Energy Labels Explained: From A++++ to G
Save on your monthly costs and rent with more comfort.
You'll see it on every home listed on HousingMatchers: the energy label. But what does that letter actually mean? Simply put, it's a report card for how energy-efficient a home is. A good label not only means you're being environmentally conscious, but more importantly, that your monthly expenses are lower and you're more comfortable.
Below, we explain how the scale works, what to look out for, and what questions you can ask during a viewing.
What does the label mean for you?
Energy labels range from dark green (very efficient) to red (not efficient). We've categorized them into three clear categories.
A++++ to A
The green top. These homes are excellently insulated and often equipped with solar panels or a heat pump. Here, you have minimal energy loss and the lowest monthly costs.
B, C & D
The middle ground. Sufficient to good. Often homes with double glazing and reasonable insulation. The living comfort is fine, but there is still room for improvement in terms of sustainability in the long term.
E, F & G
Not efficient. Older homes often with single glazing or inadequate insulation. In winter, you have to heat considerably to get warm. The rent may sometimes be lower, but the energy bill is significantly higher.
Why is this important to you?
The label is more than just an administrative piece of paper. It directly impacts your living enjoyment and your bank account.
1. Your wallet
The difference in heating costs between a home with label A and label G can amount to hundreds of euros per month. In a rental home, you usually pay for energy yourself, on top of the bare rent. A 'cheap' rental home with label G can therefore turn out to be more expensive at the end of the line than a slightly more expensive home with label A.
2. Comfort & health
A home with a green label keeps the heat in during winter and stays cooler longer in summer. You will be less bothered by drafts along the windows or cold feet from an uninsulated floor. This ensures a more pleasant and healthier indoor climate without moisture problems.
3. How is the label determined?
A certified advisor looks at various characteristics of the house to determine the label:
- Insulation: The quality of roof, wall, and floor insulation.
- Glass: Is there single, double (HR++), or even triple glazing?
- Heating: How efficient is the central heating boiler or heat pump?
- Ventilation: How is fresh air supplied and heat retained?
- Extras: Are solar panels present?
Questions to ask during the viewing
Found a nice home? Use the viewing appointment to check its energy efficiency. Here are a few smart questions:
- "What do the current residents pay on average for gas and electricity?" (Note: this depends on their lifestyle and household size).
- "Is there double glazing everywhere?" Pay special attention to small windows or the front door, which are often overlooked during renovations.
- "How is the house heated?" An old gas heater is much less efficient than a modern central heating boiler or underfloor heating.
- "Have any insulation measures been taken recently?" Sometimes a label is a few years old, and the home has been improved in the meantime (e.g., cavity wall insulation).
Search specifically for energy-efficient homes
Want to be sure of low monthly costs? Start your search and filter for new-build or renovated homes.
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