What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
EPCs were introduced in 2008 for assessing the energy efficiency of residential properties. You require one for a letting or sale.
They are valid for ten years and so you can continue using it for subsequent marketing in this period.
When deciding on a new home most people look at the area, type of property, number of bedrooms, schools etc as well as the mortgage or rent. Less consider how affordable it is to actually live there. The EPC was introduced so that people could make an informed choice about whether they could afford not only the mortgage / rent, but also to keep the property warm and so enjoy living there throughout the year.
In the current economic climate, where many people's incomes are being squeezed, and with high gas and electric prices, information on the EPC can help to reduce the cost of providing heating and hot water.
EPCs can also help to reduce the environmental impact of a property.
The average rating in the country is a D rating (with around 60 SAP points).
A property with a good energy rating (for example a C or higher) is more desirable and may be easier to sell or let.
A property with a poor energy rating may be harder to let or tenants may move out more frequently should they find it difficult or expensive to keep warm.
There are now minimum energy efficiency standards for lettings. All rental properties must obtain at least an E rating. This minimum standard may increase to a C rating in 2030.
Many mortgage lenders are now also taking into account the EPC rating when making a mortgage offer (and the interest rate).
I will provide an accurate assessment and free advice as to how you can make a property more energy efficient.
How do I calculate the EPC Rating?
The survey typically takes around 30 minutes for a flat and around an hour for a house (this depends on the size and complexity of the property). I look at the following features.
- how the property was originally built including the wall and roof construction.
- the presence of any newer extensions.
- how the property gains and loses heat.
- the floor area and room heights
- the position of the property in relation to neighbouring properties
- the presence of wall, floor and roof insulation
- the system used to provide heating and hot water
- the amount and quality of windows
- The amount and type of lighting
- What ventilation systems are present.
- New technologies, such as solar panels or solar water heating.