Energy efficiency classes are playing an increasingly important role when buying a house. More and more people are prioritising an environmentally conscious lifestyle and want to save energy in their own homes. But how can energy efficiency classes help you make the right decision when buying a house? In this article, we at IMMOBILPOINT in Brixen provide an initial overview.
Energy-efficient homes offer many advantages. On the one hand, good insulation and an efficient heating system save money in the long term. On the other hand, lower energy consumption makes an active contribution to climate protection. If a property has good energy efficiency, this can also have a positive effect on its value and even the health of the residents, as good insulation and ventilation create a healthy indoor climate.
ClimateHouse classes have now become standard in South Tyrol. This is a certification system for energy-efficient buildings that is based on regional climate data. Various factors are taken into account for categorisation, such as insulation, the heating system, ventilation and the type of windows.
The KlimaHaus classes range from A+ (very energy efficient) to G (less energy efficient). A building in class A+ requires very little energy to be heated, while a building in class G requires a comparatively large amount of energy, which is reflected in the energy costs.
The differences between a ClimateHouse Class A and ClimateHouse Class B are primarily in the energy requirements and energy efficiency of the buildings, but are only minor in nature in some cases.
With an energy requirement of a maximum of 30 kWh/m² per year, a KlimaHaus Class A building is very energy-efficient and therefore a low-energy house with very low CO2 emissions. It is very well insulated, has an efficient heating system and controlled ventilation. As a rule, renewable energy is also used, such as solar thermal energy or photovoltaics.
A KlimaHaus class B building is also energy-efficient, but at a maximum of 50 kWh/m² per year, it requires slightly more energy than a class A house. The buildings are equally well insulated, have an efficient heating system and controlled ventilation. Renewable energy is also generally used here. Another difference between KlimaHaus class A and B buildings can also lie in the construction method.
The KlimaHaus class, which is important when buying a property in Bressanone/Brixen and the surrounding area, depends on the individual needs of the buyer. If you attach particular importance to an energy-efficient and environmentally conscious lifestyle and want to save energy costs in the long term, it may make sense to choose a KlimaHaus class A or A+ building.
If you are less focussed on high energy efficiency and low energy requirements, a KlimaHaus class B building can also be a good choice. These buildings are also energy-efficient, but have a slightly higher energy requirement than KlimaHaus class A buildings, which is often reflected in a lower purchase price. For many owners and buyers, the option of retrofitting a chimney is also 22 an argument in favour of class B houses. This is not possible with class A houses, but for many people it contributes to their well-being.
Would you like to know more about what you should look out for with regard to the energy efficiency classes when buying a house? Then the team at IMMOBILPOINT in Brixen will be happy to advise you in more detail. Get in touch with us!
