If you are renovating a property on the Costa Blanca, sooner or later you will come across the energy certificate: the Certificado de Eficiencia Energética. In Spain it is compulsory when you sell or let a property, but it plays an increasingly important role in renovations too. It shows how energy-efficient a property is and which improvements are possible.
The certificate is drawn up by an accredited assessor, who rates the property on factors such as insulation, heating and cooling systems and energy consumption. The property is given a rating from A (very energy-efficient) to G (very inefficient). Older houses on the Costa Blanca often score lower, simply because they were built at a time when energy performance mattered less.
Why does it matter in a renovation?
In a renovation, see the energy certificate not just as a compulsory document but as a guide. The report contains recommendations for improving energy performance, such as double glazing, wall and roof insulation, or replacing old air conditioning and heating systems with efficient alternatives.
If you build those recommendations into your renovation plan, you improve not only the rating but also how comfortable the house is to live in, and you lower your energy bills. A better rating can also increase the value of the property, which is worth bearing in mind if you ever decide to sell.
What should you look at in particular?
Insulation. Many Spanish houses are designed to stay cool in summer, but lose heat in winter. Better roof and wall insulation therefore has a big effect on the rating. Windows play a major part too: replacing single glazing with double or even triple glazing makes a noticeable difference.
Systems. Modern systems such as heat pumps, solar panels and efficient air conditioning all contribute to a better score. Do make sure every improvement is properly recorded, so that it counts towards a new energy certificate.
An example from our own projects: the villa on Avenida Dénia in Altea, 75% newly built and 25% renovated, achieved energy rating A on completion.
In short
The energy certificate is more than a piece of paperwork: it is a valuable tool when renovating a property on the Costa Blanca. Invest wisely in energy-efficient solutions and you end up with a comfortable home that is ready for the future and more attractive on the property market.
