Starting from June 2, 2025, owners of small residential buildings can apply for support to modernize their heating systems. The goal of this support is to improve air quality in Estonian cities by helping homeowners replace old heating systems with modern and more environmentally friendly solutions.

Support conditions and opportunities

The support is available to owners of small residential buildings located in designated cities or specific districts of Tallinn. The support rate is 70% in Jõhvi, Kiviõli, and Sillamäe (Ida-Viru County), Jõgeva and Põltsamaa (Jõgeva County), and Otepää, Tõrva, and Valga (Valga County). In other eligible areas, including Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, and other cities, the support rate is 50%. The maximum amount of support per residence is 10,000 euros.

The support can be used for the following activities:

• Installation of air-to-water or ground-source heat pumps
• Installation of pellet or log wood boilers
• Construction or installation of a stove or range
• Installation of radiators or underfloor heating when connecting to district heating or installing a new heating system
• Connection to a district heating network
• Construction of a new chimney system or renovation of an existing one

A new option allows for the support of range stove construction or purchase together with installation. Unlike previous rounds, there are no longer restrictions on the age of the building, and applicants are no longer ranked by income.

Application procedure and deadlines

Applications can be submitted starting June 2, 2025, at 11:00 through the national e-support portal. This is a rolling call for applications, open until the budget is exhausted. The total budget is 6 million euros, and applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

Work must not begin before a funding decision is made. This rule also applies to those who have received support in previous rounds.

Practical tips for applicants

When submitting an application, all costs must be justified, directly related to the project, and properly documented. VAT is an eligible expense. Supported activities must be completed within 12 months of the funding decision. The project implementation period may be extended up to two times, for a total of 12 additional months, upon written request with justification.

After completion, chimney builders must enter the relevant data into the Fire Safety Authority’s heating system portal. When connecting to district heating or installing a heat pump, accurate data must be ensured in the building register. Additional advice is available from the Fire Safety Authority or the local municipality.

Summary

The heating support program for small residential buildings offers homeowners the chance to improve their home's energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The support helps replace outdated heating systems with modern, cleaner alternatives, improving living conditions. The application process is straightforward, and the terms are favorable, making it a worthwhile opportunity for those eligible.