 Residential EPCs. . . |
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The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document which gives your property an energy efficiency rating, broadly similar to the labels now provided on domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. Its purpose is to record how energy efficient a property is as a building. The certificate will provide a rating of the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient. EPCs are produced using standard methods and standard assumptions about energy usage so that the energy efficiency of one building can be easily compared with another building of the same type. This allows prospective tenants or purchasers to see information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions from the building so they can consider energy efficiency and fuel costs as part of their investment. An EPC is always accompanied with recommendations which lists cost effective and other measures (such as low and zero carbon generating systems) to improve the energy rating of the building.
Why does my property need an EPC?
When buildings are to be rented out, the landlord is responsible for ensuring a valid certificate is made available to all prospective tenants. The EPC and recommendations must be made available free of charge by a landlord to a prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity.
The Energy Efficiency rating
The energy efficiency rating is a measure of the overall efficiency of the property. The higher the rating is, the more energy efficient the property is and therefore, the lower the fuel bills will be.
The CO2 emissions rating
The environmental impact rating is a measure of the property’s impact upon the environment in terms of the carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions. The higher the rating is, the less the impact it has on the environment.
Future Energy Surveys & your EPC
The visit One of our office staff will arrange an appointment for a trained Domestic Energy Assessors to visit your property at a convenient time. The visit will take approximately one hour and will include tasks such as measuring the rooms, checking for insulation and examining the light bulbs and boiler systems etc.
Validity of EPCs
EPCs for rental properties are valid for 10 years.
Completion of EPCs
We will contact you very shortly after you have placed the order to arrange a convenient time to visit the property. On average our EPC turnaround time is 3 working days.
Pass or Fail?
There is no pass or fail for the energy inspection. Your property will be assigned a grade between A to G depending on how energy efficient it is. You will also be provided recommendations explaining how you could improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Contacting us
With us, you are only ever a phone call away from advice. We have no call centre, and you will always be connected to someone who can deal directly with your query.
What can I do to make my energy rating as high as possible?
1. Insulation
This is the most cost effective measure where energy efficiency is concerned. Cavity wall insulation is straightforward & inexpensive and the option of loft insulation is also popular as in most properties it is an easy DIY job.
2. Replace the Boiler
If the current boiler is over 15 years old it’s about time to replace it. Combining a new boiler with modern heating controls gives better ratings. Combi boilers also have space saving benefits as they do not store hot water in a tank but heat it directly from the cold water mains.
3. Hot Water Tank Jacket
Fitting a hot water tank jacket to the existing hot water tank can only help a property’s rating.
4. Double Glazing
This can be fairly expensive; however it can reduce both noise and heating bills.
5. Appliances
When buying appliances look out for those with higher energy efficiency ratings. |
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