Energy Performance Certificate for Your Home: Key Facts & How to Get One

An Energy Performance Certificate gives you a snapshot of your home's energy efficiency. It records how much energy the building needs or has used for heating and hot water. An EPC has been a legal requirement for years when selling or renting out a property. But it is more than paperwork: it offers a practical assessment and a roadmap if you want to renovate your home.

Here's how to get an EPC, how the available types differ, and how to use the results to plan effective improvements.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate, and what is it for?

Think of an EPC as an efficiency label for your home. Like the labels on refrigerators and washing machines, it assigns your building an energy-efficiency rating from A+ (very efficient) to H (least efficient). The rating is based on figures such as calculated or actual energy use, expressed in kilowatt-hours per square metre per year.

The main goal is transparency. Potential buyers or tenants can quickly see what heating costs to expect. As the owner, you also get valuable information: the certificate identifies energy weak spots in the building envelope or heating system and lists specific ways to improve them.

Demand-based or consumption-based EPC: Which one do I need?

This is one of the most important decisions. Both types are officially recognised, but they show different things and have different rules for when they can be used.

The demand-based EPC: A detailed calculation

A demand-based EPC is based on a technical assessment of the entire building. An energy assessor calculates its theoretical energy demand using building plans and information about the construction, insulation, windows and heating system. How the occupants use energy does not affect the result.

This method takes more work and costs more, but it provides an objective, comparable result. It is always required for new builds. It is also mandatory for existing residential buildings with up to four homes that do not meet at least the 1977 thermal insulation standard.

“A demand-based EPC gives you more insight. It assesses the property itself, whether the occupants sit around in T-shirts in winter or wear sweaters. That gives you a realistic picture of the building's energy performance.”

The consumption-based EPC: The simpler option

A consumption-based EPC uses actual energy consumption over the last three billing periods. The energy assessor will need your heating bills. They calculate the average consumption and include it in the certificate.

Its main advantage is the lower cost. The downside is that the result depends heavily on the previous occupants' heating habits. A household that uses less heat will get a better rating than one that heats more. A consumption-based EPC is generally allowed for larger apartment buildings with five or more homes.

How do you get an EPC? Step by step

You get an EPC from an accredited professional, not a government office. The process is straightforward.

Step 1: Find the right energy assessor. Search for an accredited energy assessor in your area. You can find directories through the German Energy Agency (dena) or trade associations. Choose an independent assessor who does not sell their own renovation products.

Step 2: The on-site inspection. For a reliable demand-based EPC, the assessor visits your property. They inspect the building, measure rooms and assess the heating system, windows, roof and exterior walls. For a consumption-based EPC, building plans and energy bills are often enough.

Step 3: Review the data. The assessor evaluates the information collected and calculates your home's energy efficiency. This usually takes several days.

Step 4: Get your certificate. You receive the completed, multi-page EPC. Discuss the renovation recommendations with the assessor. This personalised home energy assessment is often the most valuable part of the process.

How much does an EPC cost?

There is no legally fixed price. The cost depends on the work involved.

• Consumption-based EPC: Between 50 and 150 euros.
• Demand-based EPC for a detached house: Between 300 and 800 euros. The price depends on the building's size, age and complexity.

Be cautious with low-cost online offers for consumption-based EPCs that do not include data checks. They may offer little legal protection or practical value. If you are planning renovations, a quality certificate that includes advice can be a worthwhile investment.

Use your EPC as a renovation roadmap

An EPC is more than paperwork. Its final pages include specific recommendations for improving your home's energy efficiency, from simple, low-cost steps to major renovations.

Typical recommendations include insulating the attic floor or roof, replacing the heating system or installing new windows. The certificate may also estimate potential energy and CO2 savings, along with the approximate cost of each improvement.

Review the recommendations before acting on them. They are a general assessment. Ask a contractor or planner for a detailed quote for the work you want to do. Plan different improvements together where it makes sense. A new heating system can be more effective if you insulate the building envelope first.

Energy Performance Certificate and Property Value: A Clear Connection

A good Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can increase your property's value. Buyers and tenants are paying more attention to running costs. A home with an energy-efficiency rating of B or better is more attractive on the market and may sell or rent faster than an unrenovated home rated H.

The certificate builds trust by documenting the property's condition objectively and making claims about energy efficiency verifiable. It is an important marketing tool when selling or renting out a property. Highlight a good energy-efficiency rating in your listing.

“In my day-to-day work, I see that properties with a good energy-efficiency rating can sell for 5 to 15 percent more and often sell significantly faster. The Energy Performance Certificate has become a key factor in property value.”

What should you do after renovating? Update your certificate

If you have completed the measures recommended in your Energy Performance Certificate, you should have a new certificate issued. Although the old certificate remains valid for ten years, it does not reflect the property's improved condition.

An updated Energy Performance Certificate with a better energy efficiency rating documents the results of your investment. If you sell the property later, you can provide concrete evidence of the improvement. The cost of a new certificate is low compared with the cost of the renovation.

Practical home improvements: Small helpers for greater efficiency

Not every energy-saving measure requires major renovation work. Small changes in your daily routine can make a difference. Properly maintaining your heating system, bleeding radiators and sealing old windows are good first steps.

A professional cleaning brush, for example, can be useful for maintaining heating and water systems. A tool such as the

"Wonder Scissors" - the all-purpose cutter for home & garden

View product

Also consider your surroundings: A well-insulated home benefits from thoughtful garden planning. Hedges can provide wind protection. To maintain green spaces and get ready for the cold season, our bird food range offers high-quality products such as the

20 kg Deluxe bird food with shell-free mealworms for wild birds

View product

Improving your home's energy efficiency can also open the door to new ideas, such as a healthier indoor climate or a wildlife-friendly garden. Find inspiration for your home in our country-style children's furniture.

Conclusion: From required document to renovation roadmap

Getting an Energy Performance Certificate is a clear legal requirement for homeowners. Rather than seeing it as an annoying formality, treat the process as an opportunity to have an expert assess your home.

A high-quality certificate, combined with sound energy advice, gives you the information you need to make informed decisions. It shows where your home is wasting energy and which improvements will have the greatest impact. That turns a required document into a strategic renovation plan that lowers heating costs, improves comfort and protects your property's value.

Start by getting advice from a reputable professional. A good Energy Performance Certificate can quickly pay for itself through the insights it provides and the savings you make over time.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

You need a valid Energy Performance Certificate when you sell or rent out your house or apartment. Since May 2014, this requirement has applied to almost all residential buildings. At a showing, you must provide the certificate or its key section, the energy efficiency label, without being asked.

How much does an Energy Performance Certificate cost?

The cost of an Energy Performance Certificate varies considerably. A basic certificate based on energy consumption starts at around 50 to 100 euros. A more detailed certificate based on energy demand costs between 300 and 500 euros for a detached house. The price depends on the building's size, the amount of work involved and the energy assessor's qualifications.

Which is better: a demand-based or consumption-based certificate?

A demand-based certificate is more accurate and is calculated from the building's theoretical energy requirements. It is required for new construction and older buildings that have not been renovated. A consumption-based certificate uses the last three years of heating bills. It costs less but provides less detail because occupant behavior affects the result.

How long is an Energy Performance Certificate valid?

An Energy Performance Certificate is valid for ten years. Once it expires, you must apply for a new one. It can also be worth updating it early after extensive renovations, such as installing a new heating system or insulation, because these improvements can significantly raise the energy efficiency rating.

Can I issue my own Energy Performance Certificate?

No. Energy Performance Certificates may only be issued by authorized professionals, such as energy assessors, architects or civil engineers with the appropriate additional training. Check that the professional is authorized to issue certificates. Reputable energy advice gives you both the document and well-founded renovation recommendations.