Heat pumps are an interesting alternative to other heating sources, including those considered clean. Their popularity is growing because, although they are not cheap, they are very efficient devices. Their advantage is low operating costs - although they require power, they use much less electricity than systems using electricity or natural gas. And the more expensive electricity and gas become, the greater the benefits they bring.
How do heat pumps work?
How does it work? In general, it transfers heat from a lower temperature area (lower source) to a higher temperature area (upper source). Heat from the air, ground or water is transferred to a medium whose pressure and therefore temperature (up to 90 degrees Celsius) increase as a result of compression. The heat is then transferred to the upper source (radiators, utility water or underfloor heating), and the medium itself is quickly expanded, becomes cold and ready to receive heat again. The compressor is the element that requires power.
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Depending on the lower source, there are three types of pumps – air, water and ground. Each can receive funding after meeting certain conditions.
How does the Clean Air program work?
A popular support program is the Clean Air program. It is aimed at individuals and those running a business. They can replace an inefficient boiler or other heating device for solid fuel with a heat pump . The level of subsidy varies, among other things, depending on the type of heat pump selected and eligible costs. The program provides a subsidy for the project and another for repayment of part of the loan installments financing the project. This applies to selected banks (Clean Air Loan). The rule is that the subsidy is granted to an already completed installation.
The program includes three levels of funding. The first level is available to owners of single-family houses or apartments located in such facilities (with a separate land and mortgage register) and with an annual income of no more than PLN 100,000.
The second level is subsidies for those whose monthly income per family member does not exceed PLN 1,564 or PLN 2,189 for single people. In the case of business activity, the income cannot exceed 30 minimum wages. The highest level of support applies to poor people (up to PLN 900 per month if living with someone, and PLN 1,260 if alone).
How much, for what and how to arrange it
The amount of support is a specific percentage of the investment costs. If a photovoltaic micro-installation is additionally installed, PLN 5,000 (up to 50%) should be added to the given amount.
Maximum basic subsidies:
- air or water heat pump – PLN 9,000 (30%)
- heat pump as above with increased energy efficiency – PLN 13.5 thousand (45%)
- air pump – PLN 3,000 (30%)
- ground heat pump with increased energy efficiency – PLN 20.25 thousand (45%)
Increased subsidies for pumps will cover up to 60% of costs in each case and will range from PLN 6,000 to PLN 27,000. In the case of the highest, it is 90%, and the range of amounts is from PLN 9,000 to PLN 40.5 thousand. PLN 9,000 can be obtained for an additional photovoltaic installation.
The easiest way to apply for a subsidy is online, but you need to have a trusted profile (ePUAP). You can fill out a printed version, but you need to download it from the Beneficiary Portal on the website of the relevant Voivodeship Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. However, if you want to use the Clean Air Credit, you go to a branch of a partner bank, submit a loan application, and the bank will fill out an application for co-financing.
My Warmth for new homes
Recruitment for another government program called Moje Ciepło, run, like Czyste Powietrze, by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, should begin soon. Planned subsidies are to range from PLN 7,000 to PLN 21,000, up to 30% of eligible costs (for holders of the Large Family Card – up to 45%). Only owners of new residential buildings with an improved energy standard will benefit from it. Here, too, the principle applies – first investment, then payment.
In the case of co-financing for the installation of a heat pump a "new building" is considered to be one for which a notice of completion of construction or an application for an occupancy permit was submitted no earlier than 1 January 2021. However, the condition is still to obtain an increased energy standard for the house: the EP coefficient for applications submitted in 2022 must be a maximum of 63 kWh/m2 per year, and 55 kWh thereafter. What is EP? It is an indicator defining the consumption of non-renewable primary energy needed for heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation and the production of hot water. That is, everything that is powered by electricity from the grid (unless you have a contract for the supply of green electricity) and natural gas or solid fuels. New houses should have an energy certificate containing this information. Subsidies will certainly be available for water and air pumps.
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Excessive conditions
The requirements are similar to the so-called Technical Conditions 2022 for buildings and their parameters are similar to passive houses. Moreover, after the subsidy is paid, the heat pump must be used for at least five years and manufactured no earlier than 24 months before installation. If a single-family house has co-owners, all must consent, and a declaration of no double financing is also necessary. We will not receive support if the building has a solid fuel heat source. This will also be the case with a fireplace used for heating and, for example, with a water jacket. Only a fireplace for recreational purposes is allowed.
The program's budget is PLN 600 million, and it is to end in 2026. The goal is to install pumps in 57,000 homes. The funds come from the Modernization Fund, a new European Union instrument for 10 countries struggling with the greatest challenges on the way to achieving greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
Unquestionable benefits
Heat pumps are considered the future of building heating. They are part of the Green Deal strategy, according to which the share of renewable energy in buildings should reach at least 49% by 2030. Meanwhile, in Poland, around 70% of homes still have a heating device powered by coal or wood, and around 3 million such installations do not meet any standards. The popularization of heat pumps can significantly contribute to reducing smog, which is harmful to health, i.e. suspended PM2.5, PM10 dust and carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene. Their level during heating seasons breaks world records.
Considering the rapid increase in the prices of natural gas, electricity and coal, as well as anti-smog resolutions of cities and local governments introducing bans on burning solid fuels, replacing heating boilers is becoming essential. Especially since there is no longer any subsidy for buying a new coal boiler. And the benefits? A well-heated house for little money, clean air without the emission of suspended dust or greenhouse gases, and no more worries about ever higher bills for traditional heating using electricity, natural gas or coal.