France offers more money to households replacing their old boilers

The government has increased the financial help available for replacing old boilers with new, eco-friendly models. Who is eligible for the aid?

You could get significant aid to replace your old boiler with a new one depending on the type, your location, and income
Hannah Thompson
Published Last updated

Article published March 3, 2023

France has raised the financial help available to households replacing their old boilers with new, eco-friendly models.

The government announced the minimum sum now being offered has, since March 1, been increased to €5,000.

The availability of funds and the amount being offered is dependent upon your household income, the type of boiler you are replacing, the type of boiler you are installing, and the date of the work.

For example:

  • You are replacing a coal, fuel oil, or gas heater with an air or water pump, with the work set to be finished by December 31, 2025: €4,000 minimum for low-income households, €2,500 for others
  • You are replacing a ‘Boost Fioul’ fuel oil heater with an air or water pump or combined solar system, with the work set to be finished by December 31, 2023: €5,000 minimum for low-income households, €4,000 for others
  • You are replacing a coal, fuel oil, or gas heater with a biomass or heat pump boiler, with the work set to be finished by December 31, 2026: €4,000 minimum for low-income households, €2,500 for others
  • You are replacing a ‘Boost Fioul’ fuel oil heater with a biomass or heat pump boiler, with the work set to be finished by December 31, 2023: €5,000 minimum for low-income households, €4,00 for others

A full list of the criteria and rules, and the amount available, is on the Ecology Ministry website.

Which companies are offering these incentives?

The money is paid by the signatories of the ‘Coup de pouce Chauffage’ charter. These are mainly energy sellers.

Each signatory must offer households a range of products covering at least one of the heating measures, on a website accessible to the public, within 30 days of signing the charter.

The signatory companies will also promote other, complementary renovation options for homes, and provide information on other existing aid schemes via the France Rénov' network.

You can also call 0808 800 700 from within France for more information (free service + the price of the call).

Are there income caps?

Yes, the amount you can receive depends not only on the type of boiler you are removing and installing, but also your location (Ile-de-France or not), your income, and the number of people in your household.

The income reference comes from your income tax records (your revenu fiscal de référence). For example, the income caps, to qualify as a ‘modest / low-income household’ are:

  • One-person household: €25,714 in Ile-de-France / €19,565 everywhere else
  • Two-person household: €37,739 / €28,614
  • Three-person household: €45,326 / €34,411
  • Four-person household: €52,925 / €40,201
  • Five-person household: €60,546 / €46,015
  • Each extra person: €7,613 / €5,797

How do I apply?

The government advises the following steps:

  • Check that you are eligible, and the level of money you can receive.
  • Choose the operation you want to carry out.
  • Choose the company that has signed up to the new charter (so it is approved to do the work).
  • Sign the quote offered by a professional who is recognised as an environmental guarantor (RGE, reconnu garant de l'environnement).
  • Have the work carried out by the professional.
  • Return the documents (invoices, certificates of honour, etc.) to the charter signatory or its partner within the specified timeframe.

    • How is the money sent?

    The amount can be paid or credited via:

    • Bank transfer or cheque
    • Deducted from the invoice
    • Given in the form of ‘vouchers’ for everyday consumer goods.

    Can I add the amount from this aid to other financial help?

    Yes, the ‘Coup de pouce Chauffage’ can be combined with MaPrimeRénov and the zero-interest eco-loan.

    However, it cannot be combined with ADEME aid or offers regarding energy-saving certificates. You can only claim one amount of financial aid for the same operation under the energy-saving certificate scheme.

    Does the aid apply to non-resident second-home owners?

    Sadly, no. Also, the amount of financial help available is dependent on your French income tax declarations, which you will only be able to show if you pay income tax in France.

    You will still be able to benefit from a reduced VAT rate of 5.5% if you have a pompe à chaleur (heat pump) installed, and some départements might provide a small rebate on local taxes for work linked to energy conservation, but again these are less likely to apply to holiday or second homes.

    Read more about second homes in France in our dedicated Second Homes section here.

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