Are you looking to install a fireplace or a wood-burning stove? Be aware that several forms of financial support are available to encourage the energy transition and promote the use of more environmentally friendly and efficient heating appliances. Here is an overview of the available support schemes.
The MaPrimeRénov’ scheme
MaPrimeRénov’ is a grant introduced by the French National Housing Agency (ANAH). Launched on 1 January 2020, this scheme helps to fund all types of renovation projects, whether in houses or flats. These may include large-scale renovations or so-called “single-measure” improvements, such as heating, insulation or domestic hot water systems.
This scheme is available to both owner-occupiers and landlords. Buyers of a property are also eligible, although the final deed of sale must be provided when applying for the balance. The amount of the grant is fixed and depends on the household’s taxable income. Homeowners can carry out several improvements, either over time or simultaneously.
To apply for financial support, everything is done online via the website: maprimerenov.gouv.fr, with the required documents, including a quote from an RGE-certified professional, as well as details of any other grants or subsidies received for the work.
The installation of an insert or a closed fireplace may be eligible for this grant. These are standalone appliances installed within a fireplace to improve the performance of this wood-based heating method. The installation of a wood-burning or pellet stove may also benefit from this scheme.
In 2025, the MaPrimeRénov’ grant can reach up to €1,250 for the installation of these appliances, depending on household income. Please note that the MaPrimeRénov’ scheme evolves each year. All up-to-date information and grant simulators are available on france-renov.gouv.fr.
France Rénov’ is the single point of contact for planning your renovation project and finding out about available financial support. Nearly 600 France Rénov’ advice centres are available across the country. You can also contact an adviser free of charge by telephone on 0 808 800 700. They are available Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Remember to have your latest tax assessment with you.
The interest-free eco-loan (eco-PTZ)
The interest-free eco-loan (eco-PTZ) allows you to benefit from a zero-interest loan to carry out eco-renovation work. The work must be carried out in a property used as a main residence. This property must have been built more than two years before the start of the work. If the property is rented out, it must be let within six months of the completion of the work.
To benefit from the eco-PTZ, the work must fall into at least one of the following categories:
- Thermal insulation of roofs
- Thermal insulation of external walls
- Thermal insulation of glazed surfaces and doors leading to the outside
- Insulation of lower floors
- Installation, regulation or replacement of heating systems, possibly combined with efficient and cost-effective ventilation systems, or high-performance domestic hot water systems
- Installation of heating equipment using a renewable energy source
- Installation of domestic hot water systems using a renewable energy source
The amount of the interest-free loan depends on the nature of the work:
- €7,000 for one type of work on glazed surfaces
- €15,000 for one type of work of another nature
- €25,000 for a package of two types of work
- €30,000 for a package of three or more types of work
If you wish to install a wood-based heating system as the main heating for your home, you may be eligible for the interest-free loan, provided that the installation is carried out by a professional recognised as a Guarantor of the Environment (RGE).
It is also worth noting that the eco-PTZ can be combined with MaPrimeRénov’ to help cover the remaining cost of work that is eligible for MaPrimeRénov’.
To stay informed about the latest updates on the interest-free loan, visit the official government website. France Rénov’ advisers are also available by phone on 0 808 800 700.
Reduced VAT
Equipment that produces energy using renewable sources (wood boilers, wood-burning or pellet stoves, etc.) benefits from a reduced VAT rate of 5.5%, instead of the usual 20%.
To benefit from this reduced VAT rate, the work must be carried out by an RGE-certified professional and the property must have been completed more than two years ago. All official and up-to-date information on VAT is available on the tax authority’s website.
The “Heating Boost” scheme
The “Heating Boost” grant is a financial incentive for replacing a coal, oil, gas or condensing boiler with one of the following systems:
- High-performance biomass boiler (a boiler that uses organic fuel such as wood and its derivatives)
- Air-to-water heat pump
- Water-to-water heat pump (geothermal heat pump)
- Hybrid heat pump (a system combining air-to-water heat pump technology with a condensing boiler)
- Combined solar system (a system combining a solar panel with a storage tank)
- Connection to a district heating network supplied by renewable energy sources (RES)
- High-performance wood-based heating
You may be eligible for this grant if you are the owner or tenant of a detached house. Your property must have been built more than two years ago. It may be either a main or a second home. The amount of support depends on the work carried out and the household’s income. All official information on the “Heating Boost” scheme is available on the government website.
So, are you ready to take the plunge and enjoy innovative, sustainable heating that provides unrivalled thermal comfort? Get in touch with our network of Seguin professionals to bring your project to life and choose the wood-based heating appliance that best suits your needs!