Heat Pump Subsidies 2026: Up to 70% Reimbursed by the State
Are you planning to replace your heating system with a modern heat pump? The heat pump subsidy currently covers up to 70% of the investment, capped at €21,000 per dwelling unit – with over 5,000 applications received daily by BAFA. We show the subsidy rates for 2026, all requirements, and the application process step-by-step.
For most homeowners, government subsidies are the crucial lever to make the transition economically viable: they significantly reduce the price gap between heat pumps and conventional heating systems – often so much so that the heat pump is competitive even at the time of purchase. At the same time, there are some pitfalls in the application process that, in the worst case, can cost the entire subsidy. This guide will lead you safely through the process.
BEG Subsidy 2026 at a Glance
The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) is handled by BAFA and KfW and follows a modular principle: a basic subsidy is available to every applicant, on top of which several bonuses can be stacked. Which bonuses you receive depends on your personal situation – from the age of the existing heating system to the refrigerant of the new heat pump and household income.
This stacking principle explains why two neighbors with identical heat pumps can receive very different grants. Therefore, it is worthwhile to systematically review all bonuses before making a decision and realistically assess your own situation. The current rates for private individuals:
| Bonus Type | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Basic Subsidy | 30% of the investment |
| Climate Speed Bonus | +20% (replacement of old oil/gas heating until 31.12.2028) |
| Efficiency Bonus | +5% (natural refrigerants like R290 propane) |
| Income Bonus | +30% (household income ≤ €40,000) |
The maximum subsidy rate is 70%, with a subsidy cap of €21,000 per dwelling unit. Even if your bonuses would mathematically result in more, this upper limit applies – meaning the effective subsidy rate will decrease for very expensive systems accordingly.
Which heat pumps are eligible for subsidy?
Not every heat pump is subsidized: the legislator ties the grant to a minimum efficiency, expressed in the seasonal performance factor (SPF). This describes how much heat the system generates from one kilowatt-hour of electricity over the course of a year. The subsidy thus ensures that only systems that actually operate significantly more efficiently than direct electric heating are funded.
The required minimum SPF differs depending on the heat source, as soil and groundwater provide more constant temperatures than the outside air and therefore allow for higher efficiency values:
| Type | Minimum SPF |
|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pump | 3.0 |
| Brine-to-water (geothermal) | 3.5 |
| Water-to-water (groundwater) | 3.8 |
| Ventilation with heat recovery & HP function | 3.0 |
In our range, you will find all Nilan heat pumps with SPF up to 5.2 – all eligible for BEG funding. Whether a heat pump also works in your existing building is clarified in the guide Heat pump in old buildings.
Applying: Step-by-Step
When applying for funding, the sequence determines success or total loss: the application must be submitted before you award the contract to the heating engineer. Anyone who, out of impatience, signs first and then submits the application will receive nothing – this is by far the most common and expensive mistake in the entire process.
The second key component is the energy consultant. They check the planned measure, prepare the necessary documentation, and ensure that the system is suitable for the building. While this initially costs money, it pays off twice: the consultation is partially eligible for funding, and a well-planned system operates noticeably more efficiently later on. Here's how the process works in detail:
- Engage an energy consultant (mandatory, dena list, cost €500–€1,500, 50% of which is eligible for funding)
- Obtain supplier confirmation from the heating engineer (model, manufacturer, SPF)
- Submit application BEFORE commissioning (BAFA or KfW 458/459)
- Wait for confirmation (1–4 weeks) – only then place the order
- Submit proof of use – disbursement in 1–3 months
Attention: The application must be submitted before the contract is awarded – otherwise, there will be no subsidy.
Checklist: What's going right
You should tick these points before sending the application:
- Energy consultant from the dena list
- Manufacturer in the BAFA WP list
- SPF over 3.0 (air-to-water)
- Heat pump electricity meter installed
- Heating load calculated according to DIN EN 12831
Common Mistakes
And these are the classics that regularly lead to applications failing:
- Application submitted only after contract award
- Energy consultant overlooked
- Heat pump not on the BAFA list
- Electricity meter forgotten
- Heating load estimated instead of calculated
Tip: For full efficiency, hydraulic balancing is also necessary – details in the guide Hydraulic Balancing 2026.
Example Calculation: Müller Family
How the bonuses add up in practice is shown by a typical scenario: The Müller family lives in a 130 m² single-family house, still heats with an old oil heating system from 1998, and earns €65,000 a year. Thus, the family receives the basic subsidy, the climate speed bonus for replacing the old oil heating, and the efficiency bonus for the natural refrigerant – the income bonus is not applicable because the household income is above the €40,000 threshold.
Here's the detailed calculation:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Investment costs HP + storage + installation | €30,000 |
| Basic subsidy 30% | €9,000 |
| Climate speed bonus 20% | €6,000 |
| Efficiency bonus 5% (R290) | €1,500 |
| Total subsidy (55%) | €16,500 |
| Own contribution | €13,500 |
The example shows: Even without an income bonus, the state covers more than half of the investment. The remaining own contribution is thus in the order of a new conventional heating system – with significantly lower running costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Heat Pump Subsidies
Is there also funding for a functioning old heating system?
Yes – the climate speed bonus of +20% even rewards the premature replacement of functioning oil/gas heating systems that are 20 years old or more. So you don't have to wait until the old system breaks down.
What is the SPF?
The seasonal performance factor indicates how much heat is delivered per 1 kWh of electricity. SPF 4.0 means: 4 kWh of heat are generated from 1 kWh of electricity. Funding starts from SPF 3.0.
How long does the BAFA process take?
Confirmation in 2–4 weeks, disbursement after proof of use in 1–3 months. Plan these timeframes into your renovation schedule.
Do I need an energy consultant?
Yes, since 2024 it has been mandatory for the BEG individual measures subsidy. Choose a consultant from the dena list so that the evidence is recognized.
Can I combine BEG with state programs?
Yes (e.g., progress.NRW, BW Klimaschutz-Plus), but not with other federal programs for the same project. There are also separate subsidies for solar systems – more on this in the article Solar System Subsidies Explained.
Conclusion
With basic funding, climate speed, efficiency, and income bonuses, up to 70% subsidies are possible in 2026 – a funding volume that makes the switch to a heat pump economically attractive for most homeowners. Two things are crucial: the application before commissioning and an energy consultant from the dena list. Those who also pay attention to an eligible system with a high seasonal performance factor and diligently work through the checklist are practically guaranteed the subsidy. Take a few weeks for preparation – they are worth real money. Eligible heating technology and heat pumps can be found at Wohnungstechnik.de.
