Reference
French home energy terms explained in plain English
Contractors write their quotes in French. Official subsidy forms use abbreviations. Inspectors quote regulations by number. If you're an English speaker trying to understand what's actually being proposed, this glossary is a reference you can come back to. Each entry explains what the term means, why it matters, and what to do about it.
A
- Auto-consommation: self-consumption of solar electricity; what it means and how the French system works
C
- CEE: Certificats d'Economies d'Energie; the energy supplier subsidy scheme that runs alongside MaPrimeRenov'
D
- Devis: the written quote that is legally binding once you sign it
- DPE: Diagnostic de Performance Energetique; France's energy performance certificate for properties
M
- MaPrimeRenov': the French government's main grant for energy-efficiency renovations
P
- PAC (Pompe a chaleur): the French term for heat pump; what it covers and how the technology works
R
- RGE certification: the quality certification contractors need before you can claim most French energy subsidies
V
- VMC: Ventilation Mecanique Controlee; France's standard mechanical ventilation system
More entries are being added. If there's a term you've come across that you'd like explained, send it to us and we'll add it.