What's the energy efficiency certificate and how do you get it?

You've probably seen the phrase 'EPC being processed' in many property adverts for sale or rent. However, its importance truly becomes clear when you have to get one yourself. And with good reason: having an up-to-date EPC is a legal requirement, and failing to have one can lead to fines.

Here, we'll help you understand what an Energy Performance Certificate involves, how to get one, and what benefits it can bring to your home. More than just a formality, it's an opportunity to improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce your energy consumption.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

This document assesses the energy consumption a home needs over a year, under normal conditions of use and occupancy. Based on the results, the property will receive an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

The calculation takes several factors into account, such as hot water production, heating and cooling, lighting and ventilation, the building's external materials (including windows and window frames), and the efficiency of its climate control systems and equipment.

Why is an Energy Performance Certificate important?

• It's a legal requirement for selling or renting a property: Since Royal Decree 235/2013 came into force, any home that is marketed must have this certificate. This allows future owners or tenants to know the property's energy efficiency level before making a decision.
• It is valid for 10 years: Once obtained, the certificate has a duration of 10 years, with the exception of properties with a G rating, which must be renewed every 5 years due to their high energy consumption.
• It provides access to tax deductions: If you decide to improve your home's efficiency using aerothermal systems, thermal insulation, solar panel installation, or other sustainable measures, you may be able to benefit from financial incentives and tax deductions that reward investment in sustainability.

“A home that is going to be rented or sold must have an energy certificate”.

The importance of the energy rating for your home

The EPC classifies properties based on their consumption, assigning a rating from A (maximum efficiency) to G (minimum efficiency). This grade reflects the home's energy performance and provides key information about its thermal insulation, climate control systems, and electricity or gas consumption.

If you are thinking of buying or renting a home, put yourself in the buyer's shoes: understanding the energy usage is key to knowing the cost of keeping the home comfortable. A good energy rating means lower spending on heating and air conditioning, greater efficiency, and a reduced environmental impact.

This certificate was created with the objective of highlighting the most efficient homes, helping owners to make better decisions, and promoting a more sustainable model of consumption. Choosing an efficient home is not only a smart investment but also a step towards a more responsible future for the planet.

For which properties is an EPC not required?

• Officially protected buildings and monuments that are part of a designated environment or have particular architectural or historical value.
• Buildings used for worship or religious activities.
• Buildings with a total usable floor area of less than 50 m².
• Workshops or outbuildings intended for agricultural purposes and not for residential use.
• Buildings which, due to their characteristics, must remain open.
• Temporary buildings with a planned lifespan of less than two years.
• Buildings or parts of buildings used for less than four months a year (or for a limited time each year), provided their predicted energy consumption is less than 25% of that for a full year. This must be formally declared by the owner.

If you do not fall under one of these exemptions, the notary will require the EPC as part of the mandatory documentation to formalise the transaction before you sign the sale or lease agreement.

“Except for in a handful of cases, the notary will typically require the energy certificate when formalising the sale or rental of a home”.

How to obtain the EPC

The process for obtaining the energy certificate is simple. It consists of the following steps:

• Request the certificate: Contact an accredited energy assessor who is qualified to inspect your property and issue the certificate.
• Sign the contract and schedule the inspection: An appointment is arranged for a specialist to visit and assess the home's efficiency.
• Technical inspection: During the inspection, the technician will analyse key aspects such as thermal insulation, climate control systems, the energy consumption of appliances, and the property's orientation, among other factors.
• Receive the certificate: Once the analysis is complete, you will receive a detailed report with your home's energy rating, which ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

How much does the EPC cost?

The price of the EPC is not fixed, as each technician sets their own rates depending on the type of property and the complexity of the work. Factors such as location, surface area in square metres, and the property's characteristics directly influence the final cost.

Furthermore, the energy certificate is much more than a simple document, as it can include more or fewer recommendations depending on the level of detail of the analysis. The thoroughness of the technician's work can also vary, affecting the price and quality of the report. On the other hand, some professionals offer additional services, such as handling the official registration, a tedious task that is often worth delegating.

Therefore, although there is no single fee, prices generally fall within an approximate range: for a property of less than 80 m², the price is typically between 50 and 250 euros. In contrast, for a property between 80 and 150 m², prices are between 100 and 300 euros. For larger properties, the cost increases progressively.

If you are going to sell or rent your property, this certificate is more than just a legal requirement. It's a tool that will help you to showcase your property's energy efficiency and provide useful information to potential buyers or tenants.

“The energy efficiency certificate expires 10 years after its issuance”.

How does efficiency affect energy consumption?

Besides just showing your home's current energy status, the EPC can also help you find ways to make improvements and reduce your electricity bill.

Greater savings on your electricity bill

A home with an A or B rating consumes up to 30% less energy than one with a G rating, which translates into lower monthly electricity costs and greater comfort in your home.

Fewer CO₂ emissions

An efficient home reduces environmental pollution, contributing to the care of the planet.

Better thermal comfort

Implementing improvements to insulation, climate control, and electrical efficiency allows you to enjoy a more comfortable home without using more energy than is necessary.

At Endesa, our priority is to help you improve your home's energy efficiency, providing you with clear and useful information about the energy certificate and its benefits. That is why we recommend you understand the impact of your home's energy consumption and discover how to optimise it to reduce your bills and contribute to protecting the planet.