The energy efficiency class provides information about the energy status of a building. The better the energy efficiency class of a house, the lower the energy costs. In this article, you will learn which energy efficiency classes there are and which of them is the best.
First things first
What is that?
The energy efficiency class of a house indicates its energetic status.
Which class makes sense?
For new buildings, D is required, although many new buildings are in class B. For old buildings, at least D.
Best energy efficiency class?
Energy efficiency classes for buildings range from A+ to H. A+ is the best energy efficiency class.
Can I improve it?
You can improve energy efficiency through insulation, modern heating systems and energy-efficient windows.
What is the energy efficiency class of a house?
The energy efficiency class of a house indicates its energy status. It is based on the annual consumption or demand for final energy and is given in kilowatt hours per square meter of usable building space. There are several energy efficiency classes that are determined according to the Building Energy Act (GEG).
What energy efficiency classes are there?
There are energy efficiency classes for buildings from A+ to H. The best energy class is A+, followed by A and B. These are shown in green on energy certificates. This is followed by classes C, D and E. These are marked in yellow. Then come F and G in orange. The worst energy efficiency class is H in red.
House energy efficiency classes as a table
The house energy efficiency classes are divided according to final energy. The better the energy efficiency class, the less energy the house uses. This means that energy costs are lower for efficient classes than for less efficient ones.
| energy efficiency class | final energy [kWh/(m²a)] | house type | energy costs |
| A+ | ≤ 30 | new buildings with the highest energy standards | approx. 3 €/m² living space |
| A | ≤ 50 | new buildings and low-energy houses | approx. 8 €/m² living space |
| B | ≤ 75 | Normal new buildings | approx. 13 €/m² living space |
| C | ≤ 100 | minimum requirement for new construction | approx. 18 €/m² living space |
| D | ≤ 130 | Extensively renovated old buildings | approx. 24 €/m² living space |
| E | ≤ 160 | Renovated old buildings | approx. 30 €/m² living space |
| F | ≤ 200 | Partially renovated old buildings | approx. 37 €/m² living space |
| G | ≤ 250 | Partially renovated old buildings | approx. 47 €/m² living space |
| H | > 250 | Unrenovated old buildings | > 60 €/m² living space |
Which energy efficiency classes should a house have?
A minimum energy efficiency class of D is required for new buildings, although class C is preferable. Many newly built houses now meet energy efficiency class B. For older buildings, a D standard is desirable.
The new EU Building Directive (EPBD) requires all new buildings to be emission-free from 2030. For new public buildings, this obligation will come into force on January 1, 2028. To achieve this, new buildings must have minimal energy consumption and rely exclusively on renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics. They should not generate CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels, and the energy performance certificate must contain information about their environmental impact.
The EPBD also requires a reduction in primary energy consumption in existing buildings. They must reduce 16% of the building stock with the worst energy performance by 2030. By 2033, the percentage must even be up to 22%. To achieve this, so-called MEPS (minimum energy performance standards) are being introduced.
- By 2027, non-residential buildings must achieve at least energy efficiency class F, and by 2030 class E;
- By 2030, residential buildings must achieve at least energy efficiency class F, and by 2033 class E.
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Why is the energy efficiency class of a house important?
The energy efficiency class helps to evaluate and compare the energy status of buildings. The GEG sets out the minimum requirements for issuing a building permit. It regulates energy generation, distribution and losses via the external components of a building.
Where can I find the energy efficiency class of a house?
The GEG requires the energy efficiency class to be specified in energy certificate The certificate is valid for ten years and must be presented when renting or selling a property. The energy efficiency class must also be stated in advertisements for commercial properties.
Energy certificate (source: bundesanzeiger.de)
Different types of energy certificates are required for different types of buildings. There are demand-based certificates and consumption-based certificates:
- The needs-based ID card takes into account the specific characteristics of the building;
- The consumption-oriented ID card uses the data from the last three bills to calculate energy consumption. Consumption is adjusted for weather and user behavior.
How do I calculate the energy efficiency class of a house?
To calculate the energy efficiency class of a house, the final energy consumption The easiest way is to divide the average energy consumption of the last three years by the living space of the house. This gives the final energy consumption in kilowatt hours per square meter per year:
- Final energy consumption [kWh/(m².a)] = Average energy consumption of the last three years [kWh] / Living space [m²]
Example: You own a detached house with 150 m². The average energy consumption over the last three years was 25,000 kWh. The final energy consumption is then around 167 kWh/(m².a). This means that you would live in an old building with energy efficiency class F.
How can the energy efficiency class of the house be improved?
You can improve the energy efficiency class of an existing property by installing a energy-efficient renovation There are three important points to achieve a better energy efficiency class:
- ensure adequate insulation,
- replace or optimize the existing heating system and/or
- Consider installing a photovoltaic system or one solar thermal system.
insulation
Old buildings are often inadequately insulated, which means a lot of energy is lost. You can correct this by adding insulation to the facade and roof or replacing windows. This will reduce the final energy and improve the energy efficiency class. Expect to pay €75 to €200 per square meter for insulation. Replacing windows costs an average of between €7,500 and €15,000.
renovation of the heating system
By replacing the existing heating system with a modern and more efficient one (for example a heat pump), you reduce energy consumption. This improves the final energy and you achieve a better energy efficiency class. You also reduce your energy costs.
The ideal solution is to combine a heat pump with photovoltaics or solar thermal energy. This allows you to generate part of your energy needs using solar energy and further reduce your energy needs and energy costs.
photovoltaics or solar thermal energy
Photovoltaics or solar thermal energy are two other options for reducing final energy. This has a positive effect on the energy efficiency class. The costs for a photovoltaic system on a house are between €7,500 and €15,000. Solar thermal energy for hot water costs around €5,000 and for heating and hot water around €10,000.
What is the difference between energy efficiency classes and KfW efficiency house standard?
The KfW Efficiency House Standard is a set of rules that promotes energy-efficient construction. It offers loans and grants to homeowners with low energy requirements. It makes it easier for consumers to understand energy efficiency classes.
- The energy efficiency class of a home is displayed in the same system as that of electrical appliances. Consumers can easily determine whether a property is energy efficient when buying or renting it;
- The KfW Efficiency House Standard measures the primary energy demand of a building, not the final energy consumption. The numerical values indicate the maximum permissible percentage compared to a reference building defined in the Building Energy Act.
