Significant changes are looming on the horizon for heating systems in France, and if you haven’t invested in a smart thermostat yet, now is the time. Starting January 1, 2027, a new law will require all buildings—whether new or existing—to be equipped with programmable thermostats. The law, introduced in 2023, aims to improve energy efficiency across the country and help reduce heating costs, but it will also require changes in the management of our home heating systems.
Since 2018, the installation of a thermostat has been mandatory when installing a new heating system, but this decree goes further by expanding requirements to include older systems. If you haven’t upgraded yet, you have three years to comply before the regulations come into effect.
Why this change? Energy efficiency and savings
This initiative for energy efficiency is part of a broader effort to reduce energy consumption and decrease CO2 emissions. According to ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), installing a programmable thermostat can save up to 15% on energy bills. The idea is that by automating your heating and cooling systems, you’ll use energy more efficiently, ensuring you don’t heat an empty home or run heating longer than necessary.
In the past, only new heating systems were required to have these devices, but now it will apply to every building—whether old or new. This means that if you live in an old house or apartment, you’ll need to ensure that your heating system includes a thermostat capable of managing temperatures more accurately.
What is required: Precision and control
A thermostat is not just about turning the heating on and off; it’s about controlling the temperature of your home precisely. The new decree states that thermostats must be programmable, allowing adjustments based on the time of day or day of the week. This can be done either through a physical control unit or via an app on your smartphone or computer.
These smart thermostats will have four specific temperature settings:
- Comfort
- Reduced (lower temperature for energy savings)
- Frost protection
- Off
The law also allows for the use of connected thermostats—that is, those that can be controlled remotely via an app—and even smart thermostats that adjust based on factors such as weather or user routine. However, basic models that merely feature an on/off switch or manual controls without precise temperature monitoring will no longer be permitted.
Who is affected? Every building counts
The new law impacts all types of buildings, from individual homes and apartments to office buildings. Whether you live in a newly built house or an older property, you will need to install a smart thermostat to comply with the rules. The only exceptions concern heating systems that require manual fuel loading, such as traditional wood stoves. However, even in this case, you may still need a thermostat if it is technically feasible.
The new law concerns sustainability, and it will apply equally across all sectors. Whether you own a small house, an apartment in a shared building, or manage a large office complex, you’ll need to act before 2027.
What happens if you don’t comply?
While the decree specifies what is required, it is still unclear how enforcement will be carried out. Currently, there are no clearly defined penalties for non-compliance, but it is likely that additional measures will be introduced before the law takes effect in 2027.
Another aspect to consider is the Boost Pilot Program, which will no longer be available after November 22, 2024. This program offered subsidies for the installation of heating control systems, but starting next year, this support will be gradually phased out. So, if you’re considering installing a smart thermostat, it’s best to act now to take advantage of the financial assistance available.
What’s next?
With only three years remaining, the countdown to the new heating regulations has begun. Whether you are modernizing an existing system or installing a new one, it’s time to prepare for a smarter, more energy-efficient future. With savings, sustainability, and comfort at stake, this is the perfect opportunity to switch to a smart thermostat. Don’t wait until the last minute—start planning now to ensure you are ahead when 2027 knocks on the door.
