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So just what exactly is an Energy Performance Certificate ?

 

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives home owners, tenants and buyers information on the energy efficiency of their property. It gives the building a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’, where ‘A’ is the most efficient.

 

What else does the certificate do?

EPCs are measured using the same calculations for all homes, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.

Part of the EPC is a report which will list the potential rating that your home could achieve, if you made the recommended changes. The report lists:

• suggested improvements (such as fitting loft insulation)
• the approximate cost
• possible cost savings per year if the improvements are made
• how this would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property

You can use this information to:

• cut your fuel bills
• improve energy performance in your home
• help cut carbon emissions
• help you choose a more energy efficient home to rent or buy

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

 

 

Will I be able to get help to improve the energy efficiency of my home ?

 

Some grants are available click here for more information

 

 

Do I really need an Energy Performance Certificate ?

 

If you are selling or renting a property you now need a certificate by law. From October 2008 EPCs will be required whenever a building is built, sold, rented out or is subject to a change of use. The certificate provides 'A' to 'G' ratings for the building, with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least.efficient.

 

When should I get my EPC ?

 

From 6th April 2012 an EPC must be made available within 7 days of the start of marketing.

 

Are you a reputable company ?

 

All our Domestic Energy Assessors that visit your property are fully qualified, insured and Criminal Record Bureau checked.

 

My Estate Agent says I have to use their EPC supplier ?

 

That may be their company policy but you are free to use any EPC supplier

 

I don’t agree with the  EPC result can you change it ?

 

A typical rating for a home across the country is a D. Even new properties, and well-insulated homes will probably not score particularly highly, maybe a C.

The Energy Performance Certificate cannot be changed, only a new certificate can be issued, we will do this for free if the Domestic Energy Assessor has made a mistake.

If improvements have been made since the original survey, a new survey can be requested and an updated EPC issued, a charge will be made for this service.

 

How long is a EPC valid for ?

 

The EPC is valid for 10 years, but may be renewed at any time if energy saving improvements have been made to the property.

 

This property already has an EPC can you supply a copy ?

 

In most cases, yes, but you will need to complete a request form and pay a retrieval fee.

 

Rented Properties EPCs

 

From October 1st 2008, an Energy Performance Certificate must be made available before a property may be marketed as being available to be let.  A rental EPC is currently valid for ten years.

 

Holiday  Properties

 

Is an Energy Performance Certificate needed for holiday accommodation ?

In certain circumstances, yes – basically, an Energy Performance Certificate is required whenever a property is rented out (unless it is intended to be used for less than 4 months in a year), including when it is rented for use as holiday accommodation. A rental arrangement is one where a person pays the property owner for the exclusive use of the property.

Under what circumstances is an EPC not required for a holiday let ?
 

An EPC is not required for a holiday let where the property is rented out for less than 4 months in a year; or it is let under a licence to occupy – regardless of the amount of time it is occupied..

(A licence to occupy is an arrangement where the holiday maker does not have exclusive use of the property, for example, where the property owner or their representative has the right to access the premises during the period of the booking.)

Has there been a change in the existing regulatory regime ?

The existing Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations1 have been in force since 1 October 2008 and state that any building that is constructed, sold or rented must have an Energy Performance Certificate.

The Regulations do not specifically exclude short term holiday lets. The Regulations will be amended in April 2012 to provide that an EPC is not required where a building is rented out for less than 4 months a year.

 

EPC FAQs .....