Energy efficiency in your holiday accommodation

An energy performance certificate is a document used to assess a property’s energy efficiency. It shows an energy rating from A to G, ranging from more to less efficient.

The label summarises a calculated energy rating for the property. It does not determine which energy supplier you should choose or exactly how much you will pay: bills also depend on use, weather and energy prices.

Many owners of holiday accommodation want to maintain a second home without excessive spending on running costs or maintenance.

This guide distinguishes the energy certificate from measures to improve the building and from choosing a tariff. Having the document does not itself reduce consumption; what matters is evaluating the improvements and their cost.

Factors to consider when improving a home’s energy efficiency

Improving efficiency can reduce the energy needed to provide a comparable service, but the final bill also changes with occupancy, temperature, habits and the chosen tariff.

Comparing tariff terms may help reduce supply costs. You can review offers directly or use a comparison service as a starting point, always checking the contract terms. A lower price does not itself reduce energy consumption.

When comparing offers, review contracted capacity, energy prices, fixed costs, discount periods and additional services. Use the same consumption assumptions for every offer and check the contract terms.

Do not choose a supplier solely on the headline price in an advert. Check whether the offer suits the property’s occupancy pattern and equipment, and distinguish tariff savings from reductions in consumption.

Another consideration when using an energy rating is that:

• A better rating gives a prospective buyer information, but does not guarantee a specific increase in value. Its effect also depends on the market, property condition and location.
• Creating an eco-friendly space: a sustainable home can benefit the environment and improve the living space.

Technical and construction-related factors also influence efficiency, including the following:

• Review insulation with a qualified professional: walls, roofs, thermal bridges and windows may require different solutions. Estimate the savings and cost for that particular property before carrying out work.
• Distinguish the source of the electricity you purchase from the efficiency of the accommodation. A tariff marketed as green does not itself reduce equipment consumption.
• Equipment matters too: replace older light bulbs with LED bulbs or fit tap flow regulators to avoid wasting water.
• Compare the current label and declared consumption of appliances in the same category and capacity. Scales can vary by product family; do not use A+++ as a universal rule for every purchase.

For further information, the following article in the newspaper 20 minutos discusses some common questions.

Assess an efficiency measure in terms of investment, maintenance, use and potential consumption reductions. Measure the result after implementation; environmental improvements and financial savings are not the same metric.

A simple way to monitor consumption

Keep bills and compare kWh against occupied nights over equivalent periods. Record equipment changes and repairs to distinguish efficiency improvements from lower occupancy. A comparison tool helps assess prices but does not replace a property assessment.

For requirements and the procedure, consult the energy certificate guide and Royal Decree 390/2021.