Voucher for an Audit in the „Clean Air” Program – how it works, who is entitled to it, and how to use it in 2026?

In the „Clean Air” program, we have been observing a recurring problem for some time: many homeowners would like to start thermal modernization, but are held back by the first step – the cost of the energy audit. That’s why NFOŚiGW announced the introduction of a solution that aims to unlock the start of investments: a voucher for an energy audit, paid „in advance” and implemented by municipalities (planned launch in Q1 2026).

In this guide, we explain:

• what the audit voucher is and how it is supposed to work,
• what the application process in the „Clean Air” program looks like,
• what may change in 2026,
• how to select heating and thermal modernization solutions (including Termofol products from the ZUM list).

What is the „audit voucher” and why is it being created?

The energy audit voucher is a planned financing mechanism for the audit before the investment begins – so that the beneficiary does not have to cover the cost of the audit out of pocket at the start. According to announcements, this is to be a solution implemented in 2026 and managed through municipalities.

Why?

Because the audit is a real barrier to entry – and at the same time, it is a key document today that:

• defines the scope of thermal modernization,
• shows which works make the most sense,
• facilitates the proper arrangement of the investment according to the program requirements and settlement.

NFOŚiGW has communicated directly that the necessity of financing the audit at the beginning is an obstacle for some applicants – hence the voucher.

Energy audit in „Clean Air” – what is already in place before the voucher is introduced?

Before the audit voucher formally launches in 2026, it is worth knowing one thing: the program already provides for the financing of the audit, but this is typically done through grant settlement (and not an „upfront” voucher).

Under the official program rules:

• you can obtain funding for the audit (up to 100% of net costs),
• but up to a specified monetary limit (the program materials mention a limit of 1200 PLN).

In practice, the voucher is meant to do one thing: shift the financing of the audit to the beginning of the process, making it easily accessible even for those who do not want or cannot „put up” funds at the start.

The most important changes and plans for the „Clean Air” program in 2026

From communications and media announcements, it appears that 2026 is to be a year of strengthening the program in two areas:

Audit voucher (upfront)

• launch in Q1 2026,
• implemented by municipalities,
• goal: to lower the entry barrier.

List of recommended / verified contractors

• was supposed to be introduced earlier, but the deadline has been postponed to 2026,
• goal: to limit abuses and improve the quality of execution.

What does this mean for the investor?
Most likely, a greater emphasis on:

• completeness of documentation,
• proper selection of technology and devices,
• correct execution.

For companies like Termofol, this is good news – because electric, energy-efficient solutions that can be documented „cleanly” fit perfectly into the direction of the program.

What does the application process for Clean Air look like? (step by step – guide)

Below is a practical action path. This is the safest, most commonly used model:

Step 1 — check if you qualify for the program

• type of building: single-family home / separate residential unit in a single-family building (depending on the recruitment rules),
• the level of funding depends, among other things, on income.

Step 2 — perform an energy audit (or use the voucher – when it launches)

The audit answers key questions:

• where to start thermal modernization,
• which elements provide the greatest reduction of losses,
• what heating system makes sense after modernization.

In 2026, when the voucher launches, this step is supposed to be simply easier financially.

Step 3 — select the scope of work and devices in accordance with the program requirements

And here comes the most common mistake: people select devices „by eye”. Meanwhile, in „Clean Air”, compliance of technology and documents is what matters.

At this point, it is worth remembering the ZUM list.

What is the ZUM List – why does it really facilitate funding?

The ZUM List (Green Devices and Materials) is the official database of devices and materials eligible for funding under the „Clean Air” program. It was created so that the investor:

• does not buy a product that cannot be settled,
• has clarity that they are choosing a solution that meets energy and environmental requirements.

The most important from the investor's perspective:

If you choose a product from the ZUM, you gain:

• certainty of eligibility,
• an easier documentation path,
• less risk of rejection or problems during settlement.

And this is a key element that is worth emphasizing clearly:

Termofol products, such as heating films, are on the ZUM list, which facilitates selecting solutions that meet the program requirements and provides greater certainty of correct grant settlement.

How to prepare an application for „Clean Air”? A list of things you really need to have

To avoid typical delays, prepare:

1. Building data

• address, year of construction, area, current condition.

1. Document confirming the right to manage the property

• owner/co-owner.

1. Energy audit

• or documents compliant with program requirements (depending on the version of the recruitment).

1. Scope of work + offer/estimates

• specific elements: insulation, windows/doors, installation, heat source.

1. Selection of products for funding

• preferably: devices/materials from the ZUM list (minimize risk).

Our advice – how to apply in the Clean Air program 2026?

If I had to give one solid recommendation: don’t start with selecting devices – start with the building's losses.

Most often, the best economic effect is achieved by the sequence:

1. limiting losses (insulation / joinery),
2. only then selecting heating.

Why is this important?
Because after thermal modernization, the building needs less energy, so:

• you can select a smaller (cheaper) system,
• you gain real savings over the years.

In electric thermal modernization, the greatest advantage is that the system is:

• precise,
• easy to control,
• clean in installation (no exhaust gases, no chimney),
• great for homes after energy modernization.

FAQ Clean Air – the most common questions about the program

Is the audit voucher already in effect?

As of today, this solution is announced for 2026 (Q1), implemented by municipalities.

Is the audit funded at all?

Yes – the program provides for funding of the audit within specified limits (including 1200 PLN in the program materials).

What does the ZUM list provide?

It is proof of the product's compliance with eligibility requirements for funding and reduces the risk of issues with settlement.

How to approach „Clean Air” wisely in 2026?

The year 2026 may clearly facilitate entry into the program:

• the audit voucher will remove the startup cost,
• the list of recommended contractors will improve the quality of execution and the safety of the beneficiary.

And if you want to submit an application without stress:

• perform the audit (or use the voucher),
• select the scope of work based on the real losses of the building,
• choose solutions from the ZUM list,
• compile documents as if for a „tax audit” — then the program works as it should.