Home heating: 96% of French homeowners want to remain free to choose

More than 9 out of 10 French people want energy produced in France and a diversified energy mix

While renewable energies occupy a well-established place in the minds of the French (93% of respondents say they know at least one renewable energy source), the survey also reveals a very strong attachment to energy produced in France and to a diversified energy mix: 94% of French people want the energy consumed in the country to be produced there, and an equivalent proportion reject any dependence on a single source.

89% also believe that energy production from waste recycling should be a priority, a lever which further strengthens the interest in the development of green gas, of which 89% of French people have a positive image, positioning it among the best perceived energies, just behind geothermal and hydroelectric, and well ahead of nuclear.

This very favorable perception of biogas is based mainly on the qualities that more than eight out of ten French people attribute to it: a local and renewable energy source, derived from waste recycling and contributing to France's energy independence.

Priority is given to simplicity, freedom of choice, and local advice.

As public policies for energy renovation proliferate, the French are expressing clear and pragmatic expectations. 90% of homeowners declare themselves satisfied with their heating system, with thermal comfort and ease of use remaining the main criteria for satisfaction.

This very practical approach is reflected in their relationship to energy choices: 96% of French people say they are attached to the freedom to choose their heating method.

Over 70% believe that the primary action for the environment is to consume less and be more frugal. The priorities expressed are also unambiguous: 75% of French people believe that insulation should be prioritized before any change to the heating system. However, regulatory instability fosters a wait-and-see attitude: 71% state that political developments and frequent changes to support schemes encourage them to postpone undertaking renovations.

Furthermore, decisions remain largely guided by trust in local stakeholders: advice from installers (58%) and family and friends (24%) is the most trusted, far ahead of recommendations from public authorities, cited by only 17% of respondents. Finally, government subsidies for renovations generate only moderate interest.

The hybrid, a promising model worth promoting

In the building sector, hybrid solutions are still too little known to the general public (only 44% of those surveyed say they know them) but nevertheless meet several expectations expressed by consumers: a way to save energy, to improve comfort according to the seasons or even a switchover solution in case of failure.

52% of respondents find hybrid systems appealing, including 63% of those under 35. These advantages of hybrids, recognized by the French people surveyed, further reinforce the relevance of multi-energy solutions, already validated by the publication of the results of the study conducted by Coénove with the consulting firm Artelys last autumn.

For Jean-Charles Colas-Roy, Chairman of Coénove: “This survey illustrates a reality often absent from public debate: the French approach the energy transition pragmatically. Their priority is first and foremost to reduce their consumption, particularly through insulation, before considering a change in technology, without relinquishing their freedom of choice. The development of green gas and hybrid solutions fits perfectly within this logic: that of a realistic energy transition, based on the complementarity of energy sources, energy efficiency, and local production. This survey confirms that decarbonization cannot be reduced to electrification alone and that the French wish to retain freedom of choice for their heating equipment and a multi-energy approach to the energy transition in the building sector.”

Summary of the main findings of the survey

• More than 9 out of 10 French people want energy produced in France and a diversified energy mix.
• Biogas benefits from an excellent image (89%) and meets the major aspirations of the French: local, recycling, diversification.
• The French overwhelmingly want to prioritize the use of biomass energy for heating their homes and for industry.
• Three out of four French people want to reduce their energy consumption before changing their heating technology.
• Freedom of choice in heating method is a strong marker (96%).
• Hybrid heating solutions are generating interest but require education and visibility.
• Public subsidies for renovations are only moderately attractive. Regulatory instability hinders decision-making regarding energy-efficient renovations.
• Local professionals are the trusted third parties widely preferred in decision-making related to the chosen heating system.
• Pragmatism prevails: comfort, cost, security of supply, and freedom of choice remain central to household decisions.

View the full survey here

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.