Heat Pump in France: Complete Guide 2026
Heat your home efficiently and economically. Types of heat pumps, prices, financial subsidies, installation: everything you need to know.
1. What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a heating system that captures calories from the environment (air, water, or ground) and transfers them inside your home. It works like a reverse refrigerator.
The COP Principle (Coefficient of Performance)
COP measures heat pump efficiency: for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, the heat pump produces 3 to 5 kWh of heat.
= 1 kWh electricity → 4 kWh heat
2. Different Types of Heat Pumps
Air-to-Air Heat Pump (Reversible AC)
Captures calories from outdoor air and distributes them via indoor units (splits).
- Simple and quick installation
- Heating AND cooling
- No hot water production
- Not eligible for MaPrimeRénov'
Air-to-Water Heat Pump
Captures calories from air and transfers them to a water circuit (radiators or underfloor heating).
- Compatible with existing radiators
- Produces hot water
- Eligible for subsidies
- Outdoor unit can be noisy
Geothermal Heat Pump
Draws calories from the ground or groundwater via buried collectors.
- Consistent performance year-round
- No visible outdoor unit
- Maximum subsidies
- Major works required (drilling/earthwork)
3. Advantages and Disadvantages
✓ Advantages
- • 50-70% savings on heating
- • Renewable and eco-friendly energy
- • Optimal thermal comfort
- • Significant financial subsidies
- • 15-20 year lifespan
- • Property value enhancement
- • Cooling possible (some models)
✗ Disadvantages
- • High initial investment
- • Outdoor unit can be noisy
- • Reduced efficiency in extreme cold
- • Requires good insulation
- • Mandatory annual maintenance
- • RGE professional installation required
4. Prices and Installation Costs
| Heat Pump Type | Equipment Price | Price with Installation | Average COP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air-to-Air | €3,000 - €6,000 | €5,000 - €10,000 | 3.5 - 4 |
| Air-to-Water | €8,000 - €15,000 | €12,000 - €20,000 | 3 - 4.5 |
| Geothermal | €15,000 - €25,000 | €25,000 - €45,000 | 4 - 5 |
Savings Example (120 m² house, air-to-water heat pump)
- • Old oil boiler: €2,500/year
- • With air-to-water heat pump: €900/year
- • Annual savings: ~€1,600/year
- • Net investment (after subsidies): ~€8,000
- • Payback period: ~5 years
5. Financial Subsidies 2026
Based on your income and heat pump type:
- • Air-to-Water: €3,000 to €5,000
- • Geothermal: €6,000 to €11,000
- • Air-to-Air not eligible
Premium from energy suppliers: €2,000 to €4,000 depending on model and climate zone.
On equipment and labor for properties over 2 years old (instead of 20%).
Up to €50,000 over 20 years with no interest to finance the work.
Important: Subsidies can be combined! A modest-income household can finance up to 90% of a heat pump cost.
6. How to Choose?
1. Assess Your Needs
- • Area to heat and insulation level
- • Hot water needs
- • Climate zone (H1, H2, H3)
2. Check Compatibility
- • Existing radiators (high or low temperature)
- • Space for outdoor unit
- • Space for geothermal collectors (if applicable)
3. Compare Quotes
- • Get at least 3 quotes
- • Verify installer is RGE certified
- • Compare SCOP (seasonal performance)
Tip: Choose a heat pump with SCOP above 4 to maximize savings. SCOP (Seasonal COP) measures performance over the entire heating season.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a heat pump cost in France?▼
Prices vary by type: air-to-air from €5,000 to €10,000, air-to-water from €12,000 to €20,000, geothermal from €25,000 to €45,000 (with installation). Subsidies can significantly reduce these amounts.
What subsidies are available for heat pumps in France in 2026?▼
MaPrimeRénov' offers up to €5,000 for air-to-water heat pumps and up to €11,000 for geothermal. Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) can add €2,000 to €4,000. VAT is reduced to 5.5%.
Does a heat pump work in very cold weather?▼
Modern heat pumps work down to -15°C or even -25°C. Their efficiency decreases with cold, but they remain effective. Backup heating may be needed in very cold regions.
How much can you save with a heat pump?▼
A heat pump can save 50-70% on heating bills compared to conventional electric heating, and 30-50% compared to gas or oil heating.
Official Sources
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Disclaimer: Prices and subsidies mentioned are provided for informational purposes and may change. Consult official websites and request multiple quotes for up-to-date information.