The determination of a normalised heating energy consumption of dwellings can be achieved in different ways: basic and complex calculation methods, as well as experimental procedures can be considered. This paper deals with a certification method based on a limited monitoring of the dwelling coupled with a pseudo dynamic analysis tool. Firstly, the energy performance of a monitored dwelling (a modern single family dwelling and situated in a mild climate) is estimated on the basis of previous energy bills and the application of the prEN832 calculation method; secondly, the obtained figures are compared with those resulting from the pseudo dynamic analysis of the monitoring results. One of the goals of the developed experimental method was to set-up a test procedure that would not disturb the regular life of the dwelling occupants. Therefore, extensive use was made of wireless technology and passive tracer gas techniques have been used to derive an integrated ventilation rate for the house. The background of the pseudo dynamic technique, monitoring disturbances due to building occupation and the overall accuracy of the method are presented. The impact of parameters used for normalising the consumption, such as degree-days or test reference years climatic data (TRY) is discussed. The aim of this paper is, however, not to come up with a well defined standard procedure for determining the normalised heating energy consumption of dwellings but rather to confront the developed method results with those of other procedures and to identify critical limitations routes for possible improvements. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.