Since January 1, 2026, the energy performance certificate (EPC) calculation has taken electric heating better into account. The electricity conversion factor dropped from 2.3 to 1.9, which can improve the energy rating of some homes without any additional work. However, a better rating does not necessarily mean a lower bill: insulation, heating controls, and usage habits remain key to reducing actual consumption.
EPC and electric heating: what changed on January 1, 2026
Since January 1, 2026, electricity has been given greater consideration in the EPC calculation. The conversion factor from final energy to primary energy dropped from 2.3 to 1.9. Homes with electric heating are particularly affected by this new calculation.
To understand this change, it helps to distinguish between two concepts. Final energy is the electricity consumed by the home and measured by the meter. Primary energy also takes into account the energy required to produce and deliver that electricity. The EPC uses this second figure to assess part of the home's conventional energy consumption.
With a lower factor, electricity consumption converted into primary energy is lower than before, for the same final energy consumption. The reform can therefore improve the energy rating of some homes, without any additional work.
- The electricity conversion factor dropped from 2.3 to 1.9.
- No home will receive a lower energy rating solely as a result of this reform.
- According to the Ministry of the Economy’s estimate of the 2026 EPC reform, around 850,000 homes could move out of ratings F and G thanks to the new calculation.
A further change is scheduled for January 1, 2027: the electricity conversion factor is set to drop from 1.9 to 1.7. This change could improve the EPC rating of some homes heated with electricity, without any additional work. Owners can check whether their home is eligible for an updated certificate via the ADEME DPE-Audit Observatory, in accordance with the applicable official procedures.
Please note, however, that this change to the calculation does not in itself reduce the number of kilowatt-hours consumed or the amount of the bill. It changes how the energy performance certificate is calculated, not how much electricity the home’s appliances use.
Do you need to get a new energy performance certificate after the 2026 reform?
An energy performance certificate issued before 2026 remains valid for its full validity period. However, if the home is heated with electricity, its owner can obtain a free updated certificate if the new calculation improves its energy rating. A new visit from the assessor is not required.
- Visit the official ADEME Energy Performance Certificate and Audit Observatory.
- Search for the assessment using its number, shown in the top right-hand corner of the energy performance certificate report.
- Check whether an updated certificate is available for your home.
- Download the certificate if one is available and attach it to the original energy performance certificate to support the updated rating.
Assessments carried out since January 1, 2026 directly incorporate the new coefficient. For homes with an older energy performance certificate, the update shows their rating under the revised system before any renovation work is considered.
Why does electric heating affect the energy performance certificate rating?
The energy performance certificate assesses a home’s energy and environmental performance based on standardized consumption. It takes into account heating, domestic hot water production, cooling, lighting, and auxiliary systems. Heating often accounts for a significant share of energy needs, particularly in poorly insulated homes.
The energy performance certificate takes two criteria into account: the home’s primary energy consumption and its greenhouse gas emissions. The final energy rating corresponds to the lower of the two ratings. The 2026 reform may improve the rating of some homes heated with electricity, but this does not necessarily mean that their actual consumption has decreased.
The calculation also takes into account the specific rules that apply to certain categories of housing, particularly small properties. To find out the thresholds and classification rules that apply to your property, consult the official information on the energy performance certificate.
The result therefore depends on more than just the type of radiator installed. Insulation, ventilation, the building's characteristics, and its heating and hot water systems also contribute to overall performance.
Home heated with electricity: can it still be rented?
In mainland France, rental bans based on energy performance are being phased in for the most energy-intensive homes. The 2026 DPE reform may change the rating of some homes heated with electricity. Before undertaking work or making a decision about renting a property, it is therefore worth checking whether an updated certificate is available.
| DPE rating | Rental status | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| G | Rental prohibited for the leases concerned, including renewals and automatic extensions | Since January 1, 2025 |
| F | Ban scheduled for the leases concerned | January 1, 2028 |
| E | Ban scheduled for the leases concerned | January 1, 2034 |
These deadlines apply to homes subject to energy efficiency standards for rental properties in mainland France. Check the official regulations to determine your situation, especially if there are specific circumstances relating to the lease or property.
To find out which requirements apply to your property, visit the Service-Public.fr page. If the property is rated F or G, updating the DPE after the reform is a useful first step before drawing up a renovation plan.
Choosing the right electric radiators to manage energy consumption
A radiator that is suited to the room and correctly adjusted can improve everyday comfort. However, replacing it alone will not necessarily improve the energy performance rating (DPE): insulation, heat loss and the home's other equipment are also taken into account.
Dry inertia radiators
Electric radiators with dry inertia store heat in a solid material, then release it gradually. This helps limit temperature fluctuations and provides more consistent thermal comfort.
Combined with a suitable thermostat and a well-planned schedule, this technology makes it possible to better match heating to actual needs. Heat continues to be released after the heating element switches off, but that does not mean the radiator produces heat without using energy.
Radiators with dual heating cores
Radiators with dual heating cores generally combine a responsive function that speeds up heating with an inertia core that helps stabilize warmth. This combination is useful when a room needs to heat up quickly and then maintain a more stable temperature.
However, the energy savings depend on the right sizing, temperature settings, and usage habits. Before replacing equipment, it’s useful to check the insulation and the power required for each room. An efficient radiator in a poorly insulated home cannot, on its own, make up for heat loss.
Program and control your heating to use less energy
Suitable programming helps limit unnecessary heating while maintaining a comfortable temperature when rooms are occupied. It affects actual energy consumption and electricity bills, even though the DPE is based on a standard calculation.
ADEME generally recommends the following guidelines:
- Around 19 °C in occupied living areas.
- Between 16 and 17 °C in bedrooms, depending on occupants’ needs and comfort.
- A lower temperature while you’re away, with programming tailored to how long you’ll be absent.
A 1 °C reduction in the set temperature can represent around 7% in heating savings, depending on usage conditions. This guideline should be considered alongside the ADEME recommendations for economical heating.
The control functions available on some Bestherm radiators can make this easier:
- Weekly programming: adjusts heating periods to your usual schedule.
- Open-window detection: heating is reduced or temporarily switched off when an opening is detected, depending on the model.
- Presence detector: on compatible models, including STELLINA and DIANE, the temperature adjusts to room occupancy. Discover our radiators with presence detectors.
- Smart control: you can control your radiators from your smartphone using connected electric radiators, depending on the model's features.
These features do not all have the same effects and depend on the model installed. Their purpose is to limit unnecessary heating periods and avoid maintaining a high temperature in an unoccupied room.
Room-by-room control completes this approach. A living room used all day, a bedroom occupied in the evening, and an occasionally used office do not necessarily need the same settings. Individual scheduling lets you adjust the heating to each use instead of maintaining the same temperature throughout the home.
Key takeaway: for an electrically heated home, checking the EPC after the 2026 reform is a useful first step. It lets you find out the updated rating before deciding which work may be needed.
The set temperature and heating habits play an important role in daily energy consumption. For more tips, see our advice on making energy savings at home.
Insulation: the priority step before changing your heating system
Insulation reduces heat loss and the home's energy needs. When the walls, roof, windows, or floors allow a significant amount of heat to escape, the heating system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.
Depending on the condition of the building, priorities may include:
- insulating the attic and roof;
- improving wall and floor insulation;
- replacing or improving the least efficient windows;
- addressing air leaks and thermal bridges while maintaining adequate ventilation.
The work to prioritize varies depending on the condition of the home. A poorly insulated roof, cold walls, or air leaks can lead to significant heat loss. Addressing these issues first reduces heating needs and then helps you choose a suitable radiator output for each room.
The detailed guidelines for sizing your radiators can help you make a more informed choice of equipment.
FAQ: DPE and electric heating
Is electric heating still a disadvantage for the DPE in 2026?
Electric heating has been less heavily penalized since January 1, 2026, with the conversion coefficient dropping from 2.3 to 1.9. A further change is planned for January 1, 2027, when the coefficient will be lowered to 1.7. These changes may improve the DPE rating of some homes without additional work, but they do not guarantee a better rating for every property or a lower electricity bill.
Is my DPE automatically updated following the reform?
DPE assessments carried out since January 1, 2026 automatically include the new coefficient. Earlier assessments remain valid and, where the rating improves, can be updated free of charge via ADEME's DPE-Audit Observatory, without another visit.
Can replacing radiators improve a home's DPE rating by one class?
Replacing radiators does not guarantee an improved rating. The rating depends in particular on standard energy consumption, emissions, insulation, and the characteristics of the equipment. Properly sized and regulated radiators can, however, help keep actual energy consumption under better control.
Can an F-rated home heated with electricity still be rented out?
In mainland France, homes rated F are still subject to the rental ban deadline of January 1, 2028, for applicable leases. The 2026 reform may change the rating of some electrically heated homes, so it is worth checking the updated certificate and applicable rules on the Service-Public.fr website.
What temperature should you set to use less energy?
ADEME generally recommends 19°C in living areas and 16 to 17°C in bedrooms. Lowering the temperature by one degree can reduce heating consumption by around 7%, depending on the home and how it is used.
Updated on 19/10/2026
