Saving energy at home is essential both to reduce costs on the electricity bill and to help reduce the environmental impact. Energy efficiency is a key aspect to achieve both objectives. To evaluate the energy consumption of our homes and buildings, there is the energy efficiency certificate, a document that many people are unaware of. In this article, we will explain what is the energy efficiency certificate, how to get it, containing y Why is it so important.
What is the energy efficiency certificate?
El Energy efficiency certificate It is an official document that evaluates and certifies the energy consumption efficiency of a property, whether it is a building or a specific home. This certificate qualifies the energy efficiency of the property by assigning it a scale ranging from letter A (high efficiency) to letter G (low efficiency).
This certificate is mandatory for homes that are sold or rented and is valid for 10 years. The main purpose of the certificate is to provide a clear overview of the property's energy performance, its consumption and possible improvements that could be implemented to optimize it. The issuance of this certificate is the responsibility of the owner and must be carried out by an authorized technician.
What does the energy efficiency certificate contain?
El Energy certificate contains several elements that describe the characteristics of the building and its energy efficiency. Below are the sections that must be included in every certificate:
- Property identification: The exact building or part being certified is specified, such as an apartment or commercial premises.
- Energy characteristics of the building: Includes details on the thermal envelope (walls, windows, roofs), heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water installations, among others.
- Energy efficiency scale: A rating from A to G is assigned, based on the annual energy consumption of the property.
- Improvement measures: The document must propose recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of the building, classified according to their technical, economic and energy feasibility.
- Date of visit and tests: The certifying technician must record the inspections and tests performed.
In addition, the certificate also includes a series of attachments where the regulations applicable at the time of construction of the building and other relevant technical data are described.
What is the purpose of the energy efficiency certificate?
The energy efficiency certificate serves several important functions for both property owners and tenants or buyers. Below we list some of its main uses:
- Savings on the electricity bill: Knowing the energy rating allows owners and tenants to know how much their home consumes and how to reduce that consumption.
- Information for buyers or renters: In a sale or rental, this document is essential to provide clear and objective data on the energy status of the property.
- Improvement tool: The certificate includes technical recommendations that help improve the efficiency of the building, thus increasing its market value.
- Normative compliance: According to current regulations, it is mandatory to have an energy certificate when selling or renting a property.
Although the Energy Rating It does not directly affect the sale or rental price of a property, but it can be a differentiating factor in a competitive market, where the most efficient properties tend to be more attractive due to their lower impact on energy bills.
When is it mandatory and when is it not?
El Energy efficiency certificate It is mandatory in several cases, including:
- Homes for sale or rent.
- Newly built buildings.
- Public buildings with a useful area greater than 250 m².
However, there are exceptions where it is not necessary to obtain the certificate, such as:
- Temporary constructions that are used for a period of less than 2 years.
- Industrial buildings intended for low energy demand processes.
- Buildings with less than 50 m² of usable area.
- Buildings acquired for demolition or comprehensive renovation.
Energy efficiency certificate in the European Union
El Energy efficiency certificate It has been mandatory in the European Union since 2013. All properties sold or rented must have this document, which is presented in the form of an easy-to-interpret energy label.
This label follows a letter scale from A to G, where A represents a property with high energy efficiency and G, one with very low efficiency. In practice, this rating provides clear information on the emissions of CO2 of the building and its energy consumption under normal conditions of use.
The european certificate It includes specific appendices with the tests carried out by the technician, as well as the necessary recommendations for making improvements to increase the energy efficiency of the property. Better ratings usually translate into a higher resale value and lower costs associated with building maintenance.
How to obtain the energy certificate and its price
To obtain this certificates, it is necessary to contact an authorized certifying technician who will carry out an inspection of the property. During the visit, the structural characteristics, materials and systems installed in the building will be evaluated to determine its energy consumption.
El energy certificate price This will depend on the size and type of property, as well as the region where it is processed. For example, in Spain, prices can range from 60 euros for small properties to over 200 euros for larger properties. It is essential to register the certificate in the corresponding autonomous community for it to be legally valid.
What happens if you do not comply with the regulations?
Failure to have an energy certificate or to provide one in a sale or rental may lead to penalties. Fines may vary depending on the severity of the infringement:
- Minor: between €300 and €600.
- Serious: between €601 and €1000.
- Very serious: between €1001 and €6000.
It is essential that every property owner makes sure to obtain the certificate and register it before carrying out any transaction related to the property. In this way, not only will possible sanctions be avoided, but it will also contribute to the improvement of the property stock and respect for the environment.
El Energy efficiency certificate Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also adds value to homes and buildings, providing a competitive advantage in the market and optimising energy consumption.