Air Conditioning Grants in Catalonia 2026

How much can you get paid for installing an air conditioner in Catalonia?

Before going into detail, here are the current amounts:

Note:The 20% and 40% deductions in state income tax are subject to the regulations in force at the time the work is carried out. Check the current regulations before planning.

Which air conditioning systems are eligible for subsidies in Catalonia?

Not all equipment qualifies for a subsidy. ICAEN and the NextGenerationEU programs require that the installation produce a demonstrable energy improvement. Eligible systems are:

High efficiency split and multi-split systems

The most common type found in homes. They must achieve at least an A+ energy rating for cooling and an A rating for heating (for units with reversible heat pumps). Inverter technology is practically mandatory to meet the required SEER/SCOP values.

Aerothermal (air-to-water heat pump)

This system has the greatest potential for subsidies because it is considered thermal renewable energy. In addition to the efficiency subsidy, it can qualify for ICAEN’s specific thermal renewable energy programs. If it also produces domestic hot water (DHW), the subsidy may be even greater.

Hybrid systems

Combining a heat pump with a low-consumption auxiliary system is also eligible, provided the main equipment is renewable.

Efficient duct systems

With zoning and independent control by room. They must demonstrate the overall efficiency of the system, not just of the individual units.

What is NOT eligible for subsidies?

Portable appliances, cooling-only equipment (without a heat pump), and any system that cannot prove a reduction in heating and cooling energy demand of at least 7% through an energy efficiency certificate.

Renove Plan vs. Program 4 NextGen: Which one to apply for in Catalonia?

This is the most frequent question and it’s best to clarify it from the beginning.

Renovation Plan (regional/local)

This is a subsidy to replace old equipment (over 5 years old) with newer, more efficient models. The discount is applied directly to the invoice from the participating installer. In Catalonia, there isn’t a regional Renovation Plan with an open call for applications in 2026 like in Madrid or Aragon; the main option is Program 4.

Programme 4 – Improving energy efficiency in homes (NextGenerationEU)

This is the main program active in Catalonia, managed by ICAEN and the Consorci de l’Habitatge. It covers 40% of the cost of installing efficient heating and cooling systems, up to €3,000 per dwelling. It requires an energy performance certificate before and after the installation and proof of a minimum improvement of 7% in heating/cooling demand or 30% in non-renewable primary energy consumption.

The practical difference:The Renove Plan is faster but offers less money. Program 4 requires more documentation but the amount is higher and can be combined with tax deductions and municipal subsidies.

Requirements to apply for an air conditioning subsidy in Catalonia

These are the requirements common to virtually all active calls for applications:

From the applicant

• To be the owner, usufructuary, or tenant with the owner’s authorization
• That the dwelling is the habitual and permanent residence (proven by registration)
• Be up to date with the Tax Office and Social Security

From the team

• Minimum energy efficiency A+ in cooling
• SCOP > 4.0 for Program 4 (equivalent to A++ or higher label in practice)
• Refrigerant gases with low GWP (R-32 preferred over R-410A per F-Gas regulation)
• Installation carried out by a company authorized according to the RITE (Regulation of Thermal Installations in Buildings)

From the documentation

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) prior to construction, signed by a qualified and registered technician
• Detailed installation budget
• Invoices with breakdown of equipment and installation
• Proof of payment by bank transfer or other traceable means (not cash)
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) after the works, certifying the improvement achieved

How to combine air conditioning aids and maximize savings

What distinguishes a well-managed project from a basic one is the combination of approaches. In a typical project in Catalonia, the following can be combined:

1. ICAEN direct grant (Program 4):up to €3,000
2. Barcelona municipal aid (Consorci Habitatge):up to €6,000 in the city (compatible with the above as long as the same cost is not financed)
3. Personal Income Tax (IRPF) deduction of 20%:on the non-subsidized cost, if the improvement proves a reduction in demand ≥ 7%. Maximum base €5,000.
4. Personal Income Tax (IRPF) deduction of 40%:if the improvement proves a reduction in primary energy consumption ≥ 30%. Maximum base €7,500.
5. Property tax (IBI) discount:up to 50% for 3–5 years, depending on the municipality.
6. ICIO Bonus:up to 95% of the construction tax, according to the ordinance.

The golden rule: direct subsidies cannot be combined on the same cost, but they are compatible with tax deductions by subtracting the subsidized amount from the base.

Deadlines you should know in 2026

The NextGenerationEU programs are in their final window. Please note:

• The works must becompleted and justified before June 30, 2026in most calls for proposals under Program 4.
• The Barcelona Housing Consortium has an active deadline untilJune 2026.
• Funds are awarded on afirst-come, first-served basisuntil they are exhausted. There is no second round.
• The resolution process usually takes between 3 and 9 months, so submitting the application as soon as possible is critical.

How we manage your grant at Fotovol

We don’t just install the equipment. We take care of the entire process:

1. Free preliminary study: we calculate what energy improvement you will achieve and what aid applies in your specific case.
2. Initial Energy Efficiency Certificate, signed and registered.
3. Preparation of the complete file with the technical report, the itemized budget and the applicant’s documentation.
4. Presentation to ICAEN, the Consortium or the corresponding body, with digital signature.
5. Installation by RITE-certified technicians, using equipment that meets the required efficiency standards.
6. Final certificate and justification of the grant so that you can collect it.

You have a single point of contact for everything.