“Clean Air” program: how to get a subsidy for replacing exterior doors? 

The government program supports the process of thermal modernization of homes with the help of subsidies. At the beginning of 2023, favorable changes were introduced for owners, including the possibility of submitting a second application. It is worth taking advantage of this initiative also in the context of replacing door frames. Check out how to get a subsidy and what condition external doors must meet for the Clean Air program.  

What is the “Clean Air” program? 

“Clean Air” is a government program aimed at owners and co-owners of single-family houses and separate dwellings in single-family buildings. It consists in supporting residents in implementing solutions in the area of home thermal modernization, including replacing heat sources and improving the energy efficiency of buildings. The aim of this project is to take care of the condition of the environment and slow down climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of the air we breathe every day. 

Already used the program once? That’s nothing!  

As of January 3, 2023, a new, slightly modified version of the Clean Air Program is in effect. One significant change involves the possibility of submitting a second application for the same building. A person who previously received a subsidy and replaced a stove (the so-called “dill”) can apply for thermal modernization of the building. The second application must cover a different range of activities than the first, and the first subsidized investment must be completed and accounted for. Under the second round of measures, after doing an energy audit, the building can be partially or comprehensively thermomodernized. The government places great emphasis on thermal modernization as a way to reduce heating costs. 

“Clean Air” and income and subsidy levels  

Whether an applicant qualifies for the program, and the amount of support he or she will receive under the program, is determined by his or her annual income – the salary of 12 months cannot exceed PLN 135,000. Those with low incomes can expect higher support. The increased level of subsidy is available to those who have a monthly income of PLN 2651 for single-person households and PLN 1894 per person in multi-person households. On the other hand, the highest level of subsidy is available to those whose monthly income does not exceed PLN 1526 for single-person households and PLN 1090 per person for multi-person households. 

Thermal modernization relief  

This tax credit is available to a person who is the owner or co-owner of a single-family residential building. It allows for the deduction from the tax base of those expenses that were related to the implementation of thermal modernization projects. The deduction takes place as part of the return for the tax year in which the expense was incurred, and the amount of the deduction can be a maximum of PLN 53,000 for all projects in buildings owned or co-owned by the taxpayer. The thermal modernization tax credit can be combined with subsidies received under the Clean Air Program. 

Parameters of doors for which you can receive a subsidy  

As part of thermal modernization measures, you can receive a subsidy for replacing the front door. Depending on your income, the subsidy level is 40%, 70% or 100%. A subsidy for replacing doors allows you to simply, quickly and noticeably reduce energy consumption, and thus reduce heating expenses. If the doors are of poor quality and the installation was not done very carefully, a lot of heat escapes through them. Exterior doors implementing the requirements of the “Clean Air” program must meet the thermal transmittance condition specified in the regulations. The maximum U-value can be 1.3 W/(m²-K). The lower it is, the better the sash protects against heat loss. 

Erkado exterior doors that meet “Clean Air” requirements  

At Erkado, we have developed modern technology and design to reduce thermal transmittance to a minimum. Our doors more than meet the objectives of the “Clean Air” program – the heat transfer coefficient of our doors, depending on the type of construction, is 0.6 W/(m²-K), 0.63 W/(m²-K), 0.64 W/(m²-K) or 0.77 W/(m²-K). This makes the exterior doors we offer one of the highest thermal insulation ratings on the market. In a simple line, this translates into your savings and a better environment.  

You can choose from dozens of variants of steel doors. If you want a simple, minimalist in form, see the Solid 3 and Lutter 1 models – the former is completely plain, the latter has subtle horizontal grooves. However, if you’re aiming for doors with small glazing, look out for the Samedan 3 sash with five symmetrically spaced panes and the Trebur 7 with vertical glazing and horizontal lines forming equal geometric forms. For lovers of black and vertical lines that add lightness to the form, we recommend the Leimen 3 and Wels 4 models. 

How to apply to “Clean Air”?  

If you are interested in obtaining a grant from the “Clean Air” program for replacing doors, submit an application to the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, which covers the location of the building involved in the project. You can do this in person at the office or online. In a situation where you plan to take a Clean Air loan, submit the appropriate application at a bank branch, and once the loan is granted, a bank employee will help you fill out all the documents.  

Although the rules of the program and the preparation of documents seem quite complicated, joining “Clean Air” is simpler than you might think. It is definitely worth taking advantage of this support to save on the necessary investments, and later – on the ongoing costs of using the house.