Updating Underfloor Heating in Switzerland: Yes or No?

Underfloor heating in Switzerland has become popular not only for energy savings but also for comfort. Many people are updating their systems to make them more efficient. But what are the benefits of updating compared to using an older system?

Should You Update Your Underfloor Heating?

A heating system that is not working optimally is often worth updating. There are many logical reasons to do so, such as saving more power. This power saving can significantly impact the monthly bills you have to pay. But is that all? Certainly not. Have you considered that your heating system also affects the environment? Upgrading your heating system can reduce the long-term environmental impact of your property.

Replacing an existing system is not easy. Careful consideration is needed regarding finances and potential downtime during the upgrade. If you are just starting, you will need to check the following points.

It should be emphasized that these instructions are for those interested in renewable energy. Installing solar panels is a good step if you want to switch to a more environmentally friendly system than the underfloor heating system in Switzerland that you previously used.

If you decide to update, consider the following points to ensure everything meets your expectations.

Understand Your Building

Although it may seem straightforward, this is essential before undertaking significant projects like updating underfloor heating. Start by determining the age and area of the building, especially if it was not yours from the start or if you are renting it.

Also, calculate the operating and maintenance costs of the existing heating system, including how often or how many days the heater operates. The amount of energy required can often be reduced by improving insulation before upgrading the heat source.

Choose the Right Type of Heater

This is crucial. It is important to know the types of heaters available, such as oil, gas, or renewable energy. The type of heater you choose will impact maintenance costs and its operation throughout the year.

Additionally, by selecting the right type of heater, you can contribute to the environment. Did you know that replacing an existing heater, such as a gas heater, with one that uses renewable energy often successfully reduces operating costs and lowers emissions? You can consider R32 heat pumps, for instance, as a sustainable choice for all types of residences. With a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) and high energy efficiency, they reduce both emissions and operating costs, making them ideal for single-family homes, multi-family buildings, and older residences.

Estimate the Costs for Underfloor Heating

This is a critical step. Plan every cost you need to prepare for. Apply for subsidies if possible. In Switzerland, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) administers subsidy programs designed to help property owners create more environmentally friendly homes, particularly those transitioning from fossil fuel heating to renewable alternatives such as heat pumps.

These programs often involve the use of renewable energy. Subsidies can reduce the costs you have to bear. Therefore, before deciding to update your heating system, gather as much useful information as possible about which programs apply to your canton and property type.

Types of Heaters Suitable for Different Types of Residences

Understanding which type of heater is suitable based on your residence is vital. The table below gives a quick overview before the detailed breakdown by residence type.

Residence Type	Recommended Systems	Not Recommended	Key Reason
Old house or building	Pellet heating, biomass	Electric heating (high running cost)	Poor insulation requires high heat output; pellet is more cost-effective at scale
Single-family residence	Heat pump (R32), pellet heating	Oil or gas (environmental impact)	Heat pump + underfloor heating gives best long-term efficiency and comfort
Multi-family residence	Central heating, district heat network	Individual electric heating per unit	Central systems are more cost-efficient when serving many families simultaneously

Old House or Building

Generally, older houses have less effective insulation than newer buildings. Pellet heating systems are more suitable for these conditions, as they produce the required amount of heat and are usually more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel alternatives.

Single-Family Residence

A single-family residence often requires a more complex heating system. However, you also need to consider the building’s condition. Suitable systems for underfloor heating in Switzerland include heat pumps, pellet heating systems, and oil or gas heating systems. However, oil and gas are not recommended due to their environmental impact and Switzerland’s policy direction toward fossil fuel phase-out.

Multi-Family Residence

Central heating is the most suitable type for multi-family residences, as it can serve many families simultaneously. Electric heating is also possible, but it can be costly if used for an entire building or apartment complex. District heating networks are increasingly available in Swiss cities and offer a practical low-carbon alternative for larger buildings.

Upgrading your heating system can significantly impact the comfort of your living space. There are many factors to consider, such as the type of residence, the suitable heater, and other variables. An environmentally friendly heating system is an excellent choice, especially considering that around 60% of households in Switzerland still use oil or gas for heating. However, the use of fossil fuels is declining as Swiss energy policy increasingly favors renewable alternatives.

How a Modern Underfloor Heating System Works

A well-functioning hydronic underfloor heating system relies on more than just a heat source. The complete system includes a manifold that distributes warm water evenly to each circuit in the floor, thermal actuators that open and close each zone valve based on the room thermostat’s demand, and a room thermostat in each zone that controls the target temperature independently.

When you update an older underfloor heating system in Switzerland, replacing outdated components within this chain often delivers better performance than simply upgrading the heat source alone. Modern thermal actuators, for example, are significantly quieter and more energy-efficient than older electrothermal models.

“In Europe, particularly in countries like Switzerland where heating accounts for a substantial share of household energy consumption, the quality of the hydronic control components matters as much as the heat pump or boiler itself. A well-matched set of actuators, thermostats, and manifold valves can reduce energy consumption by ensuring that heat is delivered precisely where and when it is needed, without the system running zones that are already at temperature. This is where the wax element inside each thermal actuator does its work quietly and reliably, year after year.”
— Maggie Shen, Founder of Legom

HVAC Supplier in Europe

Many suppliers now offer underfloor heating solutions in Switzerland and across Europe. Legom continuously supplies HVAC products to European countries, including thermal actuators, manifolds, floor heating pipes, room thermostats, and wax thermostatic elements. You do not need to look far when you need reliable floor heating components for cold climates across Europe. Products can be shipped by sea or air freight to meet your project timeline.

Consult with us to start planning your floor heating and receive our professional advice. This way, you not only get service satisfaction but also contribute to the environment in the long term. Be wise in making your choice.

Our Shipments to European Countries

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is underfloor heating popular in Switzerland?

Yes, hydronic underfloor heating is increasingly popular in Switzerland, particularly in new construction and energy renovation projects. Switzerland’s cold winters and long-standing engineering culture have made it an early adopter of hydronic radiant floor heating. The Swiss government has also supported this trend through energy efficiency subsidies and building standards that favor low-temperature heating systems, which work particularly well with underfloor heating connected to a heat pump.

Are there subsidies available for upgrading underfloor heating in Switzerland?

Yes. Switzerland has several subsidy programs at both the federal and cantonal level that support energy-efficient heating upgrades. The federal MuKEn program (Model Energy Requirements for Cantons) sets minimum standards, and many cantons offer additional financial support for replacing fossil fuel heating with renewable alternatives such as heat pumps. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy administers information on available programs, and it is worth checking with your local canton’s energy office before starting any replacement project, as the available subsidies and their conditions vary by location.

What is the best heating system for an old house in Switzerland?

For older Swiss properties with less effective insulation, a pellet or biomass heating system is often the most practical first step, as it can deliver the higher heat output that a poorly insulated building requires at a reasonable running cost and with low carbon emissions. If the insulation can be improved at the same time, a heat pump becomes more viable, as heat pumps operate most efficiently in well-insulated buildings where low water flow temperatures are sufficient. A full thermal assessment of the building before choosing the new system is strongly recommended.

Can Legom supply hydronic underfloor heating components to Switzerland?

Yes. Legom regularly supplies thermal actuators, manifolds, floor heating pipes, room thermostats, and wax thermostatic elements to partners across Europe, including Switzerland. Products can be shipped by sea or air freight depending on project timelines. Legom also supports OEM and ODM production for companies that want to supply underfloor heating components under their own brand in the Swiss market. Contact the Legom team directly to discuss component specifications, quantities, and delivery options for your project.

Why does replacing HVAC control components improve system efficiency?

In an underfloor heating system, the heat source is only part of the efficiency equation. The control components, including the thermal actuators on the manifold, the room thermostats in each zone, and the manifold valves, determine whether heat is delivered to the right rooms at the right time and stopped promptly when the setpoint is reached. Older electrothermal actuators can draw significantly more power and respond more slowly than modern wax-based alternatives. Replacing outdated control components during a system upgrade can meaningfully reduce energy consumption and improve comfort distribution across all zones, often without replacing the pipes or the heat source itself.

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Reviewed and updated by the LEGOM Technical Team on May 26, 2026. This article covers the key considerations for updating underfloor heating systems in Switzerland, including heater type selection by residence, subsidy programs, cost planning, and how modern hydronic system components improve overall efficiency, based on Legom’s experience as an HVAC manufacturer supplying floor heating solutions to partners across Europe and more than 90 countries worldwide.