Most owners of older houses eventually ask themselves: “Is an energy upgrade worth it?” The answer is almost always yes – and not only because subsidies are available. An energy-efficient home means lower bills, better comfort, and higher property value.
In recent years, programs such as “Exoikonomo 2025” and “Exoikonomo – Renovate for Young People” have helped thousands of homeowners significantly reduce the cost of energy improvements. Meanwhile, new initiatives expected for 2026 will further support the energy upgrade of older residential buildings.
Here’s what an energy upgrade includes and how you can benefit from available incentives.
What Does “Energy Upgrade” Mean?
An energy upgrade is a set of interventions that make a home “smarter” and more efficient in its operation. The goal is to reduce heat loss in winter and overheating in summer, so the building maintains stable comfort with lower energy consumption.
The most common interventions include:
Thermal insulation of walls and roof
Reduces heat loss by up to 40% and stabilizes indoor temperature.
Replacement of old windows with energy-efficient frames
Minimizes drafts, condensation, and improves sound insulation.Upgrade of heating/cooling systems
Heat pumps, condensing boilers and inverter air-conditioning operate more efficiently with less energy.Installation of photovoltaic panels
Allows you to generate your own electricity and drastically reduce operating costs.Smart thermostats & LED lighting
Small interventions with immediate savings on consumption.
Once these improvements are completed, the home moves up in Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) category — a major factor that increases its market value.
Why Energy Upgrades Are Worth Considering
An energy upgrade isn’t just a technical project that ends when the work is completed. It’s a decision that pays off every single month. With proper insulation, efficient windows and modern heating systems, the home consumes less energy, which means noticeably lower bills.
At the same time, indoor comfort becomes more stable, while the property’s resale value increases — a trend that keeps strengthening in the real estate market. On top of that, you reduce the home’s environmental footprint, which many owners now consider essential.
And the best part: there are often subsidy programs that can cover a significant portion of the cost.
“Exoikonomo” Today — What Applies and What to Expect in 2026
In recent years, several cycles of the “Exoikonomo” program have been implemented, aiming to support the energy upgrade of residential buildings. The most recent cycle, Exoikonomo 2025, closed its application period on 13 April 2025 and is now in the implementation phase.
Another program, Exoikonomo – Renovate for Young People, is still active, with a completion deadline of 30 April 2026, combining energy improvements with renovation works for young homeowners.
For 2026, a new round of energy-upgrade programs is expected. However, as of today, no official guide, subsidy percentages, or application deadlines have been confirmed.
How Much Does an Energy Upgrade Cost?
The cost varies depending on the size of the house, the age of the building, and the interventions needed. Indicative price ranges:
Wall insulation: 40–70 €/m²
- Roof insulation: 35–60 €/m²
- Window replacement: 350–900 € per opening
- Heat pump: 4,000–12,000 €
- Condensing gas boiler: 2,000–4,500 €
- Photovoltaic system 3–6 kW: 4,000–9,000 €
- Solar water heater: 900–1,800 €
Although these amounts may seem high, the real cost is significantly lower when combined with subsidies. Many households ultimately cover 50% to 90% of the total budget. Combined with the reduction in energy bills, the investment often pays back in just a few years.
Which Intervention Offers the Highest Return?
All interventions contribute to energy efficiency — but not equally. Based on experience with older homes, the ranking is:
1. Exterior insulation
The most effective measure. Reduces heat losses in winter and heat gains in summer. Rating (5/5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Window replacement
Provides major thermal improvement and better comfort, especially in homes with single glazing. Rating (4/5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Heat pump
Particularly cost-effective in homes with long operating hours. Reduces heating costs by up to 50%. Rating (4/5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Solar water heater
Low installation cost and immediate results. Rating (5/5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Photovoltaics
Ideal for homes with high electricity consumption and direct impact on energy dependency. Rating (3/5): ⭐⭐⭐
For homes aged 20–40 years, the best cost-to-benefit combination is usually:
insulation + windows + solar water heater.
With subsidy support, this package is often the most affordable and balanced solution.
Energy Upgrade vs. Regular Renovation — What’s the Difference?
Many owners confuse general renovation with energy upgrading. But the two concepts have different goals and outcomes.
What is a “regular renovation”?
A typical renovation involves flooring, bathroom/kitchen upgrades, painting or aesthetic improvements. It enhances the look and functionality of the space but doesn’t necessarily reduce energy consumption.
What is an energy upgrade?
It focuses on systems, materials and techniques that reduce operating costs and improve thermal comfort. It is an investment that pays off through lower bills, higher property value, and better quality of living.
Which one should you choose?
For most homeowners, the ideal approach is a combination:
start with the energy upgrade (which has technical benefits and long-term savings), then proceed with the aesthetic renovation.
This avoids repeated work and results in a modern, comfortable and cost-efficient home.
