French Government Maintains Heat Pump Expansion Targets: Heat Pump Boom in France Drives Demand Up by 143 Percent

Paris (France) – The heat pump market in France is currently experiencing a significant surge in demand. According to the French newspaper La Tribune Dimanche, demand in April 2026 increased by 143 percent compared to the same month last year. The reasons cited include the ongoing energy crisis, uncertainty around gas prices, and the political debate over stronger electrification of the heating sector.

“Already in March, we saw significantly increased interest in heat pumps, but April broke all records,” Audrey Zermati, Strategy Director at renovation company Effy, was quoted as saying in the newspaper. According to the company, subsidy applications have increased disproportionately, particularly among higher-income households.

The cost of installing a heat pump averages around €15,000, according to La Tribune Dimanche, but can be significantly reduced through support schemes such as MaPrimeRénov and energy savings certificates. For lower-income households, costs can drop to around €4,000. In addition, leasing models are planned from autumn 2026 to spread investment costs over several years.

The technology is also gaining political importance: the French government aims to install nearly one million heat pumps by 2030. At the same time, adjustments to the energy performance rating of buildings are being discussed, which could result in electrically heated homes being rated more favorably in the future.

However, the industry also warns that the focus on heat pumps must not come at the expense of building insulation. “If homes converted to electricity are not sufficiently insulated, there is a risk of high electricity bills and a feeling of betrayal among households,” Zermati from Effy further warned.

Source: IWR Online, 19 May 2026