Major Change! Will "Clean Air 2026" Reject Window Subsidies?

From 1 June 2026, the "Clean Air" programme introduces a crucial change: funding will only cover windows and doors listed on the Green Equipment and Materials (ZUM) list. This means that the window's Uw parameter alone will no longer be sufficient — manufacturers must additionally undergo verification and register their products on the list for you to receive the grant.

Your new windows, for which you planned to receive a substantial grant, might turn out to be worthless in the eyes of the officials. Sounds like a nightmare? From June 2026, this is a new, shocking reality for thousands of homeowners who might lose the chance to receive funding for replacing their joinery. Our analysis indicates that this change aims to eliminate substandard products from the market and curb dishonest practices. We've investigated — here are the facts you need to know to avoid a costly trap.

Why is the Clean Air Programme Changing its Window Rules?

The main reason for changes in the Clean Air programme is to protect beneficiaries from low-quality products that only meet standards on paper. The new regulations, effective from June 2026, aim to ensure that only verified, energy-efficient windows from audited manufacturers receive funding.

The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW) identified a problem where some manufacturers declared window thermal insulation parameters that did not match reality. Consequently, programme beneficiaries, despite receiving grants and replacing their joinery, did not achieve the expected heating savings. The new regulations, requiring presence on the ZUM list, are a verification mechanism designed to stop this practice and guarantee quality. By investing in windows from the ZUM list, you can be sure that the product has been checked and will genuinely contribute to lowering your bills.

What Exactly are the New Window Requirements from June 2026?

From 1 June 2026, the key requirement is to select windows found on the ZUM list. Although the required thermal transmittance coefficient Uw=0.90 W/(m²K) remains unchanged, a CE certificate and manufacturer's declaration alone will no longer be sufficient to obtain the grant.

Here are the two pillars of the new requirements that must be met JOINTLY:

1. Presence on the ZUM list: The window manufacturer must undergo a verification procedure at the Building Research Institute (or another accredited unit) and register their specific window models on the Green Equipment and Materials list. Without this, no grant application for these windows will be approved.
2. Compliance with Uw ≤ 0.90 W/(m²K) standard: This technical requirement remains unchanged. Every window qualifying for the programme must have a thermal transmittance coefficient no higher than 0.90 W/(m²K). This is the standard for energy-efficient windows, ensuring real thermal savings.

The surprising conclusion is that the burden of responsibility now partly shifts from the consumer to the manufacturer. The company must ensure inclusion on the ZUM list, and you, as the customer, must verify this before purchase. Check our window configurator, which only includes models compliant with the latest Clean Air guidelines.

What is the ZUM List and Why is it Now Crucial?

The ZUM (Green Equipment and Materials) list is a publicly available, free database of verified products that meet the technical requirements of the Clean Air programme. From June 2026, its role becomes absolutely crucial — without a product's presence on this list, obtaining a grant is impossible.

Think of the ZUM list as a "white list" of proven solutions for your home. It is maintained by the Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute on behalf of the NFOŚiGW. Its purpose is to help beneficiaries choose devices and materials that are definitely eligible for funding. For openings (windows and doors), presence on the list confirms that a given model has undergone testing in an accredited laboratory and its thermal insulation parameters comply with the manufacturer's declaration.

How to Check if Selected Windows are on the ZUM List?

Checking if windows are on the ZUM list is a simple, yet absolutely essential step before deciding to purchase. You can do this yourself in a few steps, by visiting the official website of the list.

Here's a simple guide on how to do it:

1. Visit the website: Open your browser and go to the official ZUM list website: lista-zum.ios.edu.pl.
2. Select a category: In the main menu or on the homepage, find and click the "Window and door joinery" category.
3. Use filters: You can search for a product by manufacturer's name, trade name of the window model, or specific parameters. The most reliable method is to enter the name of the manufacturer whose offer you are considering.
4. Verify the model: After searching, make sure that the EXACT window model you intend to buy is on the list. Pay attention to the trade name and profile type.
5. Save proof: For certainty, you can take a screenshot or download the product sheet from the list. This will be an additional safeguard when submitting your grant application.

Industry experts confirm: this simple action takes 5 minutes and can save you thousands of euros and a lot of trouble with a rejected application. If in doubt, ask the seller for the exact product identifier from the ZUM list. An honest supplier will provide it without hesitation.

How Much Can You Lose by Choosing Windows Not on the ZUM List?

By choosing windows not on the ZUM list, you lose 100% of the potential grant. This means that the entire cost of purchasing and installing new windows will have to be covered from your own pocket, and these amounts can range from several thousand to even tens of thousands of euros.

Let's analyse this with specific figures. The Clean Air programme offers various levels of funding, depending on the applicant's income. In an extreme case, with the highest level of funding (up to 100% of eligible costs), choosing windows not on the ZUM list means foregoing the entire grant amount. If the cost of replacing windows in your home is, for example, approx. €6,980, then that's exactly how much you will lose — approx. €6,980 that could have remained in your household budget.

Table: Comparison of Requirements BEFORE and AFTER 1 June 2026

The data clearly shows: ignoring the ZUM list requirement is financial suicide for anyone relying on a grant. Don't risk it — request a free quote for Wingedas windows, which are fully compliant with the Clean Air 2026 programme.

Do Wingedas Windows Meet the New Clean Air 2026 Requirements?

Yes, all window systems offered by Wingedas, dedicated to energy-efficient construction, are listed on the ZUM list and meet the stringent requirements of the Clean Air 2026 programme. We guarantee that by choosing our products, you qualify for the maximum available grant.

As a responsible manufacturer, we have proactively ensured that our key products undergo the necessary testing and certification. We understand how important certainty and investment security are to our customers. Therefore, by opting for Wingedas PVC windows or modern aluminium windows, you receive not only a product with excellent thermal insulation parameters but also a guarantee of compliance with the grant programme. Our consultants will help you select the appropriate model and provide all the documentation needed to submit your application.

How to Obtain a Window Grant in the New Programme Version, Step-by-Step?

The process of obtaining a grant after the changes from June 2026 requires greater attention during product selection. To avoid errors, follow the proven path below.

Here are 7 key steps to success:

1. Energy audit (optional, but recommended): Start by assessing the current state of your building. An audit will indicate which investments will bring the greatest savings and is often required for higher funding thresholds.
2. Selection of windows COMPLIANT with the ZUM list: This is the most important new step. When reviewing offers, ALWAYS ask the seller for confirmation of the specific model's presence on the ZUM list. Verify it yourself on the programme's website.
3. Gathering offers and choosing a contractor: Request quotes from several companies. Make sure the quote includes the exact name and model of the windows you checked on the ZUM list.
4. Submitting the grant application: You submit the application online through the Grant Application Generator (GWD) or at the local Voivodeship Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (WFOŚiGW). Attach the required documents, including the contractor's offer.
5. Signing the grant agreement: After positive verification of the application, you sign an agreement with the WFOŚiGW. Only NOW can you begin implementing the investment (unless you are doing so based on invoices issued up to 6 months before submitting the application).
6. Implementation and installation: Order and install the selected windows. We strongly recommend "warm installation" (hermetic fitting), which maximises energy efficiency and is a standard required for full benefits.
7. Submitting the payment request: After completing the work, you submit a request for payment. Attach invoices, a work acceptance protocol, and confirmation that the installed windows are from the ZUM list (e.g., contractor's declaration, product sheet).

FAQ: Most Important Questions and Answers about Clean Air Changes