Renovation is often expensive, but can be worthwhile when selling the property due to a higher purchase price. It depends on the individual case and should be assessed in advance by a professional.
The energy performance certificate documents the energy standard of a house in a summary form, i.e., how much energy the house consumes. This is simplified using energy efficiency classes. The scale ranges from class A+, which is a very good consumption value, to class H, which indicates very high energy consumption. You will also find general information about the building, such as the year it was built and the type of heating, e.g., oil or gas.
Preparation of the energy performance certificate
When creating the certificate, it is important to pay attention to who is issuing it. There are many inexpensive offers on the Internet, but you should be careful, as the quality is often poor. The safest option is to seek advice. Thanks to their many years of experience, real estate experts know who can issue you with a suitable energy performance certificate. These are usually qualified and certified professionals such as architects, engineers, master craftsmen with additional training, or energy consultants. You should ensure that the consultants are independent. You can find lists of independent and qualified experts at the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), the KfW banking group, or the German Energy Agency (dena).
Difference between energy demand certificate and energy performance certificate
There are two types of energy performance certificates: the energy demand certificate and the energy consumption certificate. The difference between the two can be remembered with this little mnemonic: the energy demand certificate requires a calculation. And one that is not based on consumption values. This is often the case for new construction projects. Future energy consumption must be determined during the planning phase using a complex calculation. This takes into account all factors such as the insulation of the exterior walls, the energy classes of the windows, and the heating technology. However, the location of the building and its design also play a role. The theoretical basis for this calculation is always the same so that the energy values of buildings can be compared objectively. Nevertheless, the values should be viewed with caution. This is because they do not take into account individual heating behavior or the typical energy consumption of a household.
The actual consumption values of a household are always individual and depend on the comfort zone in which the residents feel comfortable. Those who like to take long showers and enjoy a cozy 24 degrees Celsius in their home will naturally have a poorer energy balance than consumers who regularly turn off the heating when they leave the house.
The decisive factor is therefore heating and hot water usage. The energy performance certificate indicates the actual energy consumption of a house by measuring the real consumption. It is calculated using the figures for heating and hot water. Both are expressed in kilowatt hours per year and square meter of floor space. The calculation is usually based on heating bills from the last three years. Although the consumption certificate is not as informative as the energy performance certificate, it is cheaper to produce.
The energy performance certificate is like a profile for a residential building: it provides transparent information about its energy efficiency
Energy performance certificates make properties comparable – anyone looking to buy or rent an apartment or house should be able to see what consumption and energy costs they can expect.
Do you have any further questions about energy performance certificates? Contact us, we will be happy to advise you without obligation!