ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES (EPC)
A Certificate for a building gives the building an asset rating based on its energy efficiency, but doesn't take into account how the home is used by the occupiers. The Certificate will give the building a rating from A to G. An A rating shows it's very efficient, meaning lower fuel bills, while G is inefficient, meaning higher fuel bills. The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better rated homes should have less impact through Carbon Dioxide emissions.
The certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment. The potential rating is based on all the recommendations being implemented.
Some of the information recorded about the property is listed below:
How to improve your rating
By taking some simple cost effective steps you could raise your rating and improve your house sale.
Loft insulation - 250mm is the recommended thickness
Cavity Wall insulation on exterior walls where appropriate. Most houses built between 1930 and early 1980s have a cavity between brick and breeze block but the cavities are not necessarily filled.
Update your central heating system - a condensing boiler is more efficient and will raise your rating.
Hot water tank - make sure it's well lagged with a jacket (these cost from £10) and with a thermostat set to between 55 to 60 degrees.
Low energy light bulbs - even though these are not actually fixtures and fittings - they are included in your survey.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves - by fitting these you are updating your heating controls
Of these, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation are the two most important steps and carry proportionately the most weight in your EPC. Many bodies such as the government, local councils and utility companies may offer grants towards the installation of such measures.
Prices on appication - contact us for details.
Phone : 07 5151 49 755 - 01932 882520
Fax : 01932 882520
VAT registration no: 942 1606 41
Member of SAVA & NHER
Member of the Institute of Domestic Energy Assessors