ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE (EPC)

Did you know that buildings produce nearly half of the UK's carbon emissions?

That's almost twice the amount of cars and aircraft put together.

The way a building is constructed, insulated, heated, ventilated and type of fuel used, all contribute to its carbon emissions.                                               

The EPC is part of a series of measures that have been introduced across Europe by the European Parliament to reflect legislation which will help cut buildings' carbon emissions and tackle climate change.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) were introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

If you are selling a home, letting a property or holiday home, you now have to provide an EPC by law.

From October 2008 EPCs are required whenever a building is built, sold or rented out, in the case of holiday lets, the law came into force on April 1st 2011

Accredited Energy Assessors produce EPCs alongside an associated report which suggests improvements to make your home more energy efficient.

What Is An Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) give information on how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. All homes bought, sold or rented require an EPC.

What Does An Energy Performance Certificates Tell Me?

EPC's contain information on your home's energy use and carbon dioxide emissions and a recommendation report with suggestions to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions

EPCs carry ratings that compare the current energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions with potential figures that your home could achieve, the potential figures are calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions would be if energy saving measures were put in place.

The rating measures the energy and carbon emission efficiency of your home using a grade from 'A' to 'G'. An 'A' rating is the most efficient, while 'G' is the least efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is 'D'.

All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties. Around 27 per cent of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic homes. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change. The recommendation report EPCs also provide a detailed recommendation report showing what you could do to help reduce the amount of energy you use and your carbon dioxide emissions.

The report lists:

• suggested improvements, like fitting loft insulation
• possible cost savings per year, if the improvements are made
• how the recommendations would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property

You don't have to act on the recommendations in the recommendation report. However, if you decide to do so, it could make your property more attractive for sale or rent by making it more energy efficient.

Contact us for more free information on saving energy and whether you are eligible for energy efficiency grants to make your home more energy efficient.

The certificate also contains:

• detailed estimates of potential energy use,
• carbon dioxide emissions and fuel costs
• details of the person who carried out the EPC assessment
• who to contact if you want to make a complaint

An EPC looks like this:

Information about energy efficiency and carbon emissions is summarised in two charts that show the energy and emission ratings. The charts look similar to those supplied on electrical appliances, like fridges and washing machines.

How to get an EPC

You should be shown an EPC when you are thinking about buying or renting a home.

You'll need to provide one if you are selling or letting your home.

Our Certified and Accredited Domestic Energy Assessors will carry out this work for you at a very competitive price. The Vendor or Landlord is responsible for the cost.

For more information click the CONTACT button.

Or call 01453299323  mail@hipsurvey.com