Connected thermostats: a new blow to homeowners’ purchasing power

A further blow to the purchasing power of millions of people affected.

Connected thermostats: an expensive requirement

The measure may have gone largely unnoticed. In June 2023, the government adopted a decree making it compulsory to fit connected thermostats to every radiator in a home by 2027. Since then, the authorities have softened their position and now refer to 2030. Although the proposal is well intentioned and should help cut energy consumption, it will also come at a cost for every household concerned.

As Capital points out, financial support was initially introduced, but it was quickly withdrawn following fraud. Those affected must therefore pay for the work themselves, at a cost of almost €300 per radiator. For a property with four radiators, the bill would reach €1,200, and could be higher depending on the circumstances. There are, however, two exemptions: for homes where the installation would not pay for itself within ten years, and for those fitted with wood-burning stoves.

“The state is interfering in matters that do not concern it”

The requirement has prompted a strong reaction from RTL editorialist François Lenglet, who described the obligation as “absurd”. He added: “We have lost all sense of proportion. The state is interfering in matters that do not concern it”.

In his view, the government should instead focus on major energy issues, including reviving nuclear power and speeding up the development of renewable energy. Former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau then entered the debate, complaining with a dose of irony:

At this rate, there will soon be inspections of jumper thickness, a committee responsible for checking the energy efficiency of duvets, and a requirement to grow optimum body hair to reduce our energy bill.

PPPT and further concerns for homeowners

Bad news continues to mount for homeowners’ purchasing power. We recently reported on the Multiannual Works Plan Project (PPPT). Since 1 January 2025, under the Climate and Resilience Act, all co-owned properties more than 15 years old have been required to produce one, in order to anticipate the renovation work needed to maintain buildings and homes. While nothing has been confirmed, many already fear that costs could rise sharply. More information on the subject is available in our previous article here.