10th barometer: the French and energy renovation

However, in the face of these bold objectives, individuals and professionals are faced with persistent vagueness regarding support mechanisms, particularly with regard to Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) and the operation of MaPrimeRénov'. Everyone is demanding clear benchmarks: households want to carry out work with confidence to improve their comfort and reduce their bills, while construction professionals aspire to stability that will allow them to continue their activity with peace of mind.

Energy renovation of housing: an essential necessity

In 2024, six out of ten French people consider that renovation work is necessary in their home (60%, +2 points), both to combat the winter cold and summer heat waves. One in two admits that they sometimes feel cold at home despite the heating (49%, +4 points), the highest proportion since the creation of this barometer, highlighting the reality of energy insecurity. The feeling of cold can also be explained by changes in individual behavior. Indeed, 48% of French people have lowered their heating to 19°C, probably in response to the government's request to reduce energy consumption in the energy sobriety plan announced in October 2022. In addition, nearly a third have turned off the heating in certain rooms all winter (29%, +3 points). One in ten respondents even turned off the heating completely last winter (11%, +4 points), to cope with rising energy costs. In 2024, the average monthly energy bill will be €171, which corresponds to an annual total of €2.052 per year. Although this is a saving of €21 compared to the previous year, this amount is still high for the French.

Energy renovation: a profitable investment for the French

Energy renovation has immediate effects for many households. In fact, nearly six out of ten French people say they have made savings (59%), including 23% of them with savings of more than 30%. This reality highlights the positive impact of renovation work on household budgets and is all the more significant given that 60% of French people have already carried out at least one type of work. This reality is all the more significant given that reducing the energy bill is the main motivation for undertaking work (43%), followed by improving thermal comfort (25%), thus confirming that households are actively seeking to reduce their expenses while improving their comfort.

Among the most frequent interventions, we find the change of the heating system (28%, +8 points), the insulation of walls (20%, +7 points) and the installation of solar panels (14%, +7 points). In addition, 60% of French people (i.e. +11 points) are considering new renovation work in the next two years.

Financial mechanisms? An imperative!

Financial aid for energy renovation work plays a crucial role. Only MaPrimeRénov' is clearly identified, mentioned by 27% of respondents (+5 points). However, it is worrying that 52% of French people are unable to name any aid, whether private or public. In addition, two out of ten French people admit to not knowing enough about public aid (22%) and a similar proportion think they are not eligible for it (17%). If these systems are known, only 14% of households consider the aid to be sufficiently incentivizing to undertake work. Despite this, the average budget allocated, excluding aid, to energy work is increasing slightly compared to 2023, reaching €3.844 (an increase of €28 on average).

Individuals maintain their trust in professionals

Trust in craftsmen and companies has increased significantly since November 2020. The French trust them for their explanations (76%, +6 points), the quality of the work (76%, +4 points). They also believe that these professionals are able to inform them about aid (69%, +3 points) or to respect quotes and deadlines (68% and 57%, +4 and +3 points respectively). Nearly four out of ten French people say they are ready to pay more for the services of a certified craftsman or company in exchange for guarantees (38%), of which 48% would be ready to pay between 10% and 19% more.

As in 2020, word of mouth remains the preferred means of selection for craftsmen (46%, -1 point) ahead of the use of the list of RGE-certified craftsmen (31%, +1 point) and the France Rénov' directory (21%). It is important to note that the RGE label is a major asset for craftsmen, as these two directories occupy a predominant place in the choice of households.

Awareness confirmed among the French

The French are firmly seizing the subject of energy performance: nearly nine out of ten respondents say they would check this criterion if they visited a property (88%). In this case, consulting the DPE (Energy Performance Diagnostic) would be the main check (47%), followed by consulting energy bills (39%). In addition, a significant proportion of French people are keen to check whether the work was carried out by an RGE-certified company, representing 18% of responses.

Perpetuate and extend support systems

There are still around 4,8 million homes considered to be energy sieves, which highlights the scale of the work to be done. TEKSIAL wants the support systems to be sustainable, stable and efficient. These elements are essential to strengthen the confidence of households and construction professionals in the system. By ensuring a stable framework, we allow households to make informed decisions without fear of sudden changes or abuse.

CEEs are essential levers to support households in their energy transition. By facilitating access to financial aid and simplifying the procedures, we can encourage more households to renovate their homes, whether through comprehensive renovations or single actions. It is crucial not to neglect these specific interventions, because every effort counts and no one should be left behind in this transition to BBC (Low Energy Building) standards.

By working together to optimise these mechanisms, we can guarantee effective support for households while contributing to achieving our environmental objectives. Thinking about CEE without including MaPrimeRénov' would be nonsense for the French. It is therefore necessary to ensure the continuity of the systems previously announced as transitional in the reform. This means avoiding making it mandatory to carry out an EPC to benefit from the gesture-based pathway and giving owners of energy sieves the choice between a major renovation and a gesture-based renovation.

For Thomas BURGOS, TEKSIAL Marketing Director: "This 10th edition of the barometer reveals an unprecedented awareness among the French, who are now taking action on their energy consumption. The results speak for themselves: a majority of them testify that energy renovation has a positive impact on their bills. The French are ready to act, and it is imperative not to make them wait any longer. It is time to take action to maintain this momentum and avoid losing the enthusiasm of households."

All necessary information can be retrieved here https://teksial.com/barometre2024

OpinionWay survey for Teksial

OpinionWay survey methodology

This study was conducted on a sample of 2031 people, representative of the French population aged 18 and over. The interviews were conducted from September 13 to 17, 2024.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.