“Replace your fire, breathe better,” Propellet launches campaign to replace old wood-burning heaters

The objective: to reduce fine particle emissions, limit wood consumption and thus reduce the cost of heating French homes.

Following the removal of aid to households for the acquisition of biomass boilers as part of the single actions of the MaPrimeRénov system from 1^er January 2026 and the reduction in the CEE bonus for wood heating, the pellet heating industry is reacting. With its “Replace your fire, breathe better” campaign, Propellet is sending a clear message to policymakers: modernizing the fleet through the right incentives is an immediate lever for improving air quality. The association also wants to directly inform households with the aim of highlighting this demand and this need for replacement in order to create the citizen support that will accelerate this phenomenon.

For Eric Vial, general delegate of Propellet: « Wood pellets are not the problem but are a big part of the solution! »

Broadcasts focused on older devices

Wood energy is often singled out when it comes to air pollution. However, only 18%[1] of the fine particles we breathe come from wood heating, and 90%[2] of emissions come from old or inefficient appliances. Replacing these appliances would reduce this share from 18% to less than 3%. Open fireplaces and old wood-burning stoves or boilers are the priority: replacing an open fireplace with a pellet stove divides fine particle emissions by 30[3].

Why replace your old device?

To improve air quality

Between 2000 and 2020, fine particle emissions from wood heating decreased by 50%, while the number of wood-fired homes increased by 25%. Modernizing the fleet means sustainably reducing particle emissions, regardless of size.

To reduce wood consumption

Wood energy consumption fell by 38% between 2000 and 2020, while the number of homes heated by wood energy increased by 25% over the same period. Modern appliances therefore allow for better heating with less wood.

Improve your purchasing power

The 3 million appliances built before 2005, including 800.000 open fireplaces, consume up to 9 times more wood than a pellet stove or boiler. Replacing these older appliances would reduce consumption and therefore costs.

Essential support from the State

To support the replacement of old devices and contribute to improving air quality, Propellet is asking policymakers to:

1. A priority replacement plan for appliances installed before 2005 (stoves and boilers) with a focus on open fireplaces.
2. Dedicated financial tools: maintaining/reinforcing MaPrimeRénov', CEE incentive boost for biomass boilers, more targeted Air-Wood Funds within the framework of Atmospheric Protection Plans (PPA).
3. Graduated support based on the sensitivity of geographical areas.
4. A government communication on the societal, economic and environmental benefits of replacing old, inefficient devices (e.g. ADEME campaign).

[1] Source: INERIS (2025)

[2] Source: CITEPA data (2021) formatted by the SER

[3] Source: CITEPA – OMINEA methodological document (2025)