According to a new study published today by Travaux.com, the platform connecting individuals and building professionals, a majority of French people express their desire to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, but often say they are lost when faced with the complexity of the procedures and possible subsidies.
The data reveals that:
- 63% of French people believe they do not have the necessary funds to finance such work.
- 61% are unaware of the existence of available aid, such as MaPrimeRénov', Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) or the zero-rate Eco-loan (Eco-PTZ).
Energy renovation in detail
Energy renovation aims to optimize the efficiency of buildings by intervening on essential aspects such as insulation, heating, ventilation and lighting. This work helps to reduce energy consumption, lower bills and improve the thermal comfort of residents.
Here are some concrete examples of the work concerned:
- Insulation: attics, interior or exterior walls, or roofing.
- Heating: replacement of old boilers with modern, efficient systems such as heat pumps.
- Carpentry: installation of double or triple glazed windows to limit heat loss.
- Ventilation: installation of controlled mechanical ventilation systems (CMV).
- Solar energy: installation of photovoltaic panels.
Currently, buildings in France are responsible for 43% of energy consumed and 22% of CO₂ emissions. However, some neighbouring countries, such as the Netherlands, consume less energy for heating, despite harsher climates.
Faced with this observation, the French government has made energy renovation a priority. Its ambition is to increase the number of efficient renovations, from 67.000 currently to 200.000 per year by the end of 2024, by relying on schemes such as MaPrimeRénov' to support and encourage owners to carry out this work.
Expert advice
Given the confusion surrounding these steps, Nikos Doulfis, an expert at Travaux.com, shares his recommendations to guide owners: “Energy renovation can seem complex, especially from a financial point of view. But in reality, substantial aid is available to make this work accessible. In addition to being a sustainable investment for your home, they allow you to reduce your bills in the long term. The first thing to do is to consult a professional who can assess your needs and establish a clear and personalized action plan.”
The 6 essential steps of an energy renovation
Carry out an energy diagnosis of your home
Ask for an energy renovation advisor. This service, often around €150-200, allows you to assess your home, target the main points of heat loss and guide you towards the aid for which you are eligible. The Energy Performance Diagnostic (DPE) is a key step in identifying priority improvements.
Planning a comprehensive renovation
A successful energy renovation requires a holistic vision. By integrating modern and sustainable solutions from the planning stage, you maximize the long-term benefits for your home.
Prioritize insulation
Insulation is often the most cost-effective element. Indeed, the main energy losses come from roofs, walls and windows. Effective insulation can reduce energy consumption by more than 60%.
Optimize ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential to maintain a balance between indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Choosing, designing and installing a ventilation system requires expert input to ensure optimal performance.
Modernize heating systems
Replacing an obsolete boiler with a more efficient version is an essential step. Alternatives such as heat pumps, wood heating or solar solutions (thermal panels) can significantly reduce the ecological footprint and improve thermal comfort.
Take advantage of financial aid
A wide range of systems allow you to finance your work:
- MaPrimeRénov': aid accessible to all households, without income conditions.
- Eco-PTZ: zero-rate loan up to €30.000, specially designed for energy renovations.
- CEE: subsidies financed by energy suppliers.
- Reduced VAT: a reduced rate of 5,5% is applicable to certain works.
- Local aid: many communities offer specific subsidies depending on your region or municipality. Some craftsmen can even offer you payment facilities, by directly deducting the amount of aid from the total cost of the work.
*Study conducted by Opinium Research for Travaux, based on a sample of 1.000 respondents. Opinium is an award-winning strategic analysis agency, renowned for having one of the largest and most respected survey panels in Europe.
Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.