What You Need to Know about the Energy Certificate?

The certificat energètic is a rating scheme for a property that provides useful information to all citizens regarding energy consumption and its characteristics. This is accompanied by a document of recommendations to improve the home and make it more energy efficient.

This document, which classifies energy consumption on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), has become a key tool for promoting sustainability and reducing energy consumption. In addition, the certificate is accompanied by a series of recommendations to improve the energy performance of the building, helping both owners and buyers make informed decisions about possible improvements.

This certificate not only serves to make a home more efficient, but in many cases it is an essential legal requirement to carry out certain operations. In this post we will discuss when the energy certificate is mandatory and how to obtain it.

When is the Energy Certificate Mandatory?

The energy certificate is needed in several cases, especially in those involving a commercial transaction. So, when is the energy certificate mandatory?

• If you want to sell your home: It doesn’t matter if it’s an apartment or a house, the energy certificate is mandatory. You must have it ready before putting the property up for sale, as the buyer has the right to know the energy rating of the property before signing any document.
• If you plan to rent: If you are an owner and want to rent a home or business premises, you will also need to have this certificate. The new tenant must be clear about the energy consumption of the property so that they can make an informed decision.
• In new constructions: If you have built a new home, whether it is a house or an apartment block, you will need the energy certificate to comply with the regulations. Here it is the responsibility of architects and builders to ensure that the property complies with the efficiency standards.

As for the exceptions, there are some. For example, buildings with historical or architectural value that cannot be modified to improve their energy efficiency are not required to have the certificate. Nor do isolated buildings of less than 50 square meters need it.

What Happens if a Home Does not Have an Energy Certificate?

Not having the energy certificate can be costly. First, you are exposed to fines ranging from 300 to 6,000 euros, depending on the severity of the infraction. And that’s not all, if you are selling or renting and the buyer or tenant discovers that you do not have the certificate, they could report you or even back out of the operation.

It’s not just a legal issue. It is also important to remember that, without this document, your home could lose value in the market. Homes with poor energy ratings or without certification may be less attractive, which would affect their demand.

Obtaining the energy certificate of a home is a simpler process than it seems. Here are the steps to make it clear:

1. Find a qualified technician: The first thing you have to do is find a technician specialized in energy certification. This can be an architect, engineer or authorized technician. They will be the ones who will evaluate your home.
2. The inspection: The technician will visit your home and evaluate several aspects: insulation, orientation, windows, heating system, among others. All these factors influence the energy consumption of the property.
3. The certificate: After the inspection, the technician will draft the energy certificate and give it to you. Do not forget that this must be registered with the corresponding body of your autonomous community to be valid.
4. Validity: The certificate is valid for 10 years. After this time, you will have to renew it if you continue selling or renting the home.

The price of the energy certificate may vary depending on the home and the region, but it is usually between 100 and 300 euros. Although it may seem like an extra expense, remember that following the recommendations of the certificate can help you save energy in the long term. We recommend you take a look at our post about tips for saving water.

At Espígul we always look for the best for you, so don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer all your questions.