The house of the future: potential, characteristics and regulations to be respected for houses with energy class C

The energy class of a home measures its energy consumption for heating, hot water, and lighting, impacting overall costs. Energy classes range from the most efficient (A4) to the least efficient (G), based on annual energy use per square meter.
The European Union, through Directives 2010/31/EU and 2018/844/EU, aims to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency by promoting low-energy buildings. Energy Class C, the minimum standard under EU regulations, strikes a balance between comfort and sustainability, supporting the EU’s environmental goals.
While Class C homes may require higher initial investments, they offer long-term savings through improved efficiency. Energy ratings are based on the 2023 consumption chart, which categorizes buildings using the Energy Performance Index (EPgl).

How to Determine Your Home’s Energy Class

To find out the energy class of a property, you need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), issued by a certified technician. The EPC evaluates various factors, including:

• Wall and floor insulation
• Heating and cooling system efficiency
• Energy consumption and compliance with regulations
• Building orientation and sunlight exposure, which affect heating and natural lighting needs

How Energy Class is Calculated

The calculation involves specialized software that analyzes several building parameters. The system processes the data and assigns an energy class, along with suggestions to improve efficiency.

How to Improve Energy Class Without Insulation

There are alternatives to adding insulation to enhance energy efficiency, such as:

• Installing solar panels
• Replacing windows with insulating models
• Using controlled ventilation systems
• Switching to a heat pump for heating
• Installing LED lighting

Improving by two energy classes depends on the starting point and the property’s characteristics.