What is an energy label?
You've probably seen it before, one of those colorful labels with a letter on it, somewhere between A and G. They often stick this on household appliances, but homes get one of these labels, too. We're talking about an energy label, and it shows how energy efficient a home is. The less energy your house uses, the better the energy label. For example, a house with energy label A uses much less energy than a house with label G. This not only affects your energy costs, but also the value of your home.
What energy labels are there and what do they mean for your home?
Energy labels are graded from A (energy efficient) to G (energy inefficient). Below, we explain what each label means and what you can do to improve your energy label.
Energy label A or higher
A house with energy label A is very energy efficient. This means that your home is optimally insulated and uses energy-efficient systems, such as solar panels or a heat pump. As a result, you use little energy, which is good for both your wallet and the environment. Homes with energy label A often have the lowest energy costs and the highest home value.
Can you go higher than energy label A? Yes, you can. There are energy labels such as A+, A++ and even A++++ that show how extremely energy efficient a home can be. This means that your home performs even better in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability:
- Energy label A+: homes with this label feature additional energy-saving measures, such as thicker insulation or more efficient heating systems. Energy consumption here is between 75 and 105 kWh per square meter per year.
- Energy label A++: this label shows that your home performs even better, with energy consumption between 50 and 75 kWh per square meter. These are often homes with advanced installations, such as HR++ glass and balanced ventilation.
- Energy label A+++: houses with this label are almost energy neutral. That means they use less than 50 kWh per square meter per year. Here, solar energy and heat pumps, for example, are used, so you need almost no external energy.
- Energy label A++++: this is the top. These homes, often 0-to-the-meter, generate as much energy as they consume. Think extra solar panels, smart energy storage and advanced insulation techniques. These homes are ready for a future without gas or other fossil fuels.
Want to lift your home to a higher energy label? By making smart investments, such as extra insulation, installing more solar panels or applying sustainable energy solutions, you not only make your home more sustainable, but also more valuable. This way, you contribute to a greener world and enjoy lower energy costs.
Energy label B
Houses with energy label B are already well insulated and energy efficient, but there is still room for improvement. With small adjustments, such as installing double glazing or improving the heating system, you can easily raise this label to A.
Energy label C
Energy label C means that your home is reasonably energy efficient, but can be improved. Consider better insulation or replacing the central heating boiler with a more efficient model to further reduce your energy costs and make the home more sustainable.
Energy label D
With energy label D, your home uses more energy than it should. This label is in the middle and offers many opportunities to improve the energy label. Consider roof insulation or replacing single glazing with double glazing for lower energy consumption.
Energy label E
Homes with energy label E are relatively inefficient. This results in higher heating costs and greater CO2 emissions. By investing in insulation and energy-efficient heating systems, you can improve this label and save a lot of energy and costs over time. Also, the value of your home goes up when your home is more energy efficient.
Energy label F
If your home has energy label F, it uses a lot of energy. This can lead to sky-high energy bills. It is smart to take immediate action by, for example, insulating the floor or walls and replacing old heating systems.
Energy label G
A home with energy label G is the least energy efficient. This means that your home uses a lot of energy, resulting in high heating costs and a low home value. A home with this label often has little to no insulation and uses outdated heating systems, such as an old central heating boiler. The CO2 emissions of a home with energy label G are also significantly higher, which is bad for the environment.
Improving an energy label G is a smart investment. By starting with insulation, such as roof insulation, cavity wall insulation and floor insulation, you can save energy immediately. With these modifications, you can significantly improve your home's energy label, leading to lower energy costs, a comfortable home and a higher home value. This can make the difference between high monthly bills and a sustainable home ready for the future.
Energy label A good for your wallet and the environment
A good energy label has benefits beyond energy savings. For your wallet, a higher energy label means lower monthly energy costs. This is because homes with a good energy label use less energy, which is immediately noticeable on your energy bill. In addition, an energy-efficient home increases the value of your home, which is attractive if you plan to sell.
A good energy label is also very important for the environment. The better the energy label, the less CO2 emissions your home causes. By reducing your energy consumption and using renewable energy sources, you contribute to a more sustainable future. With an energy label A or higher, you are not only helping yourself, but also the environment by reducing the negative impact of your home. Do you want to spend less money every month on energy costs, a higher home value and better environment? Then it's time for some energy-saving measures.
How do you improve your energy label?
Want to improve your energy label? These steps will help you make your home more energy efficient.
1. Start with insulation
Insulating is often the first step in improving your energy label. By properly insulating your roof, walls and floors, you keep heat inside and save energy. This immediately makes your house more comfortable and cheaper to use.
2. Install more efficient heating systems and solar panels
By installing energy-efficient heating systems such as a heat pump, you can save significantly on your energy costs. Installing solar panels reduces your dependence on expensive energy suppliers.
3. How do you calculate your home's energy label?
You can have your home's energy label calculated by an energy expert. This person will look at insulation, heating and other factors. Then you will receive an official label that gives your home an energy rating.