Renovating a home isn't just a matter of aesthetics, modernizing spaces, or improving functionality. Taking advantage of renovations to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of the home has become a priority for those who want to reduce expenses, live more comfortably, and take care of the environment.. In addition, in recent years, the Energy certificate It has taken on a leading role, to the point of being mandatory in most real estate transactions and key to accessing subsidies and aid.
Today, the situation has changed radically compared to a decade ago. Regulations, market expectations and social awareness demand more efficient and responsible housing.In this comprehensive article, you'll discover everything an energy certificate entails when renovating your home: from why it's important, the steps you can take, the process for obtaining it, and how it impacts your wallet and quality of life.
Why is the energy certificate at the heart of efficient renovation?
In recent years, energy efficiency has become an essential factor in any renovation thanks to European and Spanish legislation, which demands increasingly higher standards of savings and sustainability. The energy certificate is the document that evaluates and certifies the efficiency of any property, reflecting on a scale the A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) how adequate the home is in terms of consumption and CO2 emissions.
The objective of this certification is to inform and motivate both owners and buyers and tenants to improve efficiency, thus facilitating the reduction of energy expenditure, market value and the possibilities of benefiting from public aid.
In Spain, this document has been mandatory for selling or renting any property since 2013, and in 2033 the requirement will be stricter: all homes on the market must meet at least a letter D standard.
What information does an energy certificate include?
The energy certificate of a home It contains a volume of very detailed technical informationSome of the most relevant data it shows are:
- Energy Rating in letter and color scale (AG)
- Estimated primary energy consumption (kWh) per square meter per year
- Annual CO2 emissions
- Description of the facilities (heating, hot water, air conditioning, etc.)
- Recommendations for improvement to raise the rating (changes in insulation, installations, windows, use of renewables, etc.)
- Data of the certifying technician, date of issue and validity (normally 10 years)
This document helps you identify which aspects of your home consume the most energy and what actions can make a difference, both in your spending and in the future value of the property.
What improvements should be implemented during the renovation to achieve an efficient and sustainable home?
Taking advantage of the renovation to make a leap in quality and efficiency is the best investment you can make. Almost all experts and regulators agree on several key points. To transform an old house into an efficient, sustainable, and future-proof home:
Thermal isolation
Insulation is the basis for reducing heat loss and gain in winter and summer.Improving facades, roofs, floors, and interior walls with modern materials (rock wool, cellulose, polystyrene, polyurethane, etc.) can drastically reduce air conditioning consumption. Insulation is the most cost-effective measure in the long term and the one that has the greatest impact on the energy label.It's crucial to choose the right material and system based on your area's climate and the type of property.
Efficient enclosures and windows
The Old windows are one of the main sources of energy leakageDuring the renovation, you can replace them with double- or triple-glazed models, frames with thermal break, and air or argon chambers. The thickness of the glass and the quality of the installation are essential; a poorly installed window loses effectiveness, even if it's a high-end one.
Sealing gaps and critical points
No matter how good insulation you install, Any crack, fissure, or poorly sealed duct will cause you to lose efficiency.It's vital to seal all joints, shutter boxes, and connections to plumbing fixtures, and check that doors and windows close properly. A "tight" home prevents drafts and unnecessary leaks.
Modern air conditioning systems
Air conditioning represents a large percentage of energy consumption. When renovating, opt for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems.: heat pumps, condensing boilers, underfloor heating, or even hybrid systems that combine renewable and conventional energy sources. It's also essential to ensure that the pipes are well insulated and free of leaks.
Intelligent temperature control
Home automation and smart thermostats are not only convenient, but They allow precise temperature control and more rational useA programmable system with sensors can significantly reduce consumption by adapting the temperature to the actual usage schedule of each room.
Efficient ventilation
Renewing the air is key to maintaining a healthy environment and avoiding excess humidity and pollutants. Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) systems They're here to stay: they allow ventilation without losing energy, as they recover heat from the outgoing air and filter the incoming air. They also maintain a constant interior temperature.
Efficient appliances and equipment
Check the energy label on all appliances And always opt for those rated at class A or higher. Although they may be a little more expensive initially, they generate savings for years. The same goes for lighting: switching to LED bulbs and dimmable systems represents a huge leap in efficiency and reduces the need to constantly change bulbs.
Taking advantage of natural light
Properly orienting spaces, opening up spaces for light, choosing light-colored surfaces, and using adjustable curtains or blinds can transform a dark, artificial-light-dependent home into a bright and economical home. Natural light not only saves energy, but also improves well-being and health..
Renewable energy application
To integrate photovoltaic solar panels, solar thermal, aerothermal or even geothermal It's especially cost-effective in single-family homes, but it's also viable in many apartment buildings and communities. The combination of efficiency and self-consumption is the winning combination for reducing bills and carbon footprints.
Efficient distribution of spaces
Thinking about distribution during the renovation helps to Place the most used areas (living room, kitchen) in areas where they receive more light and heat, and make better use of natural resources. Intelligent design is as important as the materials or facilities chosen.
Obtaining and updating the energy certificate: steps, techniques and costs
To obtain the energy certificate, you must hire a accredited certifying technicianThey can be certified architects, engineers, or technicians with specific training. The process includes:
- On-site visit by a technician to take measurements and analyze insulation, installations, orientation, surfaces, and energy systems.
- Preparation of the official report with the final grade and recommendations for improvement.
- Register the document with the appropriate regional authority. Without this step, the certificate is not legally valid.
- Delivery of the energy label, which must appear in the sales or rental contract.
The certificate is valid for 10 years, but It is recommended to renew it after a significant renovation, as changes can alter the rating (usually for better results). The cost varies depending on the square footage, location, and the professional chosen, and usually ranges from 60 and 200 euros for medium-sized homesRegistration fees can range from 10 to 90 euros, depending on the autonomous community.
Legal obligation and exemptions from the energy certificate
In Spain, the requirement for this document was first regulated in 2013 and now by the Royal Decree 390 / 2021. It is essential to have it to sell, rent or even carry out major renovations.If you don't have it, you risk significant financial penalties.
Some very specific properties are exempt, such as buildings of worship, buildings protected for their historical value, low-demand industrial or agricultural buildings, temporary buildings, buildings with less than 50 m² of usable area, and residential homes used less than four months a year.
Advantages of a home with high energy efficiency and a good certificate
Reforming to improve efficiency and certification is not just about "complying with the law." This is an investment with a guaranteed return.These are the main advantages:
- Immediate reduction of the energy bill in heating, cooling and electricity.
- Increase in market value of the home.
- Preferential access to subsidies, grants and financing for rehabilitation and renovations.
- Better thermal and acoustic comfort throughout the year.
- contribution to fight against climate change and improving global sustainability.
Grants, subsidies and investment opportunities
The drive for energy rehabilitation is reinforced by numerous subsidies, from the Next Generation Funds of the European Union up to specific regional and municipal plans. Much of this financing requires obtaining an energy certificate after the renovation, and is only granted if a real improvement in the rating can be demonstrated.
Investing in renovations to achieve a grade of D or higher on the certificate is emerging as one of the best strategies, both for individuals looking to sell or rent their homes and for investors looking to maximize their profitability in the future market. The cost of renovating now will be much lower than the cost of missing out on sales or rental opportunities in 2033.
The future: European regulations and modernization opportunities
By 2033, the requirements will be even stricter. Only 15% of current Spanish homes meet the minimum standards, and thousands of homeowners will have to undertake renovations to their insulation, installations, and layout if they want to market their homes. This will boost the modernization of the real estate stock and will provide an opportunity to create truly sustainable and future-proof homes.
Furthermore, The reforms not only bring savings and sustainabilityThey are an opportunity to improve quality of life, health, and comfort, and to immediately increase the value of your property. Don't forget that efficient renovations will go hand in hand with a better energy label and, therefore, greater economic and social benefits.
