, soil conditions and drilling depth also play an important role. Individual assessments are therefore essential.
Is your building suitable for a heat pump?
Contrary to popular belief, heat pumps are not only suitable for new buildings. Older houses can also be efficiently converted, provided that the heating load is calculated correctly. Even radiators are not a criterion for exclusion if the system is dimensioned accordingly.
In some cases, minor adjustments such as hydraulic balancing or the replacement of individual radiators are sufficient. For geothermal heat pumps, space requirements and geological conditions must also be checked. A professional analysis provides certainty in this regard.
Why heat pumps are the preferred alternative to oil heating
Heat pumps have become the standard solution in Switzerland for replacing fossil fuel heating systems. They use environmental energy from the air or ground and require only a relatively small amount of electricity. This significantly reduces annual heating costs.
Unlike oil-fired heating systems, there is no combustion. Instead, existing heat is used efficiently. Modern heat pumps achieve high performance figures and are also suitable for many existing buildings. In addition, they comply with legal requirements, as new oil heating systems are now only permitted to a limited extent in many cantons.
Different types of heat pumps
Air-to-air heat pump – a simple and cost-effective solution
This system extracts heat from the outside air and distributes it directly via air systems in the building. Installation is straightforward and the investment is relatively low. This option is particularly well suited to well-insulated houses with moderate heating requirements.
Air-to-water heat pump – versatile and proven
The air-water heat pump transfers the heat it extracts to the heating system's water circuit. It is suitable for existing radiators as well as underfloor heating systems. Its flexibility makes it the most popular solution when replacing heating systems.
Brine-water heat pump – maximum efficiency with geothermal probes
Thanks to constant temperatures in the ground, this heat pump is particularly efficient. The higher investment costs are offset in the long term by very low operating costs. It is particularly suitable for owners with a long-term planning horizon.
Take advantage of subsidy programs and tax benefits
The switch to renewable heating systems is strongly encouraged in Switzerland. Depending on the canton and municipality, substantial subsidies are available, especially for heat pumps.
In addition, investment and dismantling costs can be claimed for tax purposes.
Does it make sense to replace your heating system prematurely?
incur high running costs, which are further increased by rising energy prices. Heat pumps significantly reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs.
In addition, property values increase as sustainable heating systems are increasingly expected. The switch therefore often makes strategic sense.
Conclusion: Future-proof heating instead of continuing to rely on oil
Replacing an oil heating system is an important step toward lower energy costs, better predictability, and greater climate protection. Heat pumps offer clear long-term advantages and are made even more attractive by subsidies. The optimal solution depends on individual circumstances.
With careful planning and comparison of several specialist quotes, it is possible to find a heating solution that is technically reliable and economically viable.
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