The thermostat subsidy is back at last! Following its withdrawal in 2021, the reintroduction of the Helping Hand thermostat grant 2023-2024 will now allow both homeowners and tenants to get a smart thermostat without means testing. The French government’s support for installing smart, programmable thermostats is part of the Helping Hand “Room-by-room smart heating control” subsidy scheme. The aim is to save energy by keeping each room at the ideal temperature around the clock. Let's find out more...
Thermostat subsidy: what is the Helping Hand grant?
A new government subsidy for smart thermostats was introduced on 1 December 2023. The new subsidy is an addition to the financial contribution schemes offered by the government as part of its energy efficiency plan.
More specifically, the Helping Hand "Room-by-room connected heating control" grant is a measure adopted following the Thermostat Plan announced in June 2023. This will make it compulsory to install a room-by-room programmable control system in all French homes (existing or new) by 2027.
Why this obligation? Because heating is the biggest source of energy consumption in the home. Smart, programmable thermostats with multi-zone control can deliver energy savings of up to 15% (according to ADEME), i.e. a reduction of €210 per year on your gas heating bill, and up to €270 per year for a home heated with electricity. Across France as a whole, the environmental benefits are immense!
The thermostat subsidy launched by the government will be available until 31 December 2024. You can use it to purchase and install smart thermostats in your home.
Discover the benefits of smart thermostats and how they work with our comprehensive guide.
Who is the smart thermostat subsidy for?
The good news is that the thermostat subsidy is available to all households, regardless of income. Whether you're a tenant or a homeowner, you can take advantage of the Helping Hand thermostat grant 2024 by meeting a few eligibility criteria.
What are the eligibility conditions for the Helping Hand thermostat grant 2023-2024?
- The thermostat installed must support a new or existing individual heating system. This can include electric radiators, underfloor heating, boilers or heat pumps.
- The system must enable room-by-room (multi-zone) temperature control, in line with the standard operating guide BAR-TH-173 "Room-by-room timer control system". Systems fitted with smart radiator valves, for example, are eligible for the smart thermostat grant.
- The thermostat you choose must belong to class A or B (NF EN ISO 52120-1 standard) and be able to receive the EcoGaz or EcoWatt signal in real time. This way, you have access to your consumption at all times.
- The installation work must be carried out by an authorised professional.
- Only homes built at least two years ago are eligible for the smart thermostat grant.
How much support for installing a smart thermostat is provided by the subsidy?
As we have seen, the Helping Hand thermostat grant 2024 is not means-tested. The amount of this Energy Savings Certificate (ESC) grant is calculated according to the surface area of the home. The larger the area to be heated, the higher the amount. Installing a smart thermostat with government assistance can cover up to 80% of its total cost.
Here are the details of the amounts available:
- €260 for homes under 35 m² in size
- €312 between 35 and 60 m²
- €364 between 60 and 70 m²
- €416 between 70 and 90 m²
- €520 between 90 and 110 m²
- €572 between 110 and 130 m²
- €624 for homes larger than 130 m²
The Helping Hand thermostat grant 2024 in practice
To get a smart thermostat installed with government assistance, you'll need to comply with a few administrative obligations. Don't worry, a professional will be there to take care of everything.
Which organisations can help?
The thermostat subsidy is paid out by energy suppliers, distribution companies and firms appointed by them.
Please note that only firms that have signed the "Helping Hand room-by-room smart heating control" charter are authorised to do so. It's up to you to choose one of the offers available. Please note that you should always apply for energy grants (including the thermostat grant) before signing the installer's quotation.
Once you have accepted the offer, you can sign the quotation for your installation work.
When and how is the grant paid?
Is your installation complete? All you have to do now is send the documents (invoice, certificate of compliance, etc.) to the firm managing your offer. It will then pay you the allocated amount in the form of your choice:
- Bank transfer
- Cheque
- Discount applied to your next energy bill
- The installer can also choose to deduct the amount of the subsidy directly from your bill. They will then be responsible for submitting the claim for reimbursement.
It's up to you to decide which solution suits you best.
Find out more about combined energy upgrade subsidies
Are you planning further work to optimise your heating, update your insulation or otherwise improve your home's energy performance? The "Room-by-room connected heating control" Helping Hand can be combined with other schemes. For example, you can get the "Heating" Helping Hand from MaPrimeRénov or the zero-rate eco-loan (PTZ) at the same time.
However, the thermostat subsidy cannot be combined with energy saving certificates or ADEME subsidies. And don't forget that you'll only receive one grant per operation.
The thermostat subsidy in a nutshell
Between 1 December 2023 and 31 December 2024, all French people can contact an organisation that has signed the "Helping Hand room-by-room smart heating control" charter to get help installing a programmable thermostat in each room of their home. This will be compulsory from 2027. This government subsidy covers the cost of purchasing and installing your connected thermostat, for up to 80% of the price of the installed device. The amount of the grant depends directly on the surface area to be heated.
It's an investment that can quickly pay for itself, thanks to the energy savings made every year afterwards.
When are you planning to get yours fitted?
