As announced, the new edition of the Clean Air program is to start on March 31, 2025. The program reform aims to simplify the application process, increase the availability of subsidies and reduce financial abuse. The new rules are to contribute to improving air quality in Poland, increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing the costs of their heating.

So what surprises await future beneficiaries of the program?

Income criteria and limits: Income thresholds will be raised, allowing a wider range of people to benefit from the scheme. People on lower incomes, families with children and people with disabilities will receive higher support. New subsidy limits will apply depending on the cost category.

Advances: Pre-funding will be reduced from 50% to 20% and advances will be paid directly to beneficiaries rather than contractors.

Changes in applications: Property owners will need to have owned their property for at least 3 years before applying (with some exceptions, e.g. after inheritance). To receive the highest support, the building must have an energy demand of more than 150 kWh/m² per year.

The end of subsidies for gas stoves: From 2025, the program will focus on renewable energy sources, such as heat pumps, photovoltaics and biomass boilers. Subsidies for gas furnaces and the thermal modernization relief for their purchase will be ended. People who bought gas furnaces but were unable to apply for subsidy before the program was suspended in November 2024 will be able to take advantage of the transitional period.

The reform of the Clean Air 2025 program introduces a significant change in the process of energy assessment of buildings. The obligation to conduct energy audits is abolished, and instead energy performance certificates and expert visits are introduced. An authorized specialist will assess the energy condition of the building during a visit to the beneficiary's home, which will allow for a more flexible and simplified approach to assessing the necessary modernization works. Thanks to this, the application process will become simpler, and the assessment itself will be more direct and adapted to the actual condition of the property.