All about energy efficiency classes - What makes a house energy efficient?

What do energy efficency classes for real estate mean?

Before we talk about what makes a good energy efficiency class for a home, it's important to understand how these classes are defined. The energy efficiency class of a home is usually given on a scale from A+ (very efficient) to H (very inefficient). This classification is based on various factors that assess the energy consumption and environmental impact of a building.

The calculation of the energy efficiency class takes into account the building's energy requirements and consumption, the quality of the insulation, the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems and the use of renewable energies. The better a house performs in these areas, the higher its energy efficiency class.

Why is the energy efficiency class important?

The energy efficiency class of a home has a significant impact on various aspects, including:

1. Energy savings and cost efficiency

Houses in the higher energy efficiency classes (A to C) consume significantly less energy than those in the lower classes. This leads to significant energy savings and lower energy costs for residents. In the long term, this can lead to significant financial savings and reduce the overall cost of home ownership.

2. Environmental impact and climate protection

The energy consumption of buildings is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Energy-efficient homes produce fewer CO₂ emissions and therefore help to reduce the environmental impact and achieve climate targets. Choosing an energy-efficient home is therefore an active contribution to environmental protection.

3. Comfort and living quality

Energy-efficient houses with good energy insulation generally offer a pleasant and constant indoor climate. In winter, the insulation keeps the heat inside the house, reducing heating costs and preventing cold surfaces. In summer, it protects against overheating and thus contributes to a cool and comfortable living environment. Overall, good insulation significantly increases living comfort.

What measures influence the energy efficiency class?

The energy efficiency class of a house is influenced by a variety of factors. By taking appropriate measures in the relevant areas, you can improve the energy efficiency of your property and reduce your ecological footprint.

1. Building insulation and insulation

Effective insulation is crucial for the energy efficiency of a house. Well-insulated walls, basement ceilings and roofs help to minimize energy consumption for heating and cooling.

The influence of windows and doors on energy efficiency should not be neglected. Replacing old, poorly insulated windows with modern, triple-glazed models minimizes heat loss. Sealing joints and avoiding thermal bridges also contributes to optimization.

2. Heating and cooling systems

Modern heating and cooling systems are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Replacing old boilers with energy-efficient systems such as condensing boilers or heat pumps (possibly with a cooling function) can significantly reduce energy consumption. The combination with a solar thermal system for hot water preparation and heating support also promotes energy efficiency. Regular maintenance and the use of programmable thermostats also make sense.

3. Use of renewable energies

Solar and geothermal energy are based on renewable resources and generate clean energy, which reduces dependence on fossil fuels. This can significantly increase the energy efficiency of a home.

4. User behavior

The behavior of a property's residents also plays an important role. Conscious use of electricity and heat, correct ventilation, avoiding standby mode for electrical appliances and a considerate use of water are just some of the measures that can significantly reduce energy consumption. The use of smart home systems to control heating and lighting can further optimize consumption.

5. The importance of energy consulting

If you are unsure how to improve the energy efficiency of your home, the support of an energy consultant can be very helpful. These experts can carry out a comprehensive energy analysis of your building and make recommendations for the best measures to improve energy efficiency.

Energy consultants are trained to consider the individual needs and circumstances of each home and develop customized solutions. Working with an energy consultant can pay off in the long term by saving energy and increasing living comfort once the measures have been implemented.

How important will the energy efficiency of real estate be in the future?

The value of energy-renovated properties is likely to develop positively if legislation and regulation continue to aim to increase energy efficiency, as will probably be the case. This will probably be reflected in stricter energy efficiency standards for new buildings and incentives for the energy-efficient refurbishment of existing buildings. Technological advances are also helping to make buildings more energy efficient by further facilitating and improving the use of renewable energy, intelligent building automation systems and advanced insulation materials.

The energy efficiency class will become an even more important indicator when evaluating properties, as environmentally conscious buyers and tenants will increasingly look for properties that minimize their energy consumption and contribute to climate protection. Overall, the energy efficiency of buildings will play an increasingly important role in the real estate sector in the coming years.

Which energy efficiency class should you look for when buying a property?

The energy efficiency class you consider when looking for a property depends on your individual options and priorities. If you are environmentally conscious and want to save energy costs in the long term, it is advisable to look for a property in the upper energy efficiency classes (A to C). These homes already have low energy consumption, which translates directly into lower heating costs and therefore a significant financial saving.

But even a house that is less energy efficient when you buy it can offer advantages, primarily a lower purchase price. However, future investments in energy-efficient refurbishment should be taken into account in order to reduce costs in the long term and improve living comfort. State subsidies can help with this.

Find your property with Engel & Völkers

The decision as to which energy efficiency class your future property should have depends on your personal goals, beliefs and preferences as well as the current legal situation. Let the Engel & Völkers experts advise you on which property with which energy efficiency class suits you and your future plans.