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Controlling energy consumption is one of the major challenges facing companies this winter. This includes controlling the use of heating and air conditioning on your premises.
The regulations specify the temperatures to be respected. Let's take a look.
1) What heating temperatures?
Limits for heating were introduced during the oil crisis of the 1970s.
For offices, ERP and housing :
Articles R. 241-25 to R. 241-29-1 of the French Energy Code set maximum temperatures for heating offices, establishments open to the public (ERP) and homes.
The upper temperature limit for heating in these buildings is set at 19°C.
During unoccupied periods, the upper limits are set :
- at 16°C for an unoccupied period of 24 to 48 hours,
- and at 8°C for 48 hours or more.
Note: these limits are, however, in contradiction with ergonomic recommendations for screen work. L'INRS recommends 21-23° in winter.
For other premises :
The decree of July 25, 1977 sets the upper heating limits for various categories of premises: scientific, sports, craft, industrial, commercial or agricultural.
For industrial premises during business periods :
- Premises where heating is required for processing or preserving products: Temperature limit freely set according to technical constraints.
- Premises where non-sedentary work is carried out: temperature limit in principle set by the prefect, after consulting the labor inspectorate, but not exceeding 18°C (if no limit is set by the prefect, use 18°C as a reference).
- Other production areas: 19°C
For non-activity industrial premises :
Premises with a maximum active heating temperature of 16°C: 8°C when unoccupied for at least 48 hours;
Premises with an operating heating limit temperature above 16°C :
- 16°C if unoccupied for more than 24 hours but less than 48 hours;
- 8°C if unoccupied for at least 48 hours;
- Temperature limit not imposed for premises requiring a higher temperature for reasons of product preservation.
Penalties?
5th-class fine (€1,500 for individuals and €7,500 for legal entities):
- in the event of infringement of these provisions (double in the event of a repeat offence).
- in the event of opposition to the performance of the duties of the officers responsible for recording these offences.
2) When to run the air conditioning?
Since 2007, article R. 241-30 of the French Energy Code has forbidden the use of air-conditioning if the temperature inside the premises does not exceed 26°C.
This prohibition does not apply to :
- buildings or parts of buildings which, because of the constraints associated with their use, must guarantee specific temperature, humidity or air quality conditions;
- housing ;
- premises and establishments where medical care is given to outpatients;
- Hospitals ;
- dwellings, premises and establishments where elderly people or young children are housed or accommodated.
3) Automatic temperature control system
Some buildings are required to install an automatic temperature control system, by room or, if justified, by heated zone of the building.
Buildings concerned :
- Buildings for which the building permit is submitted on or after July 21, 2021;
- existing buildings (= building permit filed before July 21, 2021), if work to install or replace heat generators (e.g. boilers, etc.) is undertaken on or after July 21, 2021. The obligation then applies to the owner of the emitters connected to the installed or replaced generator.
Exemptions :
- the heating system's heat generator is an independent wood-burning appliance,
- for existing buildings, if the owners produce a study establishing that the installation of an automatic temperature control system per room or heated zone is not feasible with a payback period of less than 6 years.
Photo credit: 538080030 @Rawf8