Beware free offers with hidden costs

Some businesses are hiding behind official-sounding names to draw customers with promises of free ‘energy audits’ or energy-efficient plans for renovations before revealing they are companies ready to do the work and be paid.

Consumer magazine Que Choisir warns about firms which use titles such as ‘bureau regional de l’habitat’ implying state or council links.

Independent free energy audits are offered by the energy agency Ademe’s Espaces Info Energie, which has offices in all departments.