Energy Performance Certificates
If you already know all about EPCs and wish to order one for a property please contact us.
If you are looking for more information about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) please read on...
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate is an objective report on the energy efficiency of your home. It also provides recommendations as to how you could make your home more energy efficient.
Why do I need one?
All homes that are marketed as for sale must have a Home Information Pack (HIP), and the EPC is one of its key components. As from October 2008 all residential properties for rent must also have an EPC, which is less than 10 years old.
Why have they passed this new law?
The UK government has introduced this in response to an EU Directive aimed at reducing the amount of energy used and carbon dioxide produced by buildings in an effort to tackle global warming.
What is required to get an EPC?
An internal and external inspection of your home is carried out. It will:
- note the construction of the walls
- measure roof insulation and calculate heat loss through the roof
- confirm how many windows are double glazed
- confirm the type of heating system (i.e. radiators, underfloor)
- note the make and model of boiler for energy efficiency
- count the number of open fireplaces
- identify any energy saving devices (i.e. solar panels, wind turbines)
- note the percentage of low-energy light bulbs being used
- check for insulation of the hot water cylinder
- calculate the areas of rooms, windows, conservatories and extensions
- note how many 'habitable' rooms are heated
Then what?
All this information is put into a computer programme that calculates the energy efficiency of your home and compares that to the maximum realistic efficiency that could be achieved given its age and construction. A certificate is then issued which states your home's energy efficiency rating, its potential rating, and lists a number of cost-effective improvements that could be made to improve its energy efficiency.
Who does the inspection?
Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) produce EPCs, but they must be members of a licensed accreditation scheme. All such qualified and accredited individuals have followed an intensive training course and the Criminal Records Bureau has checked their background. The quality of their work is constantly monitored and checked at random by their accreditation body.
What is the cost of an EPC?
The government does not fix the cost of an EPC. Some independent energy assessors are quoting up to £150. At Somerset HIPs Ltd. our prices start at £65.00 (VAT free). Full details are available on our prices page.