Home energy label: how does it work exactly?

Navigating the complexities of energy labels when purchasing a home can significantly impact your future expenses and environmental footprint. Understanding these labels not only helps you anticipate energy costs but also reveals opportunities to enhance your home's efficiency and value—essential knowledge for any prospective homeowner. Curious about how to ensure your home meets energy standards and boosts your investment? Read on to explore how a detailed building inspection can provide the insights you need.

When you're considering buying a house, it's helpful to have an idea of your future energy costs. These will largely determine your housing expenses. That's why every house, just like electrical appliances, has an energy label.

Provisional energy label

Since 2008, every homeowner has been required to provide their energy label to potential buyers, but this was previously rarely done. In 2014, the House of Representatives therefore approved a method to simplify the energy label process. Homeowners without a label received a provisional energy label in January 2015. This label was based on information such as the property type, year of construction, and surface area.

Different energy classes

The energy label shows how energy-efficient a particular home is compared to similar homes. It also provides advice on measures that can be taken to save energy. The energy label is classified as A++ through G, ranging from dark green for very efficient to red for very inefficient. The label a home receives is based on its monthly energy consumption per square meter.

Energy label A++ home: less than 0.5 gigajoules
Energy label A+ home: less than 0.7 gigajoules
Energy label A: less than 1.05 gigajoules
Energy label B for a home: less than 1.3 gigajoules
Energy label C home: less than 1.6 gigajoules
Energy label D for a home: less than 2.0 gigajoules
Energy label E for a home: less than 2.4 gigajoules
Energy label F home: less than 2.9 gigajoules
Energy label G home: More than 2.9 gigajoules

Definitive energy label

The provisional energy label can be converted into a definitive energy label after installation of solar panels or underfloor insulation, for example. The energy label can be prepared by certified consultants, who, among other things, pay attention to insulation and installations for heating and hot water. Based on this data, the consultant issues an energy index, which determines the home's energy class. After receiving the definitive energy label, you meet the legal requirements for selling. For a new-build home for which the building permit was applied for less than 10 years ago, an energy label is not mandatory; however, an energy performance coefficient (EPC) is sufficient.

Building inspection

Making your home more energy-efficient can increase its value, contribute to a better environment, and provide greater comfort. Want to avoid unpleasant surprises regarding energy costs when buying a new home? Request a building inspection from Homekeur! We'll provide you with a comprehensive report, so you'll know exactly how your house is doing. For more information, please feel free to contact us without obligation.

Easily request an energy label for your home

The cost of an energy label (up to 190 m²) is only €349 including VAT. A certified energy advisor will visit you, inspect the property, and officially register the energy label in EP-online. If the property is larger than 190 m², we charge €0.65 per additional square meter. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and, if desired, can schedule an appointment with a certified advisor right away!

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