The European Union is introducing groundbreaking changes to the heating system in buildings. Starting from 2025, member states will have to cease funding for the purchase of gas boilers. By 2030, a complete ban on the installation of these devices in new buildings will come into effect, with the goal of eliminating them from European homes by 2040.
Poland Unprepared for the Transition
Paradoxically, despite the approaching restrictions, the popularity of gas heating in Poland has increased from 31% to 37% in the last season. At the same time, interest in heat pumps, which were supposed to be a key alternative, has decreased by 16 percentage points. This is largely due to subsidies for gas boilers. Until recently, these heaters were considered a more ecological alternative to coal-fired boilers. Industry Minister Marzena Czarnecka, who uses a gas boiler herself, advises choosing solutions compliant with EU guidelines in new investments. However, she does not plan to replace her boiler yet.
The Upcoming Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities
The impending transformation will be particularly difficult for low-income households. Replacing heating systems within the next 15 years will pose a significant financial burden. This may also impact the real estate market, with homes and apartments featuring modern heating systems potentially increasing in value.
The new regulations may stimulate the development of innovative heating technologies and create jobs in the renewable energy sector. On the other hand, the industry related to gas boilers will have to undergo a thorough transformation.
In the long run, the changes should contribute to improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, achieving this goal will require significant investments and may exacerbate social inequalities in access to comfortable heating.
The „Clean Air” Program: Changes and Limitations
Until now, the „Clean Air” program allowed homeowners to receive funding for replacing boilers. However, the program was temporarily suspended due to abuses by beneficiaries and planned reforms, but its new version is set to launch on March 31, 2025.
The new version of the program includes significant changes to funding for heating systems. As of January 1, 2025, subsidies for the most popular air-to-air heat pumps were withdrawn, which was met with criticism from the industry and complaints to the European Commission. Additionally, as of March 31, 2025, the program will no longer offer funding for photovoltaic installations.
It is also worth noting that the new version of the program introduces stricter requirements for replacing outdated heating devices and new income thresholds, which may affect the accessibility of support for some beneficiaries. Homeowners planning to modernize their heating systems should monitor updates to the „Clean Air” program and adjust their plans according to the new guidelines to benefit from available forms of support.