The energy audit becomes mandatory on September 1, 2022 for properties known as "heat sinks"

What is a property known as a "thermal sieve"?

The term "thermal sieve" refers to a home with excessive heating or cooling consumption. In general, its energy performance diagnosis (DPE), which has been mandatory when a property is put up for sale since 2006, has an F or G energy label, according to the decree dated May 4, 2022.

How to improve the energy performance of your home?

From September 1, 2022, for properties designated as "energy sinks", an energy audit will become mandatory in case of sale. In 2025, it will be extended to energy class E properties and to class D homes in 2034.

The latter includes :

• a general inventory of the property (thermal and geometrical characteristics, indications on the heating, hot water production, ventilation, cooling, lighting equipment) ;
• an estimate of the building's performance, based on the DPE;
• proposals for work to achieve better energy performance.

For each stage of the work, the audit must provide, for its main information

• the estimated energy savings ;
• the estimated theoretical impact of the proposed work on the energy bill in the form of a range of cost savings;
• the estimated cost of the work;
• the main financial assistance available (national and local).
• During the first visit of the property, it will be given to the future buyer and will be included in the promise to sell.

Who should I call to carry out an energy audit and ensure that the work carried out will result in REAL savings?

The professional mandated to carry out your energy audit must be qualified and have no ties that could affect his impartiality and independence from the owner or the person or structure that has called on his services.

In the case of an energy audit of a building for residential use, the "Energy audit of buildings (tertiary and/or collective housing)" consultancy firms (OPQIBI 1905 qualification) and architectural firms and architects registered with the order and having undergone specific training will be able to perform your audit.

In the case of a single-family home, a design office or a company qualified as an "Energy audit in a single-family home" (OPQIBI 1911 qualification), a company certified as a "RGE global offer" or a certified real estate diagnostician (certificate issued by a certification body, which must be attached to their audit) can perform your energy audit.

Will all properties be subject to an energy audit?

Until 2025, only properties with an F or G label will be subject to the energy audit, allowing future buyers to plan their future residence with an awareness of the work to be done to reduce their energy impact.

We assume that properties not subject to the DPE according to article R. 134-1 will not be subject to the energy audit:

• Temporary buildings planned for a period of use equal to or less than two years ;
• Independent buildings whose floor area as defined in article R. 111-22 of the urban planning code is less than 50 square meters;
• Buildings or parts of buildings for agricultural, craft or industrial use, other than premises used for housing, in which the heating or cooling system or production of hot water for human occupation produces a small amount of energy compared to that required for economic activities;
• Buildings used as places of worship;
• Historical monuments classified or listed in the inventory under the heritage code, such as castles, manors, gardens ... classified;
• Buildings or parts of buildings that are not heated or for which the only fixed heating equipment are open fireplaces, and which do not have a cooling system;
• Buildings or parts of residential buildings which are intended to be used less than four months per year.

What happens next?

Once you have your energy audit, you will discover at least 2 work scenarios that will allow you to raise the energy rating of your residence from an F or G label to a C class or from an E or D label to a B class.

Once you have chosen the work you wish to do, it's up to you!

We advise you to approach several companies, in priority RGE (Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement). They will establish for you estimates answering the needs stated in the energy audit.

Depending on your income, you may be eligible for assistance. For more information, contact the ADIL or visit https://france-renov.gouv.fr.

Sources and References :

- https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/actualites/A15675

- Decree n° 2022-780 of May 4, 2022 relating to the energy audit mentioned in article L. 126-28-1 of the code of construction and housing

- Order of May 4, 2022 defining for metropolitan France the content of the regulatory energy audit provided for in Article L. 126-28-1 of the Construction and Housing Code 


- Article L126-28-1 of the Construction and Housing Code, concerning the energy audit