FRANCE – In France many policies have been implemented for the environmental protection in order to encourage individuals to be concerned about environmental issues. These incentives are often designed to increase the enthusiasm of the French to renewable energy and reducing the environmental impact of human and industrial activities.

In connection with these policies and their impact on consumer habits, a study from July 2014 by Institut d’études de marché et d’opinion BVA published in conjunction with ADEME reveal encouraging facts.

The Hot Water, a French Concern

The desire of households to reduce their environmental impact, partly explains their attitude to DHW energy saving systems. But this need to seek ECS-efficient equipment is also related to an overestimation of the cost. According to households that participated in the study, the cost was estimated as 19%, while actually it is between 10 and 15%.

Other interesting findings related to the attitude of the plumbing and heating professionals, which somehow is at odds with that of households.

Review of Professionals in the Field

If households usually choose ECS efficient solutions, professionals have more difficulties to accommodate them and push homeowners towards DHW solutions. The findings of BVA show that installers and manufacturers have a lack of interest in issues of energy reduction and tend to suggest well “known” product brands instead of advising consumers on best energy-efficient practises.

Products from famous brands are easier to sell as far as the arguments of guarantee and repair are concerned. All innovations and energy reduction outside these core products are given little or no encouragement.

The impact of installers is obvious because they have a monopoly on the maintenance and management of this type of equipment. The French prefer to have their domestic appliances repaired by professionals rather than tinker with them themselves. They therefore have every confidence in a professional opinion that advises them on the purchase of a new boiler.

Between users turned to efficient equipment ECS, and more pragmatic professionals preferring the safety of major brands, a balance in the market has been maintained. This also explains the slow market penetration of new technologies.