Who is this choice for?

Resident replacing an individual storage water heater

You need to get your hot water supply back up and running, but a replacement with a similar capacity will only be suitable if its dimensions, connections and mounting surface are right.

Homeowner short on space

Whether it’s going in a cupboard, kitchen or small bathroom, you’ll need to balance the space available, your hot water needs and access for maintenance.

Flat owner or tenant affected by a shared installation

If the hot water or ventilation depends on the building, first find out who manages the equipment and what permissions are needed. If you’re renting, contact your landlord before arranging a replacement.

What should you check before choosing?

First, find out whether the installation is shared with the building. Then you can compare the space available and your hot water needs with the requirements of the option you’re considering.

Criteria What to check What consumers are concerned about
Installation and permissions Check whether the hot water supply is individual or shared, then find out whether the work affects communal areas or requires the landlord’s permission. If the hot water depends on the building, I want to know who can approve the work before I order a unit. Around 31% of consumers would make this a priority.
Space and hot water capacity Measure the space and check access for maintenance; compare the usable capacity and reheating time with your household’s needs. In a small space, I’m looking for a unit that fits without leaving us short of hot water when it’s used several times in a row; nearly 25% of consumers would prioritise this balance.
Heat pump water heater project Ask a professional to check the air intake, ventilation, condensate drainage, noise and positioning. If I’m considering a heat pump water heater, I want to check that it can work in my flat without affecting ventilation or disturbing the neighbours. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise checking that it’s suitable.
Grants and applications Check the requirements of the scheme you’re considering, the equipment you’ve chosen and the steps you need to take before committing. Before agreeing to the work, I want to know which grants may apply to my project and what formalities I need to follow; around 19% of consumers would make this their main concern.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Ordering an individual storage water heater without checking the existing installation

    If the hot water comes from shared equipment, an individual unit may not be suitable. According to ANIL, work affecting communal areas or the building’s structure requires permission from the co-owners’ association.

    Ask the property manager or landlord to explain how the installation works and what permissions are needed before choosing a model.

  • Choosing a compact model based on depth alone

    A unit that fits in the cupboard may still not meet your hot water needs when it’s used several times in a row. Equally, don’t choose a large capacity without considering your household’s usage.

    Measure the space and compare the usable capacity and reheating time with your household’s routine.

  • Assuming a heat pump water heater will suit any flat

    The air intake, ventilation, condensate drainage and noise all need to be suitable for the property and, depending on the project, comply with the co-owners’ association’s rules.

    Before buying, ask a professional to assess the location and air intake method, including any ducting and access for maintenance.

  • Relying on MaPrimeRénov’ before checking the scheme

    Under Decree No. 2026-822, published on Légifrance, MaPrimeRénov’ grants for individual upgrades to heat pumps dedicated to domestic hot water were withdrawn for applications submitted from 1 September 2026. CEE support for a storage heat pump water heater may still be available, subject to conditions.

    Before committing to the work, check the rules that apply to your property and equipment, as well as the order in which you need to complete the application steps.

Brands to consider for your project

The product ranges offered by these manufacturers can help you shortlist models to look into. You’ll still need to check that each specific model is compatible with your installation.

Atlantic

Atlantic offers electric and heat pump water heaters. Its range of electric models includes capacities from 15 to 300 L and several designs, including wall-mounted, compact and under-sink units.

  • These designs give you a range of options to consider when replacing an individual storage water heater.
  • You’ll still need to check the dimensions, fixings and connections for the model you choose.

Thermor

Thermor’s French range includes flat, compact and wall-mounted electric water heaters, as well as heat pump models.

  • Flat or compact models are worth considering when depth is limited.
  • The design alone doesn’t confirm whether there’ll be enough hot water or whether the wall can support the unit.

Ariston

Ariston offers wall-mounted heat pump water heaters, with air intake options that vary by model.

  • A wall-mounted or ducted model could be worth considering if your property’s layout allows it to be installed.
  • The air intake method, ventilation, condensate drainage and noise all need to be assessed for your flat.

Water heaters on Joybuy

Products suited to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need permission to replace a water heater in a co-owned building?

According to ANIL, permission from the co-owners’ association is needed if the work affects communal areas or the building’s structure. Before buying, check whether the project involves ducting, shared ventilation, the façade or a shared hot water installation.

If you’re renting, who pays to replace a faulty water heater?

According to ANIL, major repairs, including those needed due to wear and tear, are generally the landlord’s responsibility. Routine maintenance and minor repairs usually fall to the tenant. Before arranging a replacement, discuss the cause of the fault and the condition of the property with your landlord.

Can a heat pump water heater be installed in any flat?

No. Installation depends on whether a suitable air intake is possible, as well as ventilation and available space. Ask a professional to check the location, condensate drainage and noise, along with any work that could affect the co-owners’ association.

Does MaPrimeRénov’ still cover an individual heat pump water heater?

For applications submitted from 1 September 2026, Decree No. 2026-822, published on Légifrance, removes MaPrimeRénov’ grants for individual upgrades to heat pumps used to produce domestic hot water. CEE support may be available for a storage heat pump water heater if the property, equipment and work meet the applicable requirements. Check these before committing.