Energy Efficiency Classes for Homes – How to Increase Value, Demand, and Comfort
Energy efficiency pays off – for homeowners, buyers, and sellers alike.
A home’s energy efficiency class directly impacts heating costs, environmental performance, and overall market value. In this article, you’ll learn what the classes from A+ to H mean, how to improve your property’s efficiency, and which funding programs can help you – whether you rent it out, sell it, or live in it yourself.
Energy Efficiency Classes for Homes – How to Increase Value, Demand, and Comfort
Whether selling, renting, or living in your property, a home's energy efficiency class now plays a bigger role than ever in determining running costs, market value, and overall appeal. Understanding the classes and improving them strategically can save significant money while helping the environment.
What Does the Energy Efficiency Class Mean?
The energy efficiency class rates a building on a scale from A+ (very efficient) to H (very inefficient) based on its energy consumption.
It is displayed in the energy performance certificate and is an important decision factor for buyers and tenants.
Examples:
- A+: Very low energy demand, state-of-the-art technology, excellent insulation
- H: Very high energy demand, often unrenovated older buildings
Why Is the Energy Efficiency Class Important?
1. Value Stability
Energy-efficient homes maintain their market value better and often achieve higher selling prices.
2. Operating Costs
A class H home can have up to four times higher heating costs compared to a class A+ home.
3. Demand
Buyers and tenants increasingly look at utility costs and environmental performance – poor efficiency can be a dealbreaker.
Overview: Classes A+ to H
| Class | Energy Demand (kWh/m²/year) | Typical Property Examples |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | < 30 | Passive houses, KfW-40 new builds |
| A | 30–50 | Efficiency House 55, modern new builds |
| B | 50–75 | Efficiency House 60, well-insulated |
| C | 75–100 | Low-energy house |
| D | 100–130 | High-quality existing buildings |
| E | 130–160 | Partially renovated older buildings |
| F | 160–200 | Basic insulated existing buildings |
| G | 200–250 | Older buildings with minimal insulation |
| H | > 250 | Unrenovated older buildings, listed |
How to Improve Energy Efficiency
Optimize Insulation
Professionally insulate the roof, façade, and basement ceiling.
Upgrade Windows and Doors
Modern double- or triple-glazed units significantly reduce heat loss.
Modernize the Heating System
Replace outdated systems with heat pumps, condensing technology, or district heating.
Use Renewable Energy
Integrate photovoltaic systems, solar thermal, or biomass heating.
Tip: These measures can improve the efficiency class by several levels – a boost to your property’s value.
Take Advantage of Funding Opportunities
The government supports energy-efficient renovations with grants and low-interest loans, e.g., through the KfW or BAFA.
An energy consultant can help identify the right funding programs and handle the application process.
Energy Performance Certificate: Mandatory for Sales and Rentals
Anyone selling or renting a property must present an energy performance certificate.
It not only states the efficiency class but also includes specific consumption or demand values and modernization recommendations.
Conclusion
The energy efficiency class is more than just a number on the certificate – it directly impacts utility costs, comfort, market value, and demand.
Investing early pays off in the long run with lower costs, a higher property value, and a competitive advantage in the market.
