MaPrimeRénov': Window and door manufacturers request that aid for window replacement be maintained

The French Union of Window and Door Manufacturers (UFME) is asking the government to abandon its plan to remove window replacement from the list of eligible renovation work for the MaPrimeRénov' grant. This reform received an unfavorable opinion from the National Housing Council (CNH), an advisory body bringing together the various stakeholders in housing policy.

In a letter addressed on July 22, 2026 to Vincent Jeanbrun, Minister of Urban Affairs and Housing, Laurent Demasles, President of the UFME, warns of the consequences that this development could have on the energy renovation of housing, the purchasing power of households and the activity of French manufacturers.

Replacing windows is a first step for 40% of homeowners.

To defend the continuation of the scheme, the UFME points out that window replacement is the first energy renovation measure undertaken by households. According to figures provided by the professional organization, 40% of homeowners begin their renovation process with this operation, and 71% then undertake other interventions aimed at improving the energy performance of their homes.

The UFME also estimates that nearly 30% of French homes are still equipped with single-glazed windows. Replacing them, it argues, would represent a significant source of energy savings and contribute to improved indoor comfort in both winter and summer.

The organization points out, however, that comprehensive renovations can be longer, more complex, and more expensive to undertake, particularly in condominiums. The elimination of the incentive program would therefore, in its view, penalize owners who carry out phased renovations on their units.

A measure presented as support for French industry

The UFME also highlights the project's economic impact on the door and window industry. According to the organization, 90% of windows installed in France are manufactured domestically. Maintaining the subsidy would therefore support an industrial network comprised of thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies.

The federation also claims that the scheme generates more public revenue than the amount of aid paid out. For an average subsidy of between €50 and €100 per window replaced, the state would receive €285 in social security contributions and taxes. However, the methodology used to establish this estimate is not specified in the information provided.

An advisory opinion that does not put an end to the reform project

The National Housing Council's unfavorable opinion is advisory; it does not legally compel the Government to withdraw its project. As of the date of this letter, the windows remain eligible for the MaPrimeRénov' grant program, but the UFME (French Union of Building Materials Manufacturers) is requesting confirmation of their continued eligibility.

The organization calls on the Government to maintain a gradual energy renovation, accessible to households that cannot immediately undertake a full package of work.

The UFME calls on the Government to follow the advice of the CNH

In his letter to Vincent Jeanbrun, Laurent Demasles argues that the National Housing Council's unfavorable opinion goes beyond simply defending the interests of the door and window industry. The president of the French Union of Joinery Manufacturers (UFME) emphasizes that this body includes building and real estate professionals, consumer associations, elected officials, and government representatives.

The professional organization believes the government must take this opposition into account and maintain a phased energy renovation program, accessible to households that cannot immediately undertake a comprehensive project. According to them, eliminating subsidies for window replacement would contradict the stated objectives of housing renovation, climate change adaptation, and supporting purchasing power.

Feared consequences for households and condominiums

The UFME considers window replacement as a gateway to a broader renovation project. The organization notes that 40% of homeowners begin their renovations with this intervention and that 71% then proceed with other energy efficiency improvements.

She believes that eliminating the subsidy would particularly penalize households undertaking phased renovations, especially in apartment buildings, where comprehensive projects can be longer, more complex, and more expensive to implement. The issue also concerns the replacement of single-glazed windows, which are still found in nearly 30% of French homes.

According to the UFME, this work helps reduce energy consumption and improve indoor comfort in both winter and summer. It thus contributes to the fight against energy-inefficient buildings, as well as against homes prone to overheating in the summer.

The French window industry is also affected.

Laurent Demasles also warns of the industrial repercussions of the reform. According to the UFME (French Union of Window and Door Manufacturers), 90% of windows installed in France are manufactured domestically. The withdrawal of aid could therefore affect a network of several thousand small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies located throughout the country.

The organization also argues for the program's benefits to public finances. It claims that, for aid ranging from €50 to €100 per window replaced, the state would collect €285 in social security contributions and taxes. However, this estimate still needs to be substantiated with a detailed methodology.

In conclusion to its letter, the UFME asks the Government to maintain the window replacement option within the MaPrimeRénov' scheme as a courtesy. It hopes that households will still be able to choose between phased renovation and the guided renovation program designed for large-scale projects.

Image illustrating the article via Depositphotos.com.