Household heating costs in France averaged €1,683 last year, but bills varied substantially by type of energy source used.

A recent survey carried out by independent energy consultants Quelle Energie found average household heating costs increased by 4.5% in 2017.

The bill was was highest for those who used oil, whose costs rose by 18% compared to 2016, to reach an average of €2,230.

Electricity and gas consumption costs were stable, with the average electricity heating bill coming in at €1,750, and gas heating costs an average annual cost of €1,475.

The cheapest form of heating was wood, with average heating costs of €769, a decrease of 5% compared to 2016.

However, although oil-based heating appeared the most expensive energy source, this was only the case because most of those who used it occupied a larger property.

If analysed on a square metre basis then those who used electricity had the most expensive running costs, as follows:

• Electricity - €16.10/m2
• Oil - €14.90/m2
• Gas - €12.20/m2
• Wood - €5.90/m2

The study offers no analysis by geographic area, and neither is the level of insulation considered, but the survey was based on 17,000 respondents living in different types of property throughout the country. Accordingly, although the figures can only be used as a broad indication of running costs, the authors consider it a representative sample.

Apart from running costs those proposing to install new heating in their French property are also likely to be influenced by other factors, such as capital and maintenance costs, which would make electricity a more interesting proposition. There are also the inconveniences and limitations of a wood burner, but which may be made more palatable by the tax credit that is available towards the purchase costs.

Since January 2018 there has been a large increase on the tax imposed on domestic oil (taxe sur le fioul - TICPE), increasing from €118.90 for 1000 litres to €156.20, an increase of €37.30 per m3. It has risen nearly threefold since 2014.