Installing an air source heat pump remains one of the most worthwhile investments you can make in your home, and in 2026 there are several ways to reduce the upfront cost. The landscape has changed compared with previous years: the major national funding rounds backed by European funds have been closing, while tax deductions, Energy Savings Certificates (CAE) and regional and municipal incentives have become more important. In this guide, we explain which incentives are available, what requirements you need to meet and how to apply step by step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In recent years, grants linked to the Recovery Plan (Next Generation funds, Royal Decree 477\/2021) were the main source of support for air source heat pumps. In 2026, those national application rounds for individuals are closed, although projects that have already been approved are still being carried out and documented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does that mean there are no incentives left? Not at all. Support is now simply available through other channels, and in many cases these are just as attractive. Here are the four main ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the most accessible national incentive and remains available until 31 December 2026. It is not a direct grant, but a deduction on your income tax return that can amount to 20%, 40% or 60%<\/strong> of the installation cost, depending on the energy improvement achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To claim it, you need to document the improvement with two energy performance certificates (one from before and one from after the installation). Depending on the deduction rate, these must show a minimum reduction in heating and cooling demand or in non-renewable primary energy consumption. There is a maximum annual deduction base per home, so it is worth planning carefully which tax year you claim it in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CAE system is a mechanism that lets you turn the energy savings<\/strong> generated by your installation into money. When you replace a gas or oil boiler with an air source heat pump, the verified energy savings become a certificate that energy companies subject to efficiency obligations buy to meet their targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practice, that value is usually passed on as a discount on the installation invoice, arranged by the installer or an authorised intermediary. In many cases, it can be combined with other incentives if the programme allows it and the costs are properly documented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each autonomous community publishes its own funding programmes, with different percentages, caps and deadlines. Some indicative examples for 2026 are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These programmes run in annual cycles and are awarded either through competitive selection or on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is essential to check the current funding round<\/strong> on your autonomous community\u2019s website before taking any steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many local councils offer tax relief that can be added to the incentives above: up to 50% off IBI property tax for several years and up to 95% off ICIO construction tax. Cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Zaragoza have these reductions in place. Check your municipality\u2019s tax regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although each programme has its own conditions, most share these requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Energy Savings Certificates (CAE)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Regional incentives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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4. Municipal tax relief (IBI and ICIO)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
General requirements for accessing incentives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to apply for incentives step by step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Choose equipment that meets the requirements: Ecoforest air source heat pumps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n