Unexpected good news for many French people.
A breath of fresh air. Faced with soaring energy prices for many months, many French people are looking for alternative solutions to heat their homes at lower costs. However, it is not always possible to escape the increase in the cost of electricity or gas, especially when you live in collective housing. For individual homes, another option exists, which nearly two million French people have switched to. A choice that seems to be paying off for their finances, especially this winter.
For several years, a heating method different from traditional radiators has been spreading in homes: the pellet stove. A booming market since professionals in the sector have counted around 180-200,000 new installations each year since 2021. Prized for the savings they make, the models naturally vary according to needs, depending on the surface area you want to heat as well as the level of insulation of the home.
To fuel them, wood stove owners use pellets (or granules, according to the local name). A raw material that is purchased in large quantities, in bags. On average, you need to use about two tons of pellets to heat your home during the winter. Which has a cost, undeniably. But it will go down this year. To do this, you should not delay in stocking up for the coming winter because costs are (almost) at their lowest.
After peaking at 550 euros per tonne of bagged pellets at the beginning of September 2023, it has now fallen to 380 euros. Average prices, across France, which therefore allow you to save 340 euros compared to last year, for a home that requires two tonnes of pellets. The tonne of bulk pellets has also varied downwards: 500 euros per tonne a year ago, 330€ today. These prices vary depending on the region.
It is therefore better not to delay in stocking up before demand becomes too high and prices start to rise again. These savings will always be good for your wallet.