Undertaking energy renovations can be the ultimate solution if your building is what is known as an “energy leak”. This renovation will allow you to perform energy savings, thus reducing your energy bills while improving comfort.
The implementation of energy renovations can also be part of an ecological transition approach, which is increasingly encouraged by the government. This is why you can benefit from various state aids, depending on your situation.
Here are a few steps to follow to identify your energy expenditure items and start your energy renovation work calmly.
Step 1 / Identify your energy expenditure items
Before undertaking your first energy renovations, it is important to understand where your expenses are coming from, in order to measure the scope of your investment.
Usually, it is the heating system that is most involved. Domestic hot water comes in second place and represents about 10% of the annual bill.
In businesses, energy losses can come from the heating system, but also from insulation or ventilation. When operating on a whole building stock, it is all the more important to know exactly where the losses come from.
Step 2 / Prioritize your energy saving renovations
Identifying the weak points in your building allows you to focus first on the energy renovations that has the highest priority and is the most cost-effective in terms of energy savings.
Energy renovations that affects the building envelope, such as thermal insulation, window replacement, or changing the ventilation system, can help you achieve your goals for improving your overall energy performance relatively quickly.
Above all, they take priority over the installation of a new heating system, for example. Even if the new system is very efficient, it will not be able to do anything if your building does not keep the heat within its walls… It will therefore be necessary to renovate. Thermal insulation, if it is necessary, should therefore be thought of first.
The management of incoming and outgoing air and humidity must also absolutely accompany your thermal insulation work. It is possible to install a single or double flow CMV, and possibly to invest in an air circulation management system in your home.
Then, you can opt for a high-performance heating system that adapts to the nature of your building, its geographical location and the uses to which it is put.
Gas boiler, heat pump, cogeneration system, etc. To choose your heating system, you will have to take into account all the constraints of your building. Remember to include in your consideration the level of return on investment in relation to the purchase price as well as existing subsidies.
Step 3 / Take an overview of the financial support you can benefit from
There are many government programs available to help you finance your energy improvements. Most of them concern a package of renovations, i.e. a set of renovations on several energy optimization stations. Quite simply because the government is betting on the greatest profitability in terms of energy savings of multi-source works.
Among these financial supports, the CITE (Tax Credit for Energy Transition) covers up to 30% of the amount of your renovation. The incentives paid by energy suppliers under the CEE (Energy Savings Certificate) program are also interesting. For example, there is the “coup de pouce isolation” bonus for thermal work and the boiler conversion bonus for the installation of a less energy consuming boiler system.
The anah, National Housing Agency, offers grants called “Habiter Mieux Sérénité”. You can also have appeal to the Eco-PTZ zero-rate loan and benefit from a reduced VAT rate if it is proven that you are performing your renovation or installation with the aim of reducing your energy consumption and optimizing your energy performance.