Choose a green heating (geothermal, solar, biomass)

There are different types of heating systems that allow green to save money on your electricity bill. Choose between a solar heating, geothermal heat pump, or heating with wood can be a real headache. Know the advantages and disadvantages of each will help you in your choice.

Solar heating

You can use it in all regions, although of course more effective in the south of France. The installation of solar panels (on the roof or in the garden of your house) you are entitled to a tax credit of 50%.
Good to know : the Government intends to reduce this tax credit of 10%. It must still await the adoption of the 2011 budget to see if this reduction is adopted.
The major drawback of this ecological heating is that you will probably associate it with a backup system.

Heat pumps

The geothermal heating
This system allows you to obtain full autonomy and is therefore very economical.
The disadvantage is that installation involves heavy work and a large flat ground. It is better to install this type of environmentally friendly heating when building your home if you have a large garden.
Indeed, it is "heat pumps" buried, that capture heat from the ground, and spread evenly throughout your home, with heated floors or low temperature radiators. Your site must measure 1.5 to 2 times the surface to be heated.

Air heating
These pumps draw heat into the air. Their installation entitles you to a tax credit of 50%, which could be reduced by 10% with the adoption of the 2011 budget. Please note, air-PAC are not eligible for tax credit.
The advantage over the geothermal is that you can install it in a small field and the work is less heavy.
By cons, you'll probably need a backup system when it is very cold.
Note : some aerothermal heaters can also provide cooling in summer.

Biomass and environmental heating

The wood used to combine ecology and heating. Wood boilers for central heating, fireplaces or inserts and closed to heat a room are very effective. More wood is not very expensive.
The disadvantage is that you need a large space for storing fuel.
Some devices work not with wood logs, but with granules. These heaters are more efficient and easy to use, but they must be connected to work.