What is energy label F?
Energy label F means that your home is poorly insulated and uses a lot of energy. It represents an average energy consumption of 335 to 380 kWh per m² per year. A house with this label often has an outdated central heating boiler and single glazing. As a result, a lot of heat is lost and you use more energy to heat your home. This results in lower energy efficiency than low-energy houses, which means you have higher energy costs.
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Requirements and characteristics of energy label F
Energy label F means that a home consumes an average of 335 to 380 kWh per square meter per year. This is high compared to homes with a better label. It results in high energy costs, less comfort and lower home value. Label F is known as the second lowest energy label, just above label G.
These points show why this label is so low. Below you can read more about the main characteristics of energy label F.
Poor insulation
Energy label F often lacks good insulation. Roof, walls and floors let heat escape easily. This results in drafty rooms and high heating costs. The lack of insulation is a major reason this label is so low.
Old glass
Many homes with this label still have single or outdated double glazing, which causes heat to be lost more quickly. Replacing it with HR++ or triple glazing helps improve insulation and contributes directly to a better energy label.
Inefficient heating
Often there is still an outdated central heating boiler in the home. These installations consume a lot of gas and do not work efficiently. A modern HR boiler or heat pump uses less energy and increases living comfort.
Little renewable energy
Solar panels, heat pumps and other sustainable solutions are usually lacking. This leaves you completely dependent on fossil energy, which further increases energy costs and makes the home less future-proof.
High energy consumption
Due to poor insulation and inefficient installations, a house with label F uses a lot of energy to stay warm. You notice this immediately in your monthly costs and living comfort. Energy consumption is much higher than in homes with a better label, such as energy label E or D.
Are you curious about the other requirements and characteristics of the other energy labels? In this article on energy labels A to G, you can read exactly what the requirements and characteristics are for each energy label.
Advantages and disadvantages of energy label F
A home with energy label F has a few advantages, but mostly many disadvantages. For example, you often benefit from a lower purchase price and opportunities to increase the value. On the other hand, energy costs are high and living comfort is low.
Below we list the advantages and disadvantages for you.
Advantages of energy label F
- Often a lower purchase price than energy efficient homes.
- More opportunities to increase value through sustainability.
Disadvantages of energy label F
- High energy costs due to a poorly insulated building.
- Lower living comfort due to drafts and cold.
- Less favorable mortgage terms. With a low energy label, banks often charge higher interest rates or give less loan capacity.
- Lower home value. A house with energy label F scores lower than a comparable house with energy label A or C.
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Energy costs of a house with energy label F
A home with energy label F costs an average of €3000 to €4000 per year in energy, or €250 to €330 per month. This is because such a home uses between 335 and 380 kWh per m² per year. Because a house with energy label F uses a lot of energy, the monthly costs are thousands of euros higher than for a house with energy label C.
Want to know how your home scores and whether you can get a better label after improvements? Then simply request a new energy label.
What does energy label F mean for your mortgage?
A house with energy label F does not give you any advantages with the bank. In fact, banks are increasingly critical of houses with this second lowest energy label. This is reflected in the conditions:
Disadvantages to your mortgage
- No interest reduction: with energy label F, you pay the standard mortgage interest rate. Your monthly costs will be higher as a result.
- No additional loan space: banks do not give additional loan space for energy savings at label F.
- Lower maximum loan amount: some banks allow a lower mortgage amount, because a home with high energy costs is seen as less stable in value.
Possible benefits after preservation
- Value increases: improving your home can increase its market value.
- Better energy label, more opportunities: a higher label can lead to additional loan availability or even interest rate discounts.
- Lower monthly costs: conservation reduces your energy costs, which strengthens your financial position.
What is the difference between energy label F and better energy labels?
The main difference between energy label F and better labels is in energy consumption per square meter. A house with energy label F consumes an average of 335-380 kWh per square meter per year. This leads to high energy costs, less comfort and often a lower home value.
In comparison, a house with energy label C has a consumption of 190-250 kWh per m² per year. That saves hundreds of euros per year in energy costs and immediately provides more living comfort. A house with energy label B does even better with 160-190 kWh per m² per year. The most energy-efficient homes have energy label A or higher and consume only 0-160 kWh per m².
Energy consumption by label
How do you improve energy label F?
You improve a home with energy label F through better insulation, economical installations and renewable energy. With these various measures, you can improve your home, reduce your energy costs and provide a more comfortable living environment. In this way your home will rise from energy label F to C or even to energy label A.
1. Improve insulation
A home labeled F is often poorly insulated. Start with roof insulation, floor insulation and cavity wall insulation. By investing in good insulation, less heat is lost. This provides immediate savings and makes your home more comfortable in winter and cooler in summer.
2. Glass replacement
Many houses with energy label F still have single glass. Replace it with HR++ or triple glazing. In this way you increase the insulation value, prevent drafts and notice a big difference in comfort and monthly costs.
3. Renew installations
Replace your old central heating boiler with an hr boiler or a (hybrid) heat pump. This investment will make your home more economical and future-proof. A balanced ventilation system can also contribute to a healthier living environment.
4. Installing solar panels
By installing solar panels, you generate your own energy. This lowers your monthly expenses and makes you less dependent on fossil fuels. It can make a big difference in how sustainable your home is.
5. Smart applications
Use smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances and monitoring to keep a grip on your consumption. That way you make the most of your improvements and avoid waste.
A home, or even a commercial building, with energy label F often requires substantial investments. Yet it is wise to invest step by step, because the measures result in lower expenses, more comfort and a higher home value.
Have you already taken energy-saving measures? Then request a new energy label through an energy consultant. That way you will know if you have gone from energy label F to C or even A.
All other energy labels explained
Curious about how your house scores in comparison to other labels? Below you will find an overview of all energy labels, from the most energy efficient energy label A to the least favorable energy label G. Click through to read more about the characteristics, costs and points of improvement per label.
