Energy certificate (energiatodistus)

The energy certificate (energiatodistus) tells you how much energy a home uses for heating and upkeep. The class is given on a scale from A to G, where A is the most energy efficient and G the most consuming. The closer to the G end, the higher the heating costs usually are, which shows directly in your monthly outgoings.

The certificate is mandatory when a home is for sale or rent, and it is valid for up to 10 years. Check the listing or brochure for the class and the date of the certificate. An old or missing certificate is worth raising with the seller or agent.

The class is indicative, not an exact forecast of your bills. It is based on the building’s features, not on your own usage habits. A poor class does not mean a bad home, but it is worth taking into account when you estimate how much living there costs per month.

The energy class connects to the maintenance charge (hoitovastike) and upkeep costs: heating is often a large part of the housing company’s expenses. If the class is poor, ask whether energy improvements, such as renewing the heating system, are coming.