Funding for the installation of air conditioning systems at home: Secure up to a 30 percent grant
25 Jun 2025
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Rising temperatures make the installation of air conditioning essential for many homeowners. However, you do not have to bear the costs alone. This article shows you how to find the right financing for installing air conditioning in your home and benefit from attractive government subsidies.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Government subsidies of 30 percent are only available for air conditioners with heating function (air-to-air heat pumps) through KfW.
A modernisation loan often offers better interest terms for financing than a conventional instalment loan.
Alternatively, 20 percent of the craftsman costs (up to 1,200 euros annually) can be deducted from taxes.
Die Sommer in Deutschland werden spürbar wärmer und eine Klimaanlage entwickelt sich vom Luxusgut zur Notwendigkeit für angenehmes Wohnen. Die Anschaffungs- und Installationskosten für ein leistungsstarkes System können jedoch schnell mehrere tausend Euro betragen. Eine durchdachte Finanzierung für den Einbau einer Klimaanlage im Haus ist daher entscheidend. Wir erklären Ihnen die verschiedenen Möglichkeiten, von staatlichen Förderprogrammen, die Ihnen bis zu 30 Prozent der Kosten erstatten, bis hin zu maßgeschneiderten Kreditlösungen, die Ihre finanzielle Belastung minimieren.
Cost Analysis: Realistically Planning the Investment in an Air Conditioner
The cost of an air conditioning unit in the house varies greatly depending on the system. A permanently installed single-split unit for one room costs between 1,700 and 3,500 euros including installation. For air conditioning in multiple rooms with a multi-split system, you should expect expenses of 3,400 to 7,000 euros. Mobile monoblock units are cheaper to purchase, with prices starting at 125 euros, but they consume significantly more electricity and are less efficient. The annual operating costs for an efficient split unit are around 144 euros for about 500 operating hours. This investment not only ensures your living comfort but can also increase the value of your property by up to five percent. Proper planning of the financing is the first step to cooling down.
Securing government grants: Receive up to 30% funding
There is no direct subsidy for pure cooling devices available for private individuals. The trick lies in choosing the right device: modern split air conditioners that can also heat (so-called air-to-air heat pumps) are subsidized by the government. As part of the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG), you receive a 30 percent grant on acquisition and installation costs through the German Development Bank (KfW). It is crucial to submit the grant application before commissioning a specialist company. Only devices listed by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) and meeting certain efficiency criteria are eligible for funding. With a suitable eco-loan, the remaining amount can often be financed at a favorable interest rate. The combination of funding and smart financing makes the investment significantly easier.
Choosing the right loan for your air conditioning
For the remaining amount after deducting the subsidy, there are various credit options. A modernisation loan is often the first choice, as it is specifically designed for value-enhancing measures on the house and offers lower interest rates than a standard instalment loan. Banks often grant such loans up to an amount of 50,000 euros without the need for a land register entry. Alternatively, a classic loan with free use purpose offers maximum flexibility if you plan to make some additional small purchases. The term should be adjusted to your financial situation; an accurate household budget calculation helps with the planning of monthly instalments. Some banks offer special “climate loans” with particularly attractive conditions for energy-efficient projects. Those planning for the long term can also use an existing building savings contract for financing. Comparing different offers is crucial to finding the optimal solution.
Case Study: Financing a Multi-Split System for 7,000 Euros
A family decides to opt for an energy-efficient multi-split air conditioning system (air-to-air heat pump) for three rooms. The total cost, including professional installation, amounts to 7,000 euros. Thanks to the BEG subsidy, the family can apply for a 30 percent grant. The calculation is as follows:
Total cost: 7,000 euros
KfW grant (30%): -2,100 euros
Remaining financing requirement: 4,900 euros
With the grant, the required loan amount is reduced by almost a third. For the remaining 4,900 euros, the family takes out a modernisation loan with a term of five years. With an effective annual interest rate of four percent, this results in a monthly instalment of around 89 euros. A loan with a longer term could further reduce the instalment. This way, the investment remains manageable even with a smaller budget.
Checklist: Four Steps to Successful Financing
Good preparation is the key to optimal financing for your air conditioning system. With these four steps, you'll achieve success:
Obtain quotes: Request detailed cost estimates for the desired system from at least two professional companies.
Apply for funding: Submit the KfW funding application for your air-to-air heat pump before signing a contract with a contractor.
Compare loan terms: Obtain offers for a modernization or installment loan to finance the remaining amount, taking into account interest rates and terms.
Commission and implement: Once you have the grant approval and the loan approval, you can award the installation contract.
The final step is to get in touch for personalized advice.
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More useful links
KfW offers information on heating grants for private individuals in residential buildings (Product 458).
The Umweltbundesamt (UBA) provides information on natural refrigerants in stationary systems and their energy efficiency.
The Umweltbundesamt (UBA) supplies information on funding through the new Refrigeration-Air Conditioning Directive.
The Statistical Office (Destatis) offers content on the topic of climate.
The Statistical Office (Destatis) provides a search form for press releases on the topic of climate.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) publishes a press release on the launch of new grants for heating replacement and building efficiency measures.
The Consumer Advice Centre offers guidance on purchasing and installing air conditioning systems.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on the subject of air conditioning.
FAQ
Muss ich für den Einbau einer Klimaanlage einen Kredit aufnehmen?
Nein, ein Kredit ist nicht zwingend erforderlich, wenn Sie über ausreichende Eigenmittel verfügen. Eine Finanzierung ist jedoch eine gute Option, um die Liquidität zu schonen und die Kosten über einen längeren Zeitraum zu verteilen, insbesondere in Kombination mit staatlichen Zuschüssen.
Welche Unterlagen benötige ich für den Förderantrag?
Für den KfW-Förderantrag benötigen Sie in der Regel den Kostenvoranschlag eines Fachunternehmens, technische Daten der geplanten Anlage (um die Förderfähigkeit nachzuweisen) und müssen einen Energieeffizienz-Experten einbinden.
Kann ich Förderung und Steuerbonus kombinieren?
Nein, eine Kombination von staatlicher BEG-Förderung (KfW-Zuschuss) und dem Steuerbonus für Handwerkerleistungen für dieselbe Maßnahme ist nicht möglich. Sie müssen sich für eine der beiden Optionen entscheiden.
Wie lange dauert die Bearbeitung eines Förderantrags?
Die Bearbeitungszeit bei der KfW kann variieren, liegt aber oft bei mehreren Wochen. Es ist entscheidend, die Zusage abzuwarten, bevor Sie mit dem Einbau der Klimaanlage beginnen, um den Anspruch auf die Förderung nicht zu verlieren.
Lohnt sich eine Klimaanlage auch für Mieter?
Für Mieter sind fest installierte Split-Anlagen nur mit Zustimmung des Vermieters möglich. Die Finanzierung und Förderung müsste individuell geklärt werden. Mobile Geräte sind eine Alternative, aber weniger effizient und nicht förderfähig.
Welchen Einfluss hat eine Klimaanlage auf den Energieausweis?
Der Einbau einer hocheffizienten Luft-Luft-Wärmepumpe kann den Energiebedarf des Gebäudes senken und somit den Wert im Energieausweis verbessern. Dies ist besonders bei älteren Gebäuden ein positiver Nebeneffekt.
