A heating audit is a test carried out as part of the regulations on the energy performance of buildings (EPB, website in French). This method is used to determine the energy performance of a heating installation, taking into account the environment and consumption.

This audit is mandatory for central heating boilers over 15 years old and has to be carried out by a specialist approved by Leefmilieu Brussel/Bruxelles Environnement (link in French). (See also: 'When do I have to replace my central heating boiler?')

Mandatory inspection and servicing

Since 1 January 2011, as the owner of a heating installation that is more than 15 years old you are obliged to have this inspected. The heating audit is in addition to the existing obligation to have central heating boilers serviced (every two years for natural gas and annually for heating oil).

The audit provides information about how you can improve the efficiency of your installation, or in other words how you can reduce the energy it uses without any loss of heat. Resulting in: a reduction in the amount you spend and in greenhouse gas emissions.

What does this inspection involve?

• an assessment of the efficiency of your installation;
• the provision of information on the regulations to be observed depending on your system;
• monitoring the efficiency of your central heating boiler (checking to see that it is not too high or that your central heating boiler is not too powerful for your needs);
• the provision of advice on using, optimising or replacing your installation (for instance, insulating valves and stopcocks, using an indoor temperature gauge, regulating the system on the basis of the occupancy of the building, etc.);
• updating the inspection sheet with the expiry dates applicable in the context of the EPB legislation.

After the inspection you receive an audit report with a series of recommendations.

Who can conduct a heating audit?

The inspections should be carried out by:

• an approved heating technician for central heating boilers with a capacity of less than 100 kW;
• an EPB heating consultant for heating installations consisting of several boilers and for central heating boilers with a capacity of more than 100 kW.

To be approved by Leefmilieu Brussel/Bruxelles Environnement, heating technicians must have followed a specific training course and passed the final examination. This approval is valid for five years and can be extended by five years. The quality of their work is monitored by independent quality control bodies.

Your heating consultant or heating technician will draw up a quotation for the inspection. This quotation includes data processing, the drafting of the report and the provision of explanatory remarks. It takes into account the information available about the building, the central heating boiler, the work carried out, etc. A schedule is suggested.

Not to be confused with …

A heating audit differs from:

• the EPB certificate (Energy performance certificate of the building). This certificate grants buildings an energy label based on consumption. It is mandatory when selling or renting out a house or an apartment. It can be compared with the label granted to electrical appliances.
• the EAP (Energy Advice Procedure). This energy audit provides an insight into the energy performance of your home. The audit does not impose any obligations but ensures more rational use of energy.