Georgi Velev Sofia Municipality begins the long-awaited implementation of the

Georgi Velev

Sofia Municipality begins the long-awaited implementation of the actual phase of the project to replace heating appliances under the Environment 2021–2027 Program. Households in all metropolitan areas that still use wood and coal for heating can take advantage of the opportunity. The pre-application procedure remains open, and anyone interested can submit an application here.

On September 17, one of the most important stages before the start of the activities was completed - the selection of a contractor for technical assistance. The selected consultant has a key role - he will assist citizens in every step from submitting documents and on-site inspections to signing contracts with the municipality. His tasks include organizing home visits for technical consultation and recommendation for suitable appliances, assistance in filling out the forms, as well as developing an online calculator to facilitate applicants. After the launch of this service, the replacement of appliances can begin in stages this year; it is expected that the progress of the program will be presented by the Sofia Municipality on October 29 at a joint seminar with EnEffect.

For each household involved, the replacement continues to be completely free of charge: old stoves and boilers will be dismantled, transported and handed over for recycling, and new appliances will be installed in their place - an air conditioner, heat pump or pellet boiler. In a pilot version, the opportunity to build small photovoltaic systems for own consumption will also be offered. By spring 2029, approximately 10,815 households will receive new heating, which, together with the recently introduced low-emission zone, is one of the most tangible steps towards cleaner air in Sofia.

What the results show: over 11,500 households with already replaced appliances, 97% satisfaction

Since the start of the first program, appliances have been replaced in over 11,500 households in Sofia. Within the framework of the recently completed previous LIFE program project alone, over 5,500 old solid fuel stoves and boilers were replaced in Sofia alone, with more than 3,180 households benefiting from the free program. This has led to a tangible improvement in air quality – in recent years, fine dust particle concentrations in the capital have decreased by 44%, and days with exceedances of permissible standards – by over 80% compared to 2016.

However, these numbers are only part of the story. The most important thing is that the program has changed people's daily lives. According to a survey by Alpha Research, 97% of households are satisfied with the replacement of their old appliances. More than half (60%) have switched to air conditioners, 30% to pellet boilers, and 10% have chosen gas systems.

The benefits are felt immediately – heating is easier and more comfortable, the air in homes is cleaner, and an even temperature is now a reality for many. The average number of heated rooms has increased, and 94% of people say that the new appliances are significantly easier to maintain compared to old wood and coal stoves.

New restrictions on stoves and transport: low-emission zones are expanding

As of January 1, 2025, the first low-emission zone for domestic heating has been in operation in Sofia, covering 1,660 households in the districts of Sredets, Krasno Selo, Izgrev, Ilinden, Studentski, Oborishte, Vazrazhdane, Lozenets and Triaditsa. In these areas, heating with wood and coal is prohibited, and affected households can join the program for free replacement of old appliances. Gradually, the measure will cover all districts of the capital - by 2029, the entire city will be a zone without solid fuel stoves.

Similar measures are already proving their effect in transport. A new report by the environmental association " For the Earth " shows that the introduced low-emission zone for cars has led to a more than 10% drop in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution within the first three months of its actual control. In some points in the center, the reduction reaches even 25%. This confirms that limiting polluting sources works - and the longer and more comprehensively the measures are implemented, the more clearly the result will be felt.

For the residents of Sofia, this means one thing: switching to cleaner heating is no longer just a voluntary step, but a necessity. Replacing old appliances and introducing low-emission zones go hand in hand – and the more people get involved in time, the sooner we will all breathe cleaner air.

Communication campaign and support: what to expect

To reach as many people as possible, Sofia Municipality is launching a large-scale awareness campaign, for which a contractor has also been selected and a contract has already been signed. It includes 90 information days in priority neighborhoods, special events for the start and end of the project, as well as meetings and trainings with local teams.

The campaign will be supported by a presence in the media, social networks and advertising messages in the metro and the urban environment.

In the near future, citizens will also be able to rely on a single telephone line for questions, as well as a new online calculator that will help them choose the right heating solution. Thus, anyone who wants to get involved will receive clear information and specific help - from the first step to the actual replacement of the old appliance.

Why get involved: benefits for the home, health and pocket

Living with a wood or coal stove not only pollutes the air outside, but also directly harms health at home. Measurements by EnEffect with the support of the Clean Air Fund show that in such homes, temperature comfort is impaired most of the time, and the levels of fine dust particles, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide regularly exceed the permissible norms. This creates risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially for children and the elderly. In comparison, homes with air conditioners, heat pumps or pellet boilers maintain a more even temperature, cleaner air and a significantly safer living environment.

However, replacing the old appliance brings more than just health benefits. New technologies are easier to use and save time and effort – no carrying of wood, no dust and soot. And the effect is greatest when replacing the appliances is combined with energy efficiency measures – at the very least, new joinery and good thermal insulation. This way we achieve a sustainable reduction in heating costs, higher energy security and long-term protection of the family budget – it is important for ourselves, for our children and elderly parents, and for the entire city.