Energy savings: which improvements should you make to your rental property?

When you own a property for rent, it is natural to want to optimize the energy expenses of the unit in question. To do this, certain improvements should be prioritized. For instance, thermal insulation of specific parts of the home, replacing the ventilation system, and upgrading the heating system can significantly reduce energy bills.

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Get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Obtaining an EPC is essential for precisely determining the energy performance of your house or apartment. Following this assessment, a comprehensive report will allow you to review the property's current energy consumption and the renovation work needed to improve it. Mandatory if you wish to rent or sell your property, this assessment must be performed by a certified home inspector and is valid for 10 years.

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How can you achieve optimal thermal insulation for your home?

Effectively insulate every part of your home

Improving your home's thermal insulation can lead to significant savings on your energy bill. The first area to prioritize is the roof: 30% of heat loss occurs through the attic. Depending on the type of roof and the insulation material chosen, the cost of attic insulation can range from €20 to €200 per square meter, but it can save you up to 20% on your heating costs.

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Next, consider insulating your walls, preferably from the outside for greater efficiency. Expect to pay between €80 and €180 per square meter of insulated surface for this work. You will then prevent an additional 20% to 25% of heat loss.

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Finally, there are the windows, which you should replace with double-glazed units (€300 to €1,000 for a standard PVC window, excluding installation), followed by insulating the ground floor of the home.

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Upgrade your ventilation system

Have you improved your home's thermal insulation and are wondering if there is more you can do to save even more? The answer is yes! It is entirely possible to optimize your indoor ventilation to improve the home's thermal comfort and, consequently, reduce your heating bill. The ideal solution is to opt for a dual-flow mechanical ventilation system (VMC), which can save you up to 20% compared to a single-flow VMC and significantly improve indoor air quality. Expect to pay between €4,000 and €8,000 for the installation of this type of ventilation.

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Opt for a high-performance heating system

Which heating systems should you prioritize?

If your heating system is over 20 years old, it may be wise to replace it with a more energy-efficient solution. Heating and domestic hot water account for the majority of a home's energy expenses. By opting for a condensing gas boiler (€3,500 to €15,000, including installation), you can achieve 15% to 30% in energy savings. Other heating systems, such as wood pellet boilers (€8,000 to €20,000, including installation) or pulsating gas boilers (€4,500 to €7,500, including installation), can help you save 30% to 40% on energy!

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Install a heat pump

To power your heating system while reducing electricity consumption, you can use a heat pump (HP). It generates energy from the outside air, the ground, or water, and can reduce your energy expenses by 35% to 75%, depending on the model chosen. Among the different types of heat pumps, geothermal and hydrothermal heat pumps offer the best efficiency. Generally, such equipment pays for itself in less than 10 years. Expect a cost of €12,000 to €25,000 for a geothermal heat pump and €10,000 to €18,000 for a hydrothermal heat pump, including labor.

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Financial aid for energy-saving renovations

To make investing in this new equipment even more attractive, homeowners can obtain grants and tax credits under certain conditions. Below are the main programs you may be eligible for.

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Energy bonuses

Energy bonuses apply to most energy renovation projects, particularly thermal insulation and the installation of high-performance heating systems. Accessible to everyone, these bonuses can be obtained from energy suppliers. Depending on your income, the amount of this aid can reach up to €4,000 for the installation of a new boiler and up to €20 per square meter for attic insulation.

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Energy Transition Tax Credit (CITE)

Much like energy bonuses, the CITE provides fixed financial assistance for specific types of energy-saving home improvements for properties over two years old. Capped at €2,400 for a single person and €4,800 for a couple, this tax credit is claimed by reporting your expenses on your income tax return.

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The zero-interest eco-loan

The zero-interest eco-loan is a measure that helps finance energy renovation work for homes completed more than two years ago, with a zero percent interest rate (capped at €30,000 for 3 types of eligible work). Check with your bank to see if you qualify.

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Reduced 5.5% VAT

Energy renovation work is subject to a reduced 5.5% VAT rate. This rate is applied automatically to your invoice by the professional in charge of your project.

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The reduced 5.5% VAT applies to energy renovation work. If you purchase a property and choose to carry out energy-saving improvements, you will be eligible for this benefit.