If all public aid now points towards the electric heat pump (PAC) and the government promises us an action plan to produce a million of these devices from 2027, this solution is not always miraculous. Moreover, between sometimes complex financing systems and a surge in electricity prices compared to those of gas, the sector is currently experiencing some difficulties. Without forgetting the fact that this equipment no longer necessarily benefits from a ten-year guarantee when it is installed during a renovation.
For their part, Barbara and Philip Wrigley, a couple in their 80s who have lived in the Channel for more than 20 years, are also among those disappointed with the heat pump. Or more precisely the heat pump for 1 euro. This means-tested system launched in 2019 still exists even if a whole series of parameters must be combined to add up the aid from MaPrimeRénov and the Energy Saving Certificates to cancel the bill. Referred to this help by friends, the couple living in Cretteville thought they had made a good deal by replacing their 19-year-old but still functional gas boiler with a brand new heat pump, in December 2022.
Months without heating
For more than a year, everything worked well, as Barbara told the Channel Press while lamenting that “the bills were larger than we expected.” But things took a turn for the worse on January 19, 2024 when the heating stopped working. “We went through a company in the Paris region, Isoprobat, explains Barbara to Figaro. But after a few exchanges, she never responded to our requests again. I don't understand how this is possible because the device was still under warranty. We took out a local service contract but the company told us the manufacturer did not have the parts. Nobody wants to intervene and tell us that it’s up to the installer to take care of it.” After months without heat, the couple could no longer afford to wait. “We finally contacted a company in Cherbourg for new equipment without any help for a quote of 12,381 euros.”
“The responsibility actually lies with the installer, explains Audrey Zermati, director of strategy at Effy, a company specializing in supporting energy renovation work. And it turns out that there are several unscrupulous companies, often located north of Paris and specializing in these 1-euro heat pump installations.” Unlike 1 euro insulation where it was very rare to have an excellent result, the specialist emphasizes that the formula is not intrinsically bad but you have to be very vigilant.
Review the quotes
“The first point is to avoid any cold calling, recalls Audrey Zermati. Then, do not hesitate to request several quotes. Even if it only costs one euro in the end, you need to know what you are being offered. It is then always a good idea to find out about the company offering the service and assess its seriousness. Last thing, and not least: it is better to find a company that provides installation and maintenance and must therefore make a long-term commitment.” This is indeed the choice made by Barbara and Philip who turned to a local service provider ensuring installation and maintenance. A lesson paid for almost 12,400 euros.
