If you take a look at the appliances you have in your home, you will surely find a sticker on your fridge, washing machine or dishwasher that determines the energy efficiency of that appliance. This energy label has already become commonplace in our homes ... However, you should know that there is something similar to this standard in the field of housing and that, in addition, it is a mandatory and essential document in the case of wanting to rent or sell a house you own: the energy efficiency certificate.

If you are a homeowner, obtaining this certificate is a very important process, given that in Spain, the homes consume 17% of all the energy in the country. In this context, and taking into account that 60% of Spanish homes were built without any energy efficiency regulations, it is essential that whoever is going to invest in a property be aware of how much their energy expenditure will be approximately per month. To this end and, of course, the reduction of energy consumption in our homes, in 2013 it was mandatory to obtain this document for the purchase and sale and rental of homes. But ... what exactly is the energy efficiency certificate and how is the process for obtaining it? We tell you!

What exactly is the energy efficiency certificate?

The energy certificate is a technical document that qualifies the energy efficiency of a property; that is, it evaluates the energy consumed by that home in normal operating and occupation conditions.

Of course, this calculation is always carried out by a competent technician and includes the evaluation of characteristics such as lighting, hot water production, heating, ventilation and house cooling. In addition, it also takes into account aspects such as the external enclosure, air conditioning systems or the type of windows.

The energy rating is assigned with a letter scale, ranging from “A” to “G”, with “A” being the one that designates the highest efficiency and the “G” the lowest. In addition to the letter, the energy certificate also includes information on other energy characteristics of the property, such as those related to electricity or natural gas installations.

How to get the energy certificate?

If you are going to sell or rent a house, you must start the process of the energy certificate in case you do not have it. However, in case you do, you should not trust yourself: check the date of issue, since this document has a maximum validity of 10 years. Once this time has elapsed, the property owner must re-certify the home.

To get the energy efficiency certificate, only two steps are needed:

- First you must find a certified technician who is authorized in your area and request an appointment to establish the visit. The professional will make a sketch, take action, review materials and inspect the necessary areas. With the information collected, it will establish an energy rating and also provide recommendations to improve the rating obtained.

- Once this is done, the second step will be to register the certificate. You must present it to the appropriate body for verification and validation. This procedure can be done personally, although there are technicians who include this service in their work. When it has been correctly registered and approved, the official energy label of your property will be issued.

Finally, keep in mind that the certificate must be given to the buyer or the tenant of the home at the time of the operation. In the case of not doing so, it will be an infraction sanctioned with fines of between € 300 and € 6,000.

This certificate, in addition to being mandatory, can help favor the sale or rental of real estate. And, the more energy efficient, the more attractive it will be for potential buyers. In addition, it is a way to promote sustainable housing and help raise awareness about the care of the planet's resources.

Do you need to obtain the energy certificate for your home? Contact Proyectos Insulares! Our team of experts offers an advisory and management service to obtain your certificate without having to worry about anything!