Plumbing Audit for EPC and Comprehensive Renovation: How Plumbers Improve Your Energy Rating
Since the new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations came into force, F and G labels have become a source of stress for Parisian owners (progressive ban on renting). EPC improvement often involves insulation, but hot water and heating systems play a vital role.
A plumbing-heating audit by an expert is the first step to identify the most profitable work that will boost your rating. At Réseau Tubulure, we don't just repair; we optimize your energy assets.
1. The Key Role of Hot Water in EPC
In EPC evaluation, the Domestic Hot Water (DHW) item represents a significant share of consumption (up to 15% of total energy).
Loss Points to Audit
- Water heater: Do you still have an old oversized "group A" tank? Replacing it with a Thermodynamic (heat pump) or new generation water heater (ACI Hybrid) can gain a sub-rating in EPC.
- Pipe insulation: Hot water traveling through uninsulated pipes under false ceilings loses enormous amounts of calories. We audit thermal bridges in piping and propose high-performance lagging.
- Hot water loop (if collective): In large buildings, hot water circulates in a loop. If the pump is poorly adjusted or piping poorly insulated, it's a monumental energy loss.
Water Heater Failure: Diagnosis and First Reflexes
2. Heating System Diagnosis (Boiler vs Heat Pump)
To gain EPC points, you must switch from fossil fuels to renewable energies or very high-performance systems.
Condensing Boiler
If switching to heat pump is impossible (condominium or space problem), a Very High Energy Performance (VHEP, condensing) gas boiler is the best compromise. It uses flue gas heat, offering much higher efficiency than old boilers.
The Importance of Flushing
A clogged network drops boiler efficiency by 10 to 25%. Flushing is therefore a prerequisite to ensure the system's efficiency is correctly accounted for by the EPC assessor.
Discover our plumbing and heating services
3. Comprehensive Renovation: Maximize Aid (RGE)
To receive maximum aid (MaPrimeRénov', CEE), the principle is to commit to comprehensive renovation guaranteeing significant energy gain (minimum 2 EPC class jumps, e.g., from F to D).
The Role of RGE Plumber (Recognized Environmental Guarantor)
Only RGE tradespeople can make you eligible for subsidies. We're not EPC auditors, but we're the technicians who implement the work recommended by the audit, including:
- Air-Water heat pump installation.
- Double-flow ventilation installation (humidity and air quality management, important EPC factor).
- High-performance water heater installation.
Our Commitment: We provide you with proof of new equipment performance, essential for final EPC.
Conclusion: Plumbing Audit, a Springboard for EPC
If you're undertaking comprehensive renovation to exit energy poverty, our plumbing-heating audit guarantees you make the right technical choices for maximum impact on your EPC.
Réseau Tubulure - Plumbers and proud of it! 🔧
