As a general rule, anyone who wants to sell or rent a house or apartment needs an energy performance certificate. If the energy performance certificate is missing for viewings or if legal requirements are violated, fines of up to €15,000 can be imposed. Therefore, you should pay attention to several things regarding the energy performance certificate.
Have you, after careful consideration, decided to give up your home and enjoy a carefree retirement in age-appropriate housing? Especially if you're handling the sale of your house or apartment yourself, there's one crucial point to remember: an energy performance certificate is mandatory; otherwise, you risk hefty fines. It's highly recommended that you seek comprehensive advice.
The energy performance certificate provides a concise overview of a house's energy standard, indicating how much energy it consumes. This is simplified using energy efficiency classes. The scale ranges from class A+, representing excellent energy consumption, to class H, indicating very high energy consumption. The certificate also includes general information about the building, such as its year of construction and the type of heating system, for example, oil or gas.
There are two types of energy performance certificates: the demand-based certificate and the consumption-based certificate. The difference between the two can be remembered with this simple mnemonic: The demand-based certificate requires a calculation. Specifically, one that is not based on actual consumption data. This is often the case with new construction projects. Future energy consumption must be determined during the planning phase using a complex calculation. This calculation takes into account all relevant factors, such as the insulation of the exterior walls, the energy efficiency classes of the windows, and the heating system. The building's location and design also play a role. The theoretical basis of this calculation is always the same, ensuring that the energy performance of buildings can be objectively compared. Nevertheless, these values should be interpreted with caution, as they do not consider individual heating habits or the typical energy consumption of a household.
The actual energy consumption of a household is always individual and depends on the comfort level of its residents. Those who enjoy long showers and like to keep their homes at a cozy 24 degrees Celsius will naturally have a worse energy balance than those who regularly turn off the heating when they leave the house.
The key factor is heating and hot water usage. The consumption-based energy performance certificate indicates the actual energy consumption of a house by measuring real-world usage. It is calculated using figures for heating and hot water preparation, both expressed in kilowatt-hours per year and square meter of usable floor space. The calculation is usually based on heating bills from the last three years. While the consumption-based certificate is not as informative as the demand-based certificate, it is less expensive to produce.
When having an energy performance certificate (EPC) issued, it's important to pay attention to who prepares it. Many cheap offers are available online, but be wary, as the quality is often poor. The safest option is to seek professional advice. Real estate experts, with their extensive experience, know who can issue a suitable EPC. These are typically qualified and authorized professionals such as architects, engineers, master craftsmen with relevant additional training, or energy consultants. It's crucial to ensure the consultant's independence. Lists of independent and qualified professionals can be found at the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), the KfW banking group, or the German Energy Agency (dena).
Do you have questions about the energy performance certificate? Let our experts advise you.
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