Improving your home’s Energy Label? Here’s the smartest way to do it!
With the growing importance of sustainability and rising energy prices, there is increasing attention on a home’s energy label. Homes with a high energy label are in demand; they sell and rent better. This makes sense, as a sustainable home uses less energy, benefiting both the environment and your tenant's wallet! It is often worthwhile to make your rental property more sustainable and improve its energy label.
What is an energy label?
The energy label of a home gives a clear indication of the property's energy performance. It is a type of score, primarily determined by the level of insulation and the types of energy used. The latter depends on the types of energy systems in the home and the extent to which they use fossil fuels.
Energy Labels from G to A
The "label ladder" ranges from G to A, with G being very inefficient and A being very efficient. A low label means a lot of energy is unnecessarily escaping from the home, making it difficult to retain heat in winter and coolness in summer.
Energy Labels from A to A++++
The A label is further subdivided from A to A++++. The pluses indicate how little fossil energy a home consumes per square meter. Fossil energy comes from natural gas, oil, and coal – finite resources that emit CO2. The less a home uses this type of energy, the better. The A++++ label, the highest rating, is only awarded to homes built after 2011 that are fully sustainable, known as energy-neutral homes or "zero-energy homes.
The current standard for new homes is A+++ – nearly energy-neutral.
Who determines a home’s energy label?
Anyone can apply for a final energy label from a qualified energy advisor. This advisor will inspect your home and assess all energy-related features, such as roof, wall, floor, and window insulation, installations like the central heating boiler, any solar panels, and the lighting. The resulting energy label is valid for ten years.
Why aim for the highest possible energy label?
A sustainable home is better for the environment.
Efficient energy use is financially attractive.
Good energy performance increases living comfort.
A high energy label increases the property’s value (on average by around 6000 euros).
An A energy label offers interest rate discounts (many banks provide a so-called sustainability discount)
Legally required energy label
Sustainable improvements to your property are a smart move for the future. Renting out a commercial building? From 2023, you must have at least an energy label C, and from 2030, an energy label A to rent it out. The government also has sustainability plans for rental homes: from 2030, homes with an energy label E, F, or G can no longer be rented out.
Improving your home’s energy label
Energy-saving measures are worthwhile investments. They will pay off over time through energy savings and increased property value, as well as higher rental income. Rental homes with a higher energy label receive more points – allowing you to charge higher rent! Learn more about the housing valuation system and point system.
How to approach the sustainability of your property smartly? Start by improving insulation and then choose sustainable installations.
Optimal insulation
There’s no point in installing solar panels if all that sustainably generated energy escapes from your home. Improving the insulation of the home’s "thermal shell" is the first step in sustainability, significantly boosting the energy label.
Cavity wall insulation: Homes from the 1930-1970 period often have cavity walls. Insulation material can be added to the cavity (the space between the double walls).
Roof insulation: Heat rises and mostly disappears through the roof, making roof insulation a very effective form of sustainability.
Glass insulation: Most homes already have double glazing, but triple glazing or HR++ glass is now the norm. HR++ glass is double glazing with gas between the panes; it’s the best insulating option. Though costly, glass insulation is very effective and also reduces outside noise.
Facade insulation: Often used as an alternative to cavity wall insulation, an extra layer is added to the inside or outside of the facade. A permit from the municipality is required for the exterior option. Besides insulation, this can significantly improve the home's appearance.
Floor Insulation: Adding an extra layer of insulation to the underside of the floor (via the crawl space) prevents cold from the ground from entering the home and vice versa, keeping heat in the home longer.
Sustainable Energy
If better insulation is not possible, the next step is to make the energy sources in the home more sustainable.
Solar panels: Generate your own energy with solar panels, quickly improving the energy label. Note: larger homes require more panels.
Solar water heater: Use a solar water heater on the roof to heat tap water partially with the sun.
Heat pump: Unlike a central heating boiler that uses gas, a heat pump uses electricity to extract heat from the outside air or groundwater. A hybrid heat pump requires at least energy label C, and a fully electric heat pump requires at least label B. Choose a heat pump that can connect to a solar water heater.
Heat Recovery System (HRV): A well-insulated house needs good ventilation. An HRV system prevents unnecessary energy loss by guiding outgoing warm air along incoming cold air, retaining as much heat as possible.
Energy-efficient lighting: LED lamps use up to ninety percent less energy than CFLs, halogen, and incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Replace all lamps with LED lighting.
The payback period for energy-saving improvements can often be shortened by smartly utilizing available subsidies.
Sustainable real estate investment?
Koops can directly support you in applying for the energy label. Fill out the form on this page, and we will contact you within 24 hours!
At Koops Real Estate Agency, we understand that as a landlord, you want to achieve maximum return. Investing in energy-saving improvements may initially reduce that return. But will it be worthwhile? Our rental experts can provide excellent advice on this matter. We know exactly what your property’s energy performance means for its rentability and which investments are worth making to optimize your return.
Get a free value check or schedule a no-obligation appointment for a home visit. We are happy to provide tailored advice!
