Heating and ecology: more than 8 out of 10 French people are ready to change their habits

Heating savings vs. ecology

Despite the climate emergency, the vast majority of French people (55%) consider saving on heating primarily a financial necessity. However, ecology comes in second place with a representation of 24%. Thus, activism for the planet is beginning to become an increasingly important act and reflects a growing awareness of the environmental issues linked to energy consumption.

State of heating systems in 2025

Even though the use of fossil fuels for heating remains the majority, gas and fuel oil fell to 41% compared to 45,4% in 2020 (SDES Housing Survey), a sign of a gradual decline.

Electric heating is on the rise, taking second place with over 38% (compared to 37,2% in 2020). Heat pumps, meanwhile, are climbing to 9% (vs. 5,1%), supported by government subsidies. Wood and pellets are gaining ground (11% vs. 10,5%), while solar energy is stagnating at around 1%. All these trends confirm a shift towards more environmentally friendly and renewable heating methods.

Ready for a change?

Good news for the planet: 44% of French people are ready to change the way they heat their homes for ecological reasons! 22% have already done so, and 20% plan to do so in the coming months. Yet another factor demonstrating a real desire to choose sustainable heating methods.

A new, more engaged generation

When asked "In your opinion, which generation is most committed to reducing its heating consumption?", more than 35% of respondents without hesitation said they were 18-30 year olds. Younger generations are therefore perceived as the most committed to reducing energy consumption, much more so than those aged 31-45 (30%), those aged 46-60 (20%), or those over 60 (10%). This is a shift in attitudes that is likely to positively influence future trends in the choice of heating systems.

Eco-responsible radiator: the French prioritize efficiency above all else

For 80% of French people, reduced energy consumption is the number one criterion when choosing an eco-friendly radiator. Next come smart programming (60%) and Made in France (50%). Two concepts that demonstrate a deep interest in technological autonomy as well as local production. Recyclability (45%) is ahead of purchase price (40%), another sign that environmental awareness now weighs as much as cost. Design is considered a priority by only 30%.

The French are ready to pay more for an ecological Made in France product

Enough with the clichés! Nearly 80% of French people say they are willing to invest more in heating equipment if it is both Made in France and environmentally friendly. Specifically, 35% would do so without hesitation, and 45% would do so within a certain price limit. Only 15% still consider price as the primary criterion. Price is therefore no longer considered a sacrifice but rather an investment based on ethical and environmental considerations.

Better heating: the ecological trigger is here!

83% of French people say they are willing to adapt their energy consumption habits in the name of ecology. More than 39% are even willing to do so without reservation, and 44% under certain conditions. Only 17% remain resistant and say they do not want to change. Environmental awareness seems to be increasingly anchored in household choices, even if a portion of the population remains cautious in the face of everyday constraints.

Which heating system is the most ecological?

For 40% of French people, heat pumps are perceived as the most environmentally friendly heating system, followed by solar (25%) and electric (20%). This perception is generally consistent with ADEME data, which confirms the low carbon footprint of these solutions. This fact is reinforced in France, where electricity is predominantly carbon-free. Wood (10%), although CO₂ neutral, remains slightly behind due to fine particle emissions. Gas and fuel oil logically bring up the rear with only 3%, due to their high climate impact.

* Methodology: The survey was conducted in May 2025 among a sample of 2.101 people, aged 18 and over, residing in metropolitan France. Data collection was carried out online, via BuzzPress France's proprietary panel, composed of 27.500 active panelists, recruited on a voluntary basis and solicited by email.

The sample surveyed was constituted using the quota method, based on the following criteria: gender, age, socio-professional category, region of residence and size of urban area, in accordance with the structure of the French population. The results were then weighted to ensure their representativeness with respect to the target population.

The adjustment data are based on the latest INSEE reference sources (active population, census, household structure, etc.) and public administrative data available on the date of the survey.

This protocol guarantees the statistical reliability and reproducibility of the study according to the standards recognized by professionals in the opinion research sector.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.