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On 1st October 2008 it became a legal requirement for all properties being constructed, sold, or offered for rent to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). (Only certain properties required an EPC between 1st August 2007 and 30th September 2008). This follows a directive issued by the EU to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
The EPC gives buyers, tenants and home owners information on the energy efficiency of their property. It gives the building a standard energy and carbon efficiency grade from 'A' to 'G', where 'A' is the most efficient and 'G' the least efficient. The grades are subdivided into 'points', with 100 being the most efficient and 0 being the least energy efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is 'E46'.
The ratings are measured using the same calculations for all homes, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties. The property's performance is assessed in terms of the energy use per square metre of floor area.
On the EPC, below the chart image, figures are given for the estimated annual energy cost for heating, hot water and lighting assuming standard occupancy assumptions - this can be most useful when comparing different properties to buy or rent.
Part of the EPC is a report which lists the potential rating that your home could achieve, if you made the recommended changes. The report lists:
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suggested improvements (such as fitting loft insulation)
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the approximate cost
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possible cost savings per year if the improvements are carried out
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how this would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property.
You can use this information to:
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cut your fuel bills
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improve the energy performance of your home
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help cut carbon emissions
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help you choose a more energy efficient home to rent or buy
You do not have to act on the recommendations contained in the certificate. However, if you do so, then it could make your property more attractive for sale or rent by making it more energy efficient.
Who will require an EPC?
An EPC is a legal requirement when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent.
All EPC's are valid for 10 years.
Home Owners - If you are selling your property you need to ensure that an EPC is available or has been commissioned when your property goes on the market. All EPC's are valid for 10 years, and so if an EPC already exists on your property then it may be 'recycled'. Of course, if energy efficient improvements have been carried out to your property since the previous EPC was produced, such as a new boiler, then it would be in your interest to arrange for a new EPC, which would supersede the previous one, and should show a better rating.
Builders - Since 6th April 2008, all homes built and physically complete on or after this date require an EPC provided on construction.
Landlords - The first time a property is let or re-let after 1st October 2008, an EPC is required and needs to be made available to prospective tenants free of charge.
What does the property inspection involve?
An internal and external inspection of your home is carried out and information is taken on various elements that affect its energy efficiency, including the following:
- approximate age of the property and any extensions
- type of property ie. flat, mid-terraced house etc.
- number of storeys
- type of wall and roof construction
- existing insulation
- type of windows
- type of heating and hot water system, including controls
- any open fireplaces or secondary heating sources
- identification of low energy lightbulbs
- measurement of the floor area
- presence of solar panels, PV panels or wind turbine
When the data has been collected and collated, it is entered into a computer program, which calculates the energy efficiency of your home.
How long does an inspection take?
It is impossible to be precise, but an inspection would normally take a minimum of 30 minutes for a 1 bedroom property, with an additional 10 minutes for each additional bedroom.
Does someone need to be present for the whole time?
No, although it is helpful for someone who is familiar with the property to be present at the start of an inspection to answer any questions that may arise. (This person must not be under 16 years of age).
Do you have to follow a Code of Practice?
Yes, all Domestic Energy Assessors are under a legal obligation to abide by the Code of Practice as specified by their Accreditation body, in our case Elmhurst Energy Systems Ltd, which is a Government approved organisation.
How can I trust you?
All Domestic Energy Assessors are required to undergo and pass a Criminal Records Bureau check, prior to being accepted by an Accreditation body, which is periodically updated.
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EPCs