Thermal Modernization and Clean Air Program 2025: What Investors, Homeowners, and WawelDom Real Estate Agency Clients Need to Know
The Clean Air Program is returning with new rules for financing thermal modernization of residential buildings. WawelDom real estate agency offers comprehensive support for individual clients, investors, and property owners in Krakow and Lesser Poland who want to benefit from the program. Understanding the regulatory changes, income thresholds, audit requirements, and subsidy structure can be crucial for investment success and cost optimization.
Introduction to the Clean Air Program 2025
The Clean Air Program is a government initiative aimed at improving air quality in Poland by reducing emissions from household heating systems. The new 2024-2025 edition introduces significant changes designed to increase the efficiency and accessibility of subsidies.
According to data from the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Poland still has over 3 million outdated coal boilers, so-called "smokers," which account for a significant portion of particulate matter and benzo(a)pyrene emissions. The Clean Air Program aims to replace these devices with modern, ecological heat sources.
Key Changes in the Clean Air Program 2025
The new edition of the program introduces a mandatory energy audit before submitting the application, which ensures that subsidies are granted for actually needed and effective measures. Additionally, maximum funding amounts have been increased, and the catalog of eligible costs has been expanded to include new technologies such as air-to-water heat pumps or photovoltaic systems integrated with heating.
Comprehensive Overview of New Program Rules
The Clean Air Program 2025 emphasizes comprehensive thermal modernization, meaning that applications covering both heat source replacement and improvement of building thermal insulation are preferred. This strategy allows for achieving much greater energy savings than just boiler replacement alone.
Main Program Assumptions
The program aims to combat smog and improve the energy efficiency of buildings. In the new edition, the priority is comprehensive thermal modernization, supported by a mandatory energy audit that will indicate the building's actual needs.
Subsidies can be obtained for:
- Replacement of inefficient heat sources (so-called "smokers"),
- Installation of heat pumps,
- Insulation of walls, roofs, and foundations,
- Replacement of window and door joinery,
- Modernization of heating and ventilation systems,
- Obtaining energy performance certificates,
- Installation of mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery,
- Installation of photovoltaic microinstallations,
- Replacement of central heating and domestic hot water installations.
Eligibility Criteria for the Program
The "Clean Air" program is available to:
- Individuals who are owners of single-family homes,
- Co-owners of premises with separate land registers,
- Persons having property rights for at least 3 years.
A new feature in the program are operators (municipalities, Voivodeship Funds for Environmental Protection and Water Management), who are to support low-income individuals in the process of obtaining subsidies.
???? Ownership Requirement
The applicant must be the property owner for at least 3 years before submitting the application. An exception are new buildings, where confirmation of acquisition of ownership rights is required.
???? Property Type
The program covers only single-family residential buildings or separate residential units in single-family buildings with separate land registers.
???? Income Threshold
The subsidy amount depends on income per person in the household. There are three funding levels: basic, increased, and highest.
Income Thresholds and Financial Support Levels
Depending on income, you can receive a refund from 40% to 100% of investment costs. Maximum amounts range from 12,000 to over 31,000 PLN for heat pumps or building insulation. A new requirement is a mandatory energy audit before implementation and an energy certificate after completion of work.
| Funding Level | Income per Person | Maximum Subsidy | Refund Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | above 1,800 PLN | up to 12,000 PLN | up to 40% of costs |
| Increased | 900 - 1,800 PLN | up to 25,000 PLN | up to 70% of costs |
| Highest | up to 900 PLN | up to 31,000 PLN | up to 100% of costs |
Energy Audit – Foundation of Effective Thermal Modernization
Each application must be preceded by an audit that determines:
- The current energy state of the building,
- Projected savings after modernization,
- Specific recommendations: whether boiler replacement is sufficient or comprehensive thermal modernization is needed.
WawelDom real estate agency cooperates with certified auditors and supports the client at every stage.
Analysis of Building Documentation
The auditor analyzes the building design, technical documentation, and conducts a site visit to assess the current technical condition of the building.
Thermal Imaging Study
Using a thermal imaging camera, thermal bridges and areas with the greatest heat loss are identified, allowing for precise planning of thermal modernization work.
Report Preparation
Based on collected data, the auditor prepares a detailed report with recommendations for the optimal thermal modernization path and estimated costs and investment payback periods.
Construction Investments and the Clean Air Program
Buying a house in Krakow, selling a property, or building a new house in an area where funding can be obtained is an opportunity for real improvement in living comfort and property value. For clients interested in phrases like "sell house Krakow" or "energy-efficient houses Krakow", thermal modernization becomes an investment advantage.
"Properties after thermal modernization gain even 15-20% in value compared to similar, uninsulated buildings. Investment in improving energy efficiency pays off not only through lower energy bills but also through a higher price in case of eventual sale."
Thermal Modernization and Spatial Planning
Thermal modernization does not function in isolation from local zoning plans and general plans. The location of the investment, land development, access to utilities and social infrastructure are of great importance. WawelDom Urban Planner analyzes the compliance of the investment with local zoning plans and supports the client in assessing the property's potential.
Urban Aspects of Thermal Modernization
When carrying out thermal modernization, not only technical aspects but also urban aspects should be considered. Changes to the appearance of the facade, color scheme, and even the shape of the building (in case of adding an additional insulation layer) may require consent from appropriate authorities, especially in areas subject to conservation protection.
In Krakow, where many districts are subject to strict conservation protection, the thermal modernization process is particularly complicated. It requires not only knowledge of building regulations but also principles of monument protection. WawelDom real estate agency has experience in conducting such investments and helps clients obtain necessary permits.
Risks, Controls, and the ZUM List
The program does not cover gas boilers, and official subsidies are only available for devices listed on the List of Green Devices and Materials (ZUM). In the past, there have been abuses, which forced institutions to tighten procedures, including:
- Advances transferred to contractors only through the operator,
- Obligation to have invoices issued before a specific date,
- Requirement for testing heat pumps in certified EU laboratories.
Most Common Mistakes When Applying for Subsidies
Many applicants make mistakes that delay or prevent receiving subsidies. The most common include:
- Incorrect completion of the application, especially in the part concerning technical data of devices
- Purchase of devices not listed on the ZUM List
- Starting work before receiving the subsidy decision
- Failure to fulfill the obligation to conduct an energy audit
- Incorrect settlement of invoices and documentation of incurred costs
WawelDom Real Estate Agency – Comprehensive Assistance in Thermal Modernization
WawelDom supports the client not only in buying and selling properties, but also in:
- Analysis of local zoning plans and Krakow's general plan,
- Conducting energy audits,
- Selection of contractors and devices from the ZUM list,
- Completing documentation for the application,
- Optimizing property value for future sale.
???? Property Analysis
We conduct a detailed analysis of the technical condition of the property in terms of thermal modernization potential and possibilities of obtaining subsidies.
???? Documentation Completion
We help prepare complete documentation required to obtain subsidies, including energy audits and funding applications.
???? Contractor Coordination
We ensure coordination of work between the auditor, contractors, and institutions granting subsidies, which significantly speeds up the entire process.
Benefits of Thermal Modernization in the Context of the Real Estate Market
Thermal modernization is not only about ecological and economic benefits in the form of lower energy bills. It is also a real investment that increases property value on the secondary market.
Impact on Property Value
According to real estate market research, houses after thermal modernization achieve prices 15-25% higher compared to similar, uninsulated buildings. Potential buyers are increasingly paying attention to property maintenance costs, and lower energy bills are a significant marketing advantage.
Attractiveness to Tenants
For properties intended for rent, thermal modernization significantly increases their attractiveness. Tenants are willing to pay higher rent for apartments with lower operating costs, which translates into a higher return on investment.
Start Your Thermal Modernization with WawelDom
Our experts will help you fully utilize the opportunities of the Clean Air Program 2025. Contact us for a free consultation and learn how to increase the value of your property.
Schedule Free ConsultationSummary
The "Clean Air Program 2025" is not only about ecology and thermal comfort. It is also a real opportunity to increase property value and reduce operating costs. Cooperation with an experienced real estate agency like WawelDom ensures full support in the process of obtaining subsidies and successfully carrying out thermal modernization investment.
Regardless of whether you plan to sell the property or want to improve living comfort in your current home, thermal modernization is an investment that pays off. Thanks to the Clean Air Program, you can significantly reduce its cost, while contributing to improving air quality in your area.
Contact us at www.waweldom.pl and see how we can help with your thermal modernization in Krakow!
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