French DIY chain to stop selling ‘low efficiency’ air con units
Leroy Merlin claims some models use too much energy for the gain they give
Models that can not also heat homes are no longer deemed energy efficient enough by the chain
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Major French DIY chain Leroy Merlin is to stop selling certain air conditioning units as it deems them to be too energy inefficient.
Air conditioning units that are not ‘reversible’ models – those that can both heat and cool homes – are being phased out, and will not be sold from 2025 onwards.
Non-reversible units (those that only produce cold air) are “clearly not the most efficient, nor the most energy-efficient,” models, said Joachim Pommeret, product manager for air conditioning units at the chain.
The decision to phase out sales of these units was made two years ago, he added.
What units will still be sold?
From 2025 onwards, only reversible units will be found in Leroy Merlin shops.
These are usually called climatisations réversibles or pompes à chaleur air-air.
Although these are generally more expensive, they have the added benefit of providing hot air to heat homes in winter.
The company hopes to see a spike in sales of these units, driving producers to make them more “useful, accessible and environmentally friendly,” for the public, Mr Pommeret added.
It also hopes that the change in strategy will push more suppliers into rethinking the units they supply to the market, and focus on reversible models.
Leroy Merlin is the first major DIY chain to make such an announcement, but others may follow if the change is successful.
In some cases, the purchase and installation of a reversible air conditioning unit can be partially covered by government eco-renovation grants.
You should be aware that some scammers will try to trick you into installing units with the promise of government assistance – that does not exist – and try to force you into signing an official devis (quote) with inflated prices.
Use our article below to see which financial aid is possible, and never sign a devis without getting quotes from multiple tradespeople.
Read more: Air conditioning at French home: what aid is available to install this?
