What are Energy Performance Certificates?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) tell you how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). They will give you an idea as to how much it will cost to heat and light your property (based on standard assumptions*), and what its carbon dioxide emissions are likely to be.
An EPC will also include information on what the energy efficiency rating could be if you made the recommended improvements and highlights cost effective ways to achieve a better rating. Even if you rent your home, you could still make improvements noted on the EPC, such as switching to more energy efficient light bulbs.
EPCs are valid for 10 years from the date of issue, but if you have made improvements that will mean a higher score on the EPC, then it could be worthwhile getting a more up to date EPC, especially if you are looking to sell your home.
*Standard Assumptions are used so that it is possible to compare properties against each other. The assumptions made are that the property is heated for 9 hours a day during the week and 16 hours a day at the weekend. The living area is heated to 21 degrees and the rest of the house to 18 degrees.
Why get an EPC?
Your property’s EPC needs to be available to potential buyers (free of charge) as soon as you start to market your property for sale or rent. You must get an approved domestic energy assessor to produce the EPC. If you’re buying or renting a property, an EPC allows you to compare the energy efficiency of different properties easily because every EPC assumes the same standard assumptions.
An EPC also highlights the energy efficiency improvements you could make, how much they will cost, and how much you could save. This can be useful when looking to improve your current property, or if you’re looking to buy and improve.
Bear in mind that any figures for energy use and potential savings are for a typical household in that property. How you use the property will probably be different and so could be more or less.
If you do implement any of the energy efficiency recommendations outlined in your EPC, you may wish to get a new EPC to include these improvements.
Who produces energy reports and EPCs?
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, only accredited domestic energy assessors can produce valid EPCs. You can find a local Domestic Energy Assessor by visiting the Governments website https://www.gov.uk/get-new-energy-certificate
About Us
KIS property solutions have been offering EPC’s since 2006, before they were even legally required. We are now a father and son business based in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, covering Huddersfield, Halifax and surrounding areas.