France Rénov': an essential step now for guaranteeing high-performance energy renovations

With a diagram of wall insulation drawn on a whiteboard and a Warhol-style sketch of a ventilation system to illustrate his point, Baptiste Châtel explains to a couple the energy renovation solutions best suited to their very damp and poorly insulated house in Nanterre. Thermal insulation, ventilation, humidity control: the France Rénov' consultant reviews the priority work to improve the home's energy efficiency.

Far more than a mere administrative formality related to MaPrimeRénov', the appointment takes the form of a genuine energy renovation course. Thermal bridges, choice of insulating materials, controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV), compliance with urban planning regulations: each step is explained to ensure the success of the overall renovation project.

For Fatija, a retired homeowner who lives there with her husband Nasser, the advice she receives "is a welcome change from the telemarketers," with whom "everything moves very quickly." This is a significant difference compared to the sometimes aggressive sales tactics in the energy renovation sector.

The couple were planning renovations in their apartment, "where it's cold and the walls are dripping with damp." When the MaPrimeRénov' grant office was announced on Monday, Fatija "called immediately to make an appointment," anticipating the new requirement for support.

Since 2026, any request for comprehensive renovation (including several types of work) requires a prior appointment with a France Rénov' advisor. This change to the MaPrimeRénov' scheme aims to better regulate projects and improve the quality of energy renovations financed by public funds.

The goal is to "ensure that households engage in quality renovations, that public money goes towards quality work and therefore to combat attempts at fraud", Anah explained to AFP.

Already deployed across the country, France Rénov' is the leading public service for information and support in energy renovation. It has 614 advice centers and 2.823 advisors.

A free and impartial service to secure the work

The mandatory meeting with a state advisor, piloted in several departments, has yielded positive feedback according to the French National Housing Agency (Anah). "We are generalizing best practices" to "avoid costly mistakes," the agency emphasizes.

In a sector prone to identity theft, inflated quotes, shoddy workmanship, or unsuitable work – particularly in older buildings – achieving a successful energy renovation is often a real challenge. This remains true even with the support of a Renovation Advisor (MAR), which has been mandatory since 2024 for all grant applications for major renovations.

Many professionals almost always recommend replacing the heating system, taking advantage of the high subsidies available for installing a heat pump.

However, Fatija and Nasser's gas boiler, which was replaced about ten years ago, doesn't necessarily need to be changed. "In my opinion, it doesn't need to be changed unless there's a fault; a condensing gas boiler is already good" in terms of energy efficiency, explains Baptiste Châtel.

Another essential recommendation: "Have a professional come in to check the condition of the building and address the moisture problem; this is the first step to ensure that insulation work doesn't worsen the situation." This is a key step to prevent building damage after insulation.

At the end of the consultation, the advisor recommended insulating the roof, walls, and windows, as well as installing mechanical ventilation, while utilizing the MaPrimeRénov' grant as part of a comprehensive renovation project. The final decision will rest with the homeowners.

"Don't hesitate to contact us again if needed, I can help you with reading the quotes," concludes Baptiste Châtel, in order to guarantee the technical and financial consistency of the project.

"We are here to offer a free and neutral service," reminds Tony Ferreira, director of the advice center covering 11 municipalities in Hauts-de-Seine. "Individuals can come back, we can be there to support them throughout the process," but "the earlier the household comes, the more we can redirect the project" when it deviates from best practices.

The advisors also assist households with the processing times of MaPrimeRénov' applications, a crucial point in planning the work.

The French National Housing Agency (Anah) aims for 120.000 comprehensive renovations in 2026, but this objective is already impacted by the 83.000 pending applications, which could delay some projects to 2027.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.