Heating in France 2025: Which System Costs Least — Wood, Gas, Oil or Electricity?
Compare the real cost of heating your home in France in 2025 — wood, gas, oil and electricity. Discover which system is cheapest and how to reduce your winter energy bills.
Updated November 2025 — based on national averages and current energy price trends.
Temperatures have dropped sharply across France, with snow already falling in several regions — and once again, the question returns: which type of heating is truly the most economical? Whether you live in a country farmhouse, a village longère, or a modern pavillon, heating is one of the biggest household expenses. And with rising food prices and high energy bills, families are looking harder than ever at how to keep warm for less.
This guide breaks down the real costs of heating with wood, gas, oil and electricity in France today, based on usage for an average 120 m² home. It also explains maintenance needs, installation costs, and which systems offer the best long-term value.
🔥 Quick Overview: What’s Happening With Heating Costs in 2025?
- Wood prices have increased slightly due to strong demand, but remain among the cheapest options.
- Gas prices remain volatile as Europe continues to rebalance its energy supply.
- Fuel oil (fioul) remains one of the most expensive systems and faces phase-out pressure.
- Electric heating depends heavily on insulation — cheap in some homes, extremely costly in others.
One third of French households already report struggling with energy bills — as highlighted in our related report:
READ MORE: More than a third of French households struggle to pay their energy bills.
📊 Comparison Table: Heating Costs for a 120 m² Home in France (2025)
| Heating Type | Annual Cost (€) | Maintenance | Installation Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood (logs or pellets) | €900–€1,500 | Chimney sweep + service (€80–€150/yr) | €2,000–€12,000 depending on stove/boiler | Cheapest energy; renewable; works well for rural homes | Storage space needed; prices rising in winter |
| Gas (natural gas) | €1,500–€2,000 | Annual boiler service (€120–€150) | €3,000–€8,000 | Stable heat; good for modern houses; easy to regulate | Not available in many rural areas; prices fluctuate |
| Fuel Oil (fioul) | €2,200–€3,000 | Boiler service (€150–€200) | €7,000–€12,000 | Powerful heat output; already installed in many old homes | One of the most expensive forms; being phased out |
| Electric (radiators or heat pump) | €1,200–€3,500 (huge variation) | Low for radiators / moderate for heat pumps | €1,000–€2,000 (radiators) €8,000–€20,000 (heat pump) | Simple setup; clean; heat pumps can be very economical | Very costly in poorly insulated homes |
Note: Numbers are national averages. Rural homes with poor insulation can spend significantly more.
🔥 1. Wood Heating — Still the Cheapest Option in Rural France
For many rural households, wood remains the best value, especially when using a modern, efficient stove or pellet boiler.
Our detailed breakdown of firewood pricing shows regional differences:
READ ALSO: Firewood: Price Map in France.
Why wood is cheapest:
- Lower price per kWh than gas or electricity
- Pellets offer consistent heat at reasonable cost
- Wood stoves can heat a whole home with minimal electricity
Best for:
Large homes, older rural buildings, expats with land, houses with open living areas.
🔥 2. Natural Gas — Reliable, But Only If Your Home Has Access
Gas remains a mid-range option. When connected, it offers consistent heat and is easy to regulate. But many rural communes simply don’t have natural gas networks.
Gas prices remain volatile due to global supply pressures.
Best for:
Urban or suburban homes already equipped with gas boilers.
🔥 3. Fuel Oil (Fioul) — Powerful but Increasingly Expensive
Fioul is still used in thousands of rural homes, but it is the most expensive major heating type and is progressively being discouraged by the government.
Expect higher taxes and rising costs over the next few years.
Best for:
Older rural homes where upgrading hasn’t yet been feasible.
🔥 4. Electric Heating — A Wide Range of Costs
Electric heating is tricky to assess because the cost depends entirely on insulation and the type of system:
- Basic radiators are expensive for large homes
- New-generation radiators are better but still pricey in cold regions
- Heat pumps (air-to-air or air-to-water) can be among the most economical options
Off-peak electricity changes are also affecting some households, as explained in our recent article:
READ ALSO: Off-Peak Hours Are Changing — Are You Concerned?.
💶 Which Heating Type Is Cheapest in 2025?
1. Wood (logs/pellets) — cheapest option overall
2. Heat pumps — cheap to run, expensive to install
3. Natural gas — mid-range
4. Electricity (radiators) — expensive for large homes
5. Fuel oil — most expensive
🔧 Maintenance & Safety — Often Overlooked Costs
Every system except simple electric radiators requires annual servicing:
- Boilers (gas/oil): €120–€200
- Heat pumps: €150–€250 every 2 years
- Wood stoves: mandatory chimney sweep (€70–€100)
🏠 A Realistic Example: A Rural 120 m² House in Pays de la Loire
A typical older house with average insulation might spend:
- Wood: €1,200/year
- Gas: €1,800/year (if connected)
- Electric radiators: €2,400–€3,000/year
- Heat pump: €1,000–€1,600/year
- Oil: €2,500–€3,000/year
🎯 Final Advice: Choosing the Right Heating System
Before investing in a new heating system, consider:
- Your insulation level (biggest cost factor)
- Your region and climate
- Fuel availability (gas network, wood suppliers, pellet availability)
- Your budget for installation
- Your long-term plans (renovation, retirement, resale)
And for many rural households, a combination approach works best:
wood stove + electric radiators or heat pump + pellet stove.