Improving your energy performance rating: costs, strategies, and truly effective work
Energy performance ratings are a key issue in real estate today, both for sales and rentals. The energy label, which is graded from A to G, has a significant impact on the price of a property, its attractiveness, and its suitability for rental. Improving your energy rating by one grade can transform an apartment from “too energy-intensive” to a sought-after property. Many owners wonder how they can improve their EPC rating by one or two grades and what work is required. They also wonder whether the work undertaken will really be effective. As a real estate hunter in Paris since 2009, Parlez-moi de Paris assists buyers every day who are faced with this now unavoidable issue.
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Why has the EPC become unavoidable?
A property classified as F or G is considered to be a thermal sieve, with high energy consumption and increasingly strict regulations. But even aside from these constraints, a high-performance EPC is a decisive asset: a higher-rated apartment sells faster, attracts more buyers, and offers superior thermal comfort. In Paris, where supply is tight, a C or D-rated property is much more competitive on the market.
How much does it really cost to move up one or two classes?
The cost of improving the EPC depends on the type of property and its initial condition. In an older house, insulation is one of the most important improvements. Budgets generally range from $200 to $300 per square meter for high-performance insulation. For a surface area of 100 square meters, you should therefore expect to invest between €20,000 and €30,000.
In an apartment, the bill is often lower, as the exterior walls and roof are the responsibility of the condominium association. On average, improving your rating by one or two letters costs €8,000 to €12,000, before subsidies. Schemes such as MaPrimeRénov’, energy saving certificates, and the Éco-PTZ can significantly reduce the final cost, sometimes by several thousand euros, which greatly improves the cost-effectiveness of the work.
The most effective work to improve energy ratings
Not all work has the same impact on energy performance. Prioritizing what brings measurable gains is essential to optimizing your budget.
Insulation, the most strategic point
Heat loss comes mainly from walls, roofs, and attics. External insulation remains the most effective solution, even though internal insulation is still common in Paris, where there are many architectural constraints. Improvements in these areas can raise a home's energy rating by an entire letter.
The heating system, a major lever
Replacing an old oil or gas boiler with a heat pump or condensing boiler offers significant savings. In some cases, this change alone can raise the rating by one category. Switching to modern equipment not only improves the EPC rating, but also stabilizes energy bills.
Ventilation, an often underestimated asset
A humidity-controlled CMV improves air circulation and prevents humidity, two factors that influence the energy rating of a home. This is an affordable upgrade that provides real comfort of use, especially in older apartments.
Joinery, useful but rarely a priority
Replacing windows can be beneficial, but only if the rest of the home is already well insulated. In a poorly insulated property, the impact is limited, whereas effective insulation combined with high-performance windows optimizes the whole.
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How to avoid mistakes when renovating for energy efficiency
Before you start, an energy audit is the most essential step. It identifies weak points and allows you to prioritize investments to avoid inefficient spending. The most rational method is to start with insulation, then improve the heating system, and finally address ventilation and carpentry.
To benefit from financial assistance, it is essential to use RGE-certified professionals, a guarantee of quality and a mandatory condition for obtaining public subsidies.
The benefits of improving your EPC
Improving your EPC should not be seen as a simple expense, but as a sustainable investment. A home that moves from class F to D or from E to C increases in value, attracts more buyers, and becomes more pleasant to live in. In Paris, where every point of performance counts, this change can make all the difference when it comes to resale. For buyers, a property with high potential for improvement is often an excellent opportunity, especially when accompanied by a coherent renovation plan.
Conclusion
It is entirely possible to improve your EPC rating by one or two classes without completely renovating your home. With a detailed audit, targeted renovations, and existing financial assistance, the improvement can be spectacular. When buying a property, considering its energy potential is an essential part of identifying real opportunities. At Parlez-moi de Paris, we help our clients gain a deep understanding of the present and future value of each apartment to secure their investment.
