Free French Government Heating Simulator: A Homeowner's Guide

Replacing Your Heating in France? Try This Free Government Simulator First

Published: 13 October 2026 | Property & Buildings | VeriLocal Editorial Team

Replacing the heating system in a French property can be a significant investment, particularly if you're renovating an older stone farmhouse, village house or rural property.

Should you install a heat pump? Consider geothermal heating? Replace an ageing oil boiler with a renewable alternative? And how do you know which solution is actually suitable for your home?

A new, free French government simulator aims to make that initial decision easier.

Announced by Service Public on 12 October 2026, the online tool helps homeowners explore renewable heating options based on their property's characteristics and existing heating arrangements.

For English-speaking homeowners in Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne, Gironde and elsewhere in southwest France, it provides a useful starting point before approaching installers or committing to expensive work.

What Is the New French Government Heating Simulator?

The simulator is provided by France Chaleur Urbaine, a public service supported by ADEME, France's ecological transition agency.

Originally focused on helping buildings connect to district heating networks, the service has expanded to help homeowners and residential buildings identify suitable renewable heating solutions.

Rather than promoting one particular technology or manufacturer, the simulator considers information about your property to identify potential heating options.

It can also direct users towards advisers who may be able to help them develop their renovation project.

The service is free to use.

Try the official simulator: Discover which renewable heating solutions may suit your home.

Please note: The simulator is currently provided in French. If you're unfamiliar with French, your browser's translation feature may help you navigate the questions.

How Does the Heating Simulator Work?

You don't need specialist technical knowledge to get started.

The simulator asks for a few basic details about your property, including:

• Property address: Where the building is located.
• Existing heating system: How your home is currently heated.
• Radiator type: Information about your existing heat distribution system.
• Available outdoor space: Whether you have a garden, courtyard, terrace or balcony.

Using this information, the tool identifies renewable heating technologies that may be worth considering.

This matters because the right heating solution depends on more than the size of your house.

A rural farmhouse with a large garden, for example, may have different installation possibilities from a village property with limited outdoor space.

Likewise, an older house with an existing central heating system may require a different approach from a recently renovated property.

The simulator gives you an initial direction, which you can then explore with a qualified professional.

Which Renewable Heating Systems Can You Explore?

The expanded France Chaleur Urbaine service considers several renewable heating technologies.

Understanding the basic differences can help you make better use of the simulator's recommendations.

1. Heat Pumps (Pompes à Chaleur)

Heat pumps transfer heat from the surrounding environment into your home.

Common types include:

• Air-to-water heat pumps (PAC air/eau), which can supply a wet central heating system.
• Air-to-air heat pumps (PAC air/air), which distribute heated air and may also provide cooling.
• Ground-source heat pumps (PAC géothermique), which extract heat from the ground.

Heat pumps can be an effective solution, but their suitability depends on factors such as insulation, heat loss, radiator sizing and the building's heating requirements.

For older French properties, these considerations are particularly important.

2. Geothermal Heating (Géothermie)

Geothermal systems use heat from the ground to provide heating.

Depending on the installation, they may require buried pipework, boreholes or other ground infrastructure.

Available outdoor space, ground conditions and installation costs all influence whether geothermal heating is practical for a particular property.

3. Biomass Heating (Chauffage Biomasse)

Biomass systems use organic fuels, commonly wood logs or pellets, to produce heat.

Options include wood-burning boilers, pellet boilers and other suitable biomass installations.

Homeowners should consider fuel storage, delivery access, maintenance requirements and the suitability of the existing heating distribution system.

4. Solar Thermal Heating (Solaire Thermique)

Solar thermal systems capture energy from sunlight to produce heat, commonly for domestic hot water and, in suitable configurations, to contribute to space heating.

They are different from photovoltaic solar panels, which generate electricity.

Roof orientation, available space and the property's overall heating requirements will influence whether solar thermal technology is appropriate.

5. District Heating (Réseaux de Chaleur)

District heating supplies heat to multiple buildings through a centralised distribution network.

Availability depends on whether a suitable network serves your location.

For many isolated rural properties, connection may not be an option, but it is worth investigating where networks are available.

Important: Not every system will be suitable for every property. The simulator helps identify possibilities; it does not replace a detailed assessment of your home.

Replacing Heating in an Older French Property: What Should You Consider?

If you own an older property in Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne or elsewhere in southwest France, there are additional factors worth investigating before choosing a new heating system.

Traditional stone houses, converted barns and older village properties can have very different heating requirements from modern, well-insulated buildings.

A heating system that performs well in one property may be unsuitable for another.

Check the insulation before choosing your heating

Before replacing your heating system, consider how effectively your property retains heat.

Potential areas of heat loss include:

• Roofs and loft spaces.
• External walls.
• Windows and doors.
• Ground floors.
• Poorly insulated extensions.

Installing a new heating system without addressing significant heat loss can result in unnecessary running costs or equipment that is poorly matched to the building.

France Rénov', the French government's home renovation advice service, recommends considering insulation before replacing heating equipment.

For traditional stone buildings, insulation choices should also account for the construction and moisture behaviour of the property.

Consider your existing radiators

If your property has an older central heating installation, ask whether the existing radiators are suitable for the proposed replacement system.

Some heat pumps operate most efficiently at lower water temperatures than conventional boilers.

Depending on your home's heat loss and radiator sizing, modifications may be necessary.

An installer should assess this rather than simply assuming your existing radiators will be suitable.

Think about outdoor space and installation requirements

Different systems have different physical requirements.

For example, an air-source heat pump needs a suitable location for its outdoor unit, while geothermal heating may require sufficient land or specialist groundworks.

Biomass heating may require accessible fuel storage.

For village houses, properties with shared boundaries or buildings subject to planning restrictions, installation arrangements may need additional consideration.

Don't overlook the whole property

Heating should ideally be considered alongside insulation, ventilation and other planned renovation work.

If you're already undertaking substantial improvements, it may be more sensible to assess the building as a whole rather than treating the heating installation as an isolated project.

For additional guidance, visit France Rénov's official heating and hot water advice.

What the Government Simulator Cannot Tell You

Although the new simulator is a useful starting point, it is important to understand its limitations.

Completing the questionnaire does not mean that a particular heating system has been technically approved for your property.

The results should not be treated as:

• A detailed heat-loss calculation.
• A professional energy audit.
• Confirmation that an installation is technically feasible.
• A guaranteed estimate of future energy savings.
• A quotation for installation work.
• Confirmation that you qualify for government financial assistance.

A qualified professional will still need to assess the building, establish its heating requirements and determine whether the proposed system is appropriate.

Use the simulator to narrow down your options and prepare more informed questions before requesting quotations.

Can You Get Financial Assistance to Replace Your Heating in France?

Depending on your circumstances, financial assistance may be available for certain energy renovation projects.

French support schemes include MaPrimeRénov', energy-saving certificates (Certificats d'Économies d'Énergie or CEE) and other financing arrangements.

However, eligibility and funding conditions depend on several factors, including the type of work, your household circumstances, the property and the applicable scheme rules.

Do not assume that a heating system suggested by the simulator automatically qualifies for financial assistance.

Before signing a quotation or starting work, check the current requirements and application procedures.

Useful official resources include:

• France Rénov', for independent advice about energy renovation projects.
• Service Public: MaPrimeRénov', for official information about eligibility and funding conditions.

Where a scheme requires an RGE-qualified professional (Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement), check that the business holds the appropriate qualification for the specific work being proposed.

Before Hiring a Heating Installer in France

Once you have explored your options, the next step is finding a professional who can assess your property and recommend an appropriate installation.

Don't choose an installer solely because they offer the technology suggested by the simulator.

For a substantial heating project, consider asking the following questions:

1. Have you installed this type of heating system in properties similar to mine?
2. Will you carry out a heat-loss assessment before recommending equipment?
3. Is my existing central heating system compatible?
4. Are additional insulation or radiator improvements necessary?
5. What maintenance will the proposed system require?
6. What is included in the installation quotation?
7. Do you hold the appropriate insurance and qualifications?
8. Are any grants available, and what must I do before work begins?

You should also check the business's registration details, relevant insurance and experience.

For a more detailed explanation, read our guide: How to Check a French Tradesperson Before You Hire Them.

Understanding Your French Heating Installation Quote

In France, a written quotation is known as a devis.

Before accepting one, make sure you understand what the proposed price actually includes.

For heating installations, pay particular attention to:

• The equipment manufacturer and model.
• The proposed heating capacity.
• Installation labour and materials.
• Removal of existing equipment.
• Electrical or plumbing modifications.
• Any necessary radiator replacements.
• Commissioning and testing.
• Maintenance arrangements.
• Applicable VAT.
• Payment terms and expected completion dates.

Comparing quotations is useful, but the cheapest price is not necessarily the best choice if the proposed equipment, installation scope or aftercare differs.

Our guide to Understanding a French Devis: What Must Be Included in an Artisan's Quote explains what homeowners should look for before accepting a quotation.

Finding Local Heating and Renovation Professionals in Southwest France

Once you've explored the available heating options, finding an appropriate local professional is the next step.

For English-speaking property owners, this can involve additional challenges, particularly when trying to understand French technical terminology, compare quotations or arrange work remotely.

VeriLocal helps homeowners discover local businesses across southwest France, with information about their services, operating areas, languages and available verification details.

Whether you're renovating a farmhouse near Bergerac, updating a village property in Lot-et-Garonne or planning improvements elsewhere in the region, the aim is to make it easier to identify businesses relevant to your project.

You can also explore our guide to Finding English-Speaking Tradespeople in Dordogne.

Planning a heating or renovation project?

Tell VeriLocal what you need and explore suitable local professionals for your requirements.

Business verification helps you make more informed decisions, but it does not replace checking an installer's qualifications, insurance, quotation and suitability for your particular project.

Start With Independent Advice Before Making a Major Investment

Replacing your heating system is an important decision, especially when renovating an older French property.

The new government simulator provides a useful, independent first step. It allows you to explore renewable heating technologies and identify possibilities before approaching installers.

Use it alongside professional advice, consider your property's overall energy performance and take time to compare suitable solutions.

Try the free official heating simulator: https://france-chaleur-urbaine.beta.gouv.fr/chaleur-renouvelable

And when you're ready to explore local professionals, visit VeriLocal to find businesses serving southwest France.

Official Sources and Further Reading

This guide is based on information published by the following French public services:

1. Service Public: A New Simulator to Identify Renewable Heating Solutions for Your Home. Published 12 October 2026.
2. France Chaleur Urbaine: Official Renewable Heating Simulator.
3. France Rénov': Heating and Hot Water Advice.
4. Service Public: MaPrimeRénov' Eligibility and Conditions.

Information checked: 13 October 2026.

This guide provides general information for homeowners. It is not a substitute for a professional heating assessment, energy audit, financial advice or confirmation of grant eligibility. Individual property requirements and government assistance schemes may change.