We no longer qualify the replacement of a heating system as ‘energy renovation’

The term “energy renovation” is increasingly used to refer to the simple replacement of a heating system, whereas this action only covers part of the needs to truly improve the energy performance of a building. By 2025, in the face of amplified environmental and economic challenges, it is essential to adopt a rigorous definition that distinguishes the partial modernization of a heating installation from a true comprehensive energy renovation. The latter involves a holistic approach, integrating insulation, ventilation, and efficient energy production, to sustainably reduce consumption and emissions.

While major players such as EDF, Engie, Butagaz, or TotalEnergies encourage global energy renovation projects, the confusion between simple replacement and complete rehabilitation slows progress in reducing carbon footprints. This misunderstanding has direct consequences on eligibility for financial aid, which, since the temporary suspension of MaPrimeRénov’, favors combined works or ambitious renovation pathways.

It is becoming necessary to raise awareness among professionals and individuals about this fundamental distinction to better guide projects, enhance investments, and fully benefit from suitable schemes. Paul Leclerc, a plumbing expert with over 15 years in the field, therefore invites to reconsider the criteria and promote a responsible, efficient, and sustainable energy renovation.

Distinguishing heating replacement from complete energy renovation in 2025

The replacement of a heating system should no longer be equated with an energy renovation, as it addresses only part of the needs related to the overall energy performance of a building. This distinction is all the more crucial as regulations and government aid evolve towards a multi-action approach prioritizing the entirety of performance-related work.

What is a comprehensive energy renovation?

A comprehensive energy renovation relies on a complete assessment of the housing, notably based on the Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE), which identifies the building’s thermal weaknesses: obsolete heating system, ineffective insulation, ventilation issues, air infiltration…

The project then includes several actions:

• Enhanced thermal insulation of walls, roofs, and floors to limit heat loss.
• Modernization or replacement of the heating system with efficient equipment compatible with renewable energies (heat pump, high-performance boiler…).
• Optimization of controlled mechanical ventilation to ensure healthy air renewal while minimizing losses.
• Installation of smart thermostats or management systems for precise and economical control.

This integrated approach guarantees a significant reduction in energy consumption and costs over the long term. It also meets the requirements of the energy renovation aid schemes in 2025, which prioritize multi-action projects.

The limits of simply replacing a heating system

Changing only the boiler or heat pump, without improving insulation or ventilation, produces a limited effect. A modern heating system in a poorly insulated house increases energy consumption because heat escapes more quickly. This consequence diminishes the potential savings achieved.

Additionally, the replacement may mask a false perception of the actual performance of the housing, leading to unnecessary additional costs or even an increase in emissions. Companies like Boulanger, Onnen, or Custeed often offer interesting solutions to install modern equipment, but these isolated installations do not always suffice to achieve energy sobriety.

Comparative table of energy renovations

Criteria	Heating replacement only	Comprehensive energy renovation
Preliminary diagnosis	Often limited or absent	Mandatory and complete (DPE, audit)
Thermal insulation	Not addressed	Treated as a priority
Ventilation	Little or no improvement	Optimized for healthy air
Energy savings	Modest and short-term	Significant and sustainable
Access to aid	Restricted or limited	Multiple and advantageous

The impact of the suspension of MaPrimeRénov’ on energy renovation projects

Since 2024, the temporary suspension of MaPrimeRénov’ large-scale renovation has disrupted the landscape of financial aids for energy-saving works. This flagship program, among the most attractive, favored comprehensive renovations. Its suspension has led to the maintenance of mono-actions – in this case, merely replacing the heating system – but limited the impact of multi-operation renovation strategies.

The consequences for households and renovations

In light of this suspension, many lower-income households have opted for isolated replacements, due to insufficient budgets to carry out a complete bouquet of work. Damien Barbosa, coordinator of the Rénovons collective, emphasizes the difficulty of reconciling ecological ambition with financial realities. This situation has slowed the momentum for energy renovation that could have drastically reduced energy consumption in older housing.

Other aids still accessible to finance an ecological renovation

Despite the halt of MaPrimeRénov’ large-scale renovations, several alternatives remain available:

• CEE energy bonuses (Energy Saving Certificates) offered by suppliers such as Effy or GreenYellow.
• Zero-interest eco-loan supported by local authorities.
• Aids from the National Housing Agency (ANAH) for partial or complete renovations, particularly in condominiums (ANAH guide for condominium renovation).
• Local and regional grants in certain priority areas.
• Schemes offered by energy suppliers: EDF, Engie, Butagaz, and TotalEnergies, who support targeted offers.

The multiplicity of these aids underscores the need for personalized support to optimize financial planning and ensure the success of energy renovations.

Table of available aids and eligibility conditions

Aid	Beneficiaries	Estimated amount	Conditions
CEE energy bonus	All households	Variable depending on work	Work carried out by certified RGE professionals
Zero-interest eco-loan	Homeowners	Up to €50,000	Global energy renovation work
ANAH aid	Low-income households	Up to 50% of the work	Depending on resources and eligible works
Local aids	Priority areas	Variable	Geographical criteria

How does Paul Leclerc recommend approaching energy renovation projects?

With several years of field experience, Paul Leclerc emphasizes that a successful renovation involves careful listening to needs and a precise analysis of the building. His experience debunks the simple idea that replacing old heating is enough to improve the energy situation of a house.

Essential steps for an effective comprehensive renovation

• Conduct a complete thermal audit to identify all the weak points of the housing.
• Prioritize insulation renovation before investing in an efficient heating system.
• Choose equipment compatible with renewable energies, to reduce emissions and bills in the long term.
• Consider ventilation to avoid humidity and maintain good indoor air quality, often overlooked.
• Plan for post-work follow-up to ensure the proper functioning of installations.

These recommendations are part of a comprehensive and proactive approach that Paul Leclerc encourages to satisfy his clients by ensuring them durable and economical solutions.

Concrete example: energy renovation of an individual house

A client from the local area was suffering from high bills and insufficient thermal comfort. After a complete diagnosis, Paul Leclerc proposed to combine attic insulation, window replacement, installation of a ThermoPro heat pump, and implementation of controlled mechanical ventilation. The project benefited from grants resulting from joint efforts by EDF and GreenYellow, while optimizing the bouquet of aids available through Qualitel and other specialized platforms.

Result: a 40% reduction in energy consumption in the first year, significantly improved comfort, and a real ecological gain.

Step	Action	Expected result
Diagnosis	Complete thermal audit	Detection of weaknesses
Insulation	Seal wall and roof losses	Better heat retention
Heating	Installation of ThermoPro heat pump	Reduction of consumption
Ventilation	Implementation of double flow VMC	Improved air quality

Aids and funding: optimizing the budget for more than just a simple replacement

Choosing to qualify an intervention as “energy renovation” implies committing to a comprehensive approach that is often more expensive than simply replacing equipment. It is therefore essential to anticipate and to be well aware of the aids that facilitate investment.

The aids to know in 2025 to go beyond simple heating replacement

• MaPrimeRénov’ (in multi-action pathway upon its return) offers more generous subsidies for combined works.
• Heating Boost Grant accessible with adapted conditions for globally renovating the thermal system (details on Heating Boost Grant).
• Tax credit for energy transition (CITE) reserved for certain works and high-performance equipment.
• Specific aids from energy suppliers: Enedis, Engie, EDF, or Butagaz regularly offer promotions or advice to maximize renovations.
• Programs offered by local authorities which complement national offers, sometimes with one-off advantages or specific support.

Summary table of financial aids according to the type of work

Type of work	Main aids	Eligibility criteria	Approximate amount
Gas boiler replacement	CEE energy bonus, supplier aids	High performance equipment, RGE	€1,000 to €4,000
Heat pump installation	MaPrimeRénov’, Heating Boost Grant	Housing > 2 years, certified equipment	€3,000 to €10,000
Thermal insulation (walls and attics)	MaPrimeRénov’, ANAH aids	Combined works	€5/m² to €50/m² depending on solution
Mechanical ventilation	Local aids, CEE	Global project	€700 to €3,000

For optimal planning, professionals like Paul Leclerc prioritize a personalized analysis that guides the homeowner towards the best possible combination of aids, in line with the actual technical constraints.

Practical tips to avoid mistakes in heating replacement projects

Paul Leclerc’s passion for plumbing is accompanied by a strong desire to raise awareness about best practices. The distinction between replacement and energy renovation should not be a mere matter of vocabulary, but a principle allowing for quality, high-performance, and sustainable work.

Common pitfalls and tips to avoid them

• Underestimating insulation: a high-performance heating system in an inadequately insulated building is not cost-effective.
• Neglecting ventilation: may lead to humidity issues and indoor pollution.
• Choosing equipment without an audit: the poor fit between needs and solutions results in additional costs.
• Failing to inquire about aids: poorly prepared financial planning can discourage and hinder projects.
• Entrusting work to a non-certified professional: beyond technical quality, eligibility for aids is compromised.

The right reflexes to succeed in your project from the start

• Contact a qualified and RGE-certified plumber-heating technician, like Paul Leclerc, who can advise on the right steps.
• Consult a certified diagnostician to carry out an accurate DPE (Qualitel heating renovation advice).
• Plan a multi-action project, even if the initial budget seems constrained.
• Inquire about the many available aid schemes (State aids, specific heating aids).
• Ensure post-installation follow-up to verify performance and proper use of equipment.

Error	Consequence	Recommended solution
Replacement without audit	Unnecessary and ineffective expenses	Conduct a complete thermal diagnosis
Choosing unsuitable equipment	Energy overload	Advice from a qualified professional
Work without RGE certification	Ineligibility for aids	Hire a certified artisan