What is an energy audit, and how does it differ from an energy performance certificate (EPC)?
The Energy Audit differs from the Energy Performance Assessment (DPE), since it is a more comprehensive document. This document goes beyond the DPE, its goal is to eliminate energy-inefficient buildings by requiring sellers to carry out renovations and convert them into energy-efficient homes. This audit outlines the main steps of the renovation process and the estimated costs.
More comprehensive checklist for the energy audit:
- Exterior surfaces (walls, roof, windows, doors, etc.): quality of insulation
- Heating, Hot Water, and Ventilation Systems: Proper Operation
- Efficiency of the property's equipment (thermostat, thermostatic valves, etc.).
The energy audit, provided by the auditor to the owner of the property for sale and valid for 5 years, is handed over by the seller or the seller’s real estate agent during the first showing.
The DPE is designed to assess energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by assigning a rating. The purpose of the energy audit is to improve the energy performance of homes with an unsatisfactory Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
The first step is to conduct the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which will determine whether an energy audit is necessary.
In summary, the goal of this law is to optimize energy consumption in single-family homes and multi-family residential buildings by renovating the areas that truly make a difference, thereby transforming them into low-energy homes. In fact, the audit provides, for informational purposes, an estimate of the theoretical impact of the proposed work on energy bills and offers a more detailed overview of the budget allocated for the renovation work. This mandatory energy audit must be conducted by a professional who meets certain criteria and has taken out insurance, although their fees are not regulated. You can find the auditor of your choice either on the website France Rénov’ or in theDirectory of Certified Diagnosticians and Auditors.
This new energy audit requirement is likely to prompt some homeowners—if they are unable to finance the work—to sell their properties.
These depreciated properties will flood the market.
Landlords are not exempt from the stricter measures introduced by the “Climate and Resilience” law, although the law does not require energy audits for rental properties. However, substandard housing—defined as units consuming more than 450 kWhEF/m²/year and classified as “G”—will no longer be allowed to be offered for rent as of January 1, 2023. This will be followed by “F”-rated housing in 2028 and, finally, “E”-rated housing in 2034.
For more information, please feel free to contact our real estate agencies, CENTURY 21 Auteuil Immobilier and CENTURY 21 Auteuil Seine, by phone at 01 42 15 16 21 or 01 56 07 16 21, or by email: auteuil@century21.fr or auteuilseine@century21.fr.
