Introducing the “Electrify Your Heritage” Program!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of “Electrify Your Heritage,” a comprehensive program designed to guide French homeowners through the upcoming DPE reform and the process of modernizing old houses for efficient electric heating.

⚡ French Energy Diagnosis Reform: DPE Changes to Favor Electric Heating (Jan 1, 2026) and Electrifying Your Old Home

The French government is set to introduce a significant reform to the Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique (DPE), or Energy Performance Diagnosis, on January 1, 2026. This change is specifically designed to re-evaluate the performance of homes heated by electricity, correcting what was perceived as an unfair penalty and strongly encouraging the shift towards electric heating solutions.

“Electrify Your Heritage” Program Summary:

This program provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap to navigate the DPE reform (which lowers the electricity conversion coefficient from $2.3$ to $1.9$) and advises homeowners on the most impactful renovation strategies. We focus on the crucial steps: prioritizing insulation (roof, walls, floors) and draught-proofing of your old home first, before detailing the selection and installation of modern, high-efficiency electric heating systems like Air Source Heat Pumps or advanced electric radiators. The course equips you to improve your DPE rating, reduce energy bills, and ensure compliance with future rental regulations.

Understanding the New DPE and Electric Heating

The DPE is a crucial document that assesses a property’s energy consumption and its impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, assigning it an energy label from A (most efficient) to G (energy sieve or passoire thermique).

💡 Key Change: Coefficient Adjustment

The major technical change lies in the coefficient used to convert final electricity consumption into primary energy.

• Current Coefficient: $2.3$ (prior to Jan 1, 2026)

• New Coefficient: $1.9$ (effective Jan 1, 2026)

This coefficient represents the energy lost during the production, transformation, and transport of electricity. By lowering it from $2.3$ to $1.9$, the calculation acknowledges the increasingly decarbonized nature of France’s electricity mix, which relies heavily on nuclear and renewable sources.

📈 The Impact

This adjustment will have a direct and positive effect on the DPE rating of many electrically heated homes:

• • Improved Classification: An estimated 850,000 homes are expected to move out of the “energy sieve” categories (F or G) and gain at least one energy class.

  • Rental Eligibility: Properties previously classified as F or G, and thus subject to future rental restrictions (ban on renting), may now be reclassified as E or F, thereby postponing or avoiding these restrictions.

  • Encouraging Heat Pumps: The reform strongly favors the adoption of modern, highly efficient electric heating systems, particularly Heat Pumps, which are a key part of France’s strategy to move away from fossil fuel boilers.

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Important Note: If your DPE was issued before 2026, it will remain valid. However, you will be able to get a free, updated energy label certificate with the new coefficient through the ADEME website without needing a new diagnostic visit.

Adjusting an Old House for Efficient Electric Consumption

While the DPE reform is a welcome regulatory change, improving the actual energy efficiency of an old house still requires practical steps. Simply changing the coefficient doesn’t reduce your energy bill; it merely updates your official rating. The fundamental goal remains to reduce your overall electricity consumption for heating.

Here’s a strategic guide on how to adjust an old house to efficiently embrace electric heating:

1. 🧱 Priority: Insulation and Draught Proofing

In an older home, most energy is lost through the building envelope. Addressing this is the most crucial first step before upgrading the heating system.

• • Loft and Roof Insulation: Up to 25% of heat can be lost through an uninsulated roof. This is often the most cost-effective place to start.

  • Wall Insulation: Consider internal or external wall insulation. External insulation (ITE) is highly effective but more disruptive and expensive; internal insulation (ITI) is an alternative.

  • Floor Insulation: Insulating floors, especially those above unheated spaces like cellars or crawl spaces, significantly cuts heat loss.

• Draught Proofing: Seal gaps around windows, doors, floorboards, skirting boards, and unused chimneys. This is a low-cost, high-impact measure.

2. 🪟 Windows and Doors Upgrade

Single-glazed windows and old doors are major sources of heat loss.

• Install Double or Triple Glazing: Replacing old windows with modern, highly efficient double or triple glazing will significantly improve thermal retention.

• Secondary Glazing: For listed or protected buildings where you can’t change the original windows, secondary glazing offers an insulating layer without compromising historical integrity.

3. 🌡️ Choose the Right Electric Heating System

Once the house is well-insulated, you can install a modern electric heating system tailored for efficiency.

4. 🧠 Smart Control and Maintenance

Maximize the efficiency of your new or existing electric system.

• Smart Thermostats: Install a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust heating based on schedules, weather, or even room occupancy.

• Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs): Fit TRVs on individual radiators to control the temperature of each room independently, avoiding overheating unused spaces.

• Regular Servicing: Ensure your chosen system (especially heat pumps) is serviced annually to maintain peak efficiency.

By prioritizing insulation first and then adopting modern, high-efficiency electric heating, you can successfully transition your old house to electric consumption, reduce your environmental footprint, and take full advantage of the improved DPE classification.