A poorly insulated 1980s bungalow, with an old oil boiler running at full capacity for six months a year: this is the starting point for most heating replacement projects. The choice of heating equipment is not based on a standalone technical sheet, but on the interaction between a building, a local climate, and actual usage.
Thermal diagnosis of the home before any heating change
We regularly see homeowners investing in a high-performance heat pump without addressing their home’s heat losses. The result: an oversized unit that cycles constantly, a disappointing bill, and premature wear on the compressor.
Before comparing heating systems, we start by assessing insulation. Attics, walls, joinery: each area of heat loss reduces the actual efficiency of any generator. An energy audit allows for prioritizing work and correctly sizing the necessary power.
To explore Aireo Chauffage’s equipment, one must first know the thermal loss of the building; otherwise, there is a risk of choosing equipment unsuitable for the actual conditions.
Insulating before heating often halves the required power. This is the most cost-effective lever, yet it is often overlooked in many installation quotes.
Air/water heat pump: a consolidating market, not an exploding one
Online guides present the heat pump as the booming miracle solution. The reality of the market is more nuanced. According to the 2026 analysis by Observ’ER, after a marked decline in activity in 2024, air-to-water heat pumps remained almost stable between 2024 and 2025, with a growth of only a few tenths of a percent.
More than a million units were still sold in 2025, confirming the central role of heat pumps in French residential settings. The consolidation phase has a direct consequence for individuals: the availability of qualified installers remains tight, and installation times can extend during periods of high demand.
When the air/water heat pump is truly suitable
An existing radiator circuit or a hydraulic underfloor heating system makes integration simple. The air/water heat pump also produces domestic hot water, eliminating the need for a separate electric tank. However, in areas where temperatures regularly drop below -10 °C, the coefficient of performance decreases, and a supplementary source becomes necessary.
Feedback varies on this point: some installers recommend an integrated electric backup, while others prefer to couple the heat pump with a wood stove for cold snaps. The choice of backup depends on the local climate and the configuration of the home.
Gradual ban on gas boilers: what changes concretely
It is often said that gas boilers are “banned.” The regulatory reality is more gradual. Since January 2025, the installation of new 100% fossil gas boilers is prohibited in new homes. For existing homes, replacing a gas boiler with another conventional gas boiler is becoming increasingly restricted.
The concrete alternatives for a gas-connected home are as follows:
- The hybrid heat pump, which combines an air/water heat pump with a gas burner backup for the coldest days, maintaining the existing connection
- A complete switch to an air/water heat pump, with the removal of the boiler and adaptation of the hydraulic circuit
- Connection to a district heating network, when available in the municipality, a solution sometimes underestimated but very competitive in operating costs
For condominiums with collective gas heating, the transition is governed by specific deadlines depending on the building’s energy performance certificate (DPE). A collective energy audit is then mandatory before any system change.
Wood and pellet heating: the cheapest energy has its constraints
Wood remains the cheapest heating energy per kilowatt-hour in France. A pellet stove offers a good compromise between automation and fuel price. According to the 2026 analysis by Observ’ER on domestic wood heating appliances, this segment maintains a solid base despite the price fluctuations of pellets observed in recent years.
Installation constraints of a wood or pellet stove
On the ground, three points frequently block projects:
- The flue: a compliant flue is mandatory, and creating one in a home without an existing flue represents a significant expense
- Storage: a pellet stove with an integrated reservoir requires regular supply, while an external silo requires space
- Maintenance: two cleanings per year are mandatory, one during the heating season, which many homeowners discover only after installation
The wood stove works better as a complement than as a primary system in homes over 100 m², except with a hot air distribution network or a boiler connected to the hydraulic circuit.
Next-generation electric radiators: not a default choice
Inertia or radiant panel heaters have little in common with the “toaster” convectors of the 1990s. A dry inertia radiator (ceramic core or lava stone) releases heat gradually, significantly improving perceived thermal comfort.
Electric heating remains relevant for well-insulated small to medium-sized homes. In a recent apartment meeting RT 2012 or RE 2020 standards, consumption remains contained. However, heating an old 150 m² house with electric radiators, even efficient ones, quickly results in a bill that exceeds that of a heat pump or wood system.
Control via a connected thermostat, with room-by-room programming, allows for measurable consumption reduction. It is a modest investment that truly changes daily usage.
Each home imposes its own constraints: existing hydraulic network, available space for a flue or buffer tank, base outdoor temperature. The best heating equipment is the one that meets these constraints before responding to a trend. An RGE installer who visits to assess the building remains the most reliable starting point for a coherent project.