French DPE energy rating: understanding A to G

Thresholds for classes A to G

The scale is set out in Annex 5 of the arrêté (ministerial order) of 31 March 2021 on the DPE for homes, as amended by the arrêté of 25 March 2024. For a home of more than 40 m² located below 800 m in altitude:

Small homes. For 40 m² or less, the thresholds are raised and calculated by linear interpolation according to floor area. At 8 m², for example, the class A threshold is 146 kWh/m²/year and 11 kg CO2eq/m²/year, and class G starts at 739 kWh/m²/year or 122 kg CO2eq/m²/year (arrêté of 25 March 2024). At 40 m², the thresholds are those in the table above.

Altitude. Above 800 m, in climate zones H1b, H1c and H2d, the upper thresholds are relaxed for homes of more than 40 m²: class E runs up to 390 kWh/m²/year and 80 kg CO2eq/m²/year, class F up to 500 kWh/m²/year and 110 kg CO2eq/m²/year (same arrêté).

The dual threshold: the worse of the two letters

Since the overhaul that came into force on 1 July 2021, the energy label combines two criteria: primary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. “To achieve an energy label (from A to G), a home must […] reach a minimum performance threshold on each of the two criteria” (ecologie.gouv.fr). In practice, the final rating is “obtained by taking the worse of the two labels” (Ministry FAQ, July 2025).

Example: a home that uses 200 kWh/m²/year (level D) but emits 55 kg CO2eq/m²/year (level E) will be rated E.

Consumption is assessed across 5 uses: heating, domestic hot water, air conditioning, lighting and auxiliary systems (Ministry FAQ).

The 3CL method and the electricity coefficient

The arrêté of 31 March 2021 (article 2) refers to “the standard 3CL-DPE 2021 method”. It has applied uniformly to all homes since 1 July 2021, and the DPE became fully opposable (legally binding, so it can be relied on against the seller or landlord) on that date, except for the recommended works, which remain indicative (ecologie.gouv.fr).

Electricity is converted into primary energy using a coefficient. Gas, heating oil and wood have a coefficient of 1. The Ministry gives this example: an all-electric home using 100 kWh/m² of final energy showed 230 kWh/m² of primary energy with the old coefficient of 2.3, and shows 190 with the coefficient of 1.9 applicable since 1 January 2026. No home sees its label worsen; the climate label, for its part, does not change.

A new arrêté of 19 August 2026 lowers this coefficient further, from 1.9 to 1.7, from 1 January 2027 (Légifrance). The arrêté of 11 June 2026, applicable from the same date, adapts the DPE to European Directive 2024/1275 and notably adds an “A0” class for zero-emission homes.

Validity: 10 years, except for older DPEs

A DPE is valid for 10 years (service-public.gouv.fr). Two older generations have expired (ecologie.gouv.fr):

A DPE carried out before 2026 remains valid, but can be updated free of charge, without a new visit, on the dedicated portal, only if the label improves with the new coefficient (service-public.gouv.fr).

Without its 13-digit ADEME number, a DPE is not valid (ecologie.gouv.fr).

What the letter changes for you

The DPE is compulsory for a sale or a letting; it is commissioned by the seller or the landlord. Its price is not regulated (ecologie.gouv.fr). For lettings, a home rated G can no longer be let since 1 January 2025; F homes are affected from 2028 and E homes from 2034 (service-public.gouv.fr). Listings must show both letters and the wording “logement à consommation énergétique excessive” (home with excessive energy consumption) for classes F and G; a professional who fails to comply faces an administrative fine of up to €3,000 (individual) or €15,000 (legal entity) (ecologie.gouv.fr).

Which professional to consult

The DPE is drawn up by a certified and insured diagnostiqueur (property surveyor), independent of the owner. Before selling, the agent immobilier (estate agent) will tell you how the label weighs on the price, and the notaire checks that the DPE attached to the compromis (preliminary sale contract) is valid and bears its ADEME number. If a renovation is planned, the courtier en crédit (mortgage broker) can cost its financing.