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What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that assesses the energy efficiency of a property based on its age, condition, size, construction type, location, and other factors. The assessment takes into account things like insulation levels, building fabric ratings, heating systems efficiency ratings, ventilation systems ratings etc., then gives the property an overall rating between A-G – A being most efficient and G being least efficient. This rating helps you determine how much money you may be able to save by becoming more efficient with your energy use.
What are the Benefits of Having an EPC?
There are several benefits of having an EPC for your property, both for homeowners and landlords. An EPC can:
– Help you save money on your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient
– Make your home more attractive to buyers or renters (many people now consider energy efficiency when looking for a property)
– Increase the value of your home (energy efficiency is now one of the main things that homebuyers look for)
– Comply with government regulations (as of 2018, it is now mandatory for all properties put on the market for sale or rent to have an EPC)
What Does the Process of Getting an EPC Involve?
The process of getting an EPC is actually quite simple. A qualified assessor will come to your property and evaluate its energy efficiency. They will then give you a report with information about your property’s energy use and recommendations on how to improve its energy efficiency. The whole process usually takes less than two hours.
Government Regulations
In Barking and throughout England and Wales, it is now law that all domestic rental properties must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘E’ before they can be marketed for sale or rent. This regulation came into effect on 1st April 2018 and applies to all new tenancies and renewals, as well as any existing tenancy agreements where there has been a change in tenancy terms since 1st April 2018. Landlords who do not comply with this regulation could face fines of up to £4,000.
What Your Assessor Will Be Looking For
When conducting a DEA, your assessor will need to take a look at the outside of your property in order to gain an understanding of its age, construction type, roof type, number of extensions, and detachment. They will also examine the brickwork for signs of insulation.
It’s important to note that the assessor will need unobstructed access to the outside of your property in order to carry out their assessment properly. This means that if you have a pet, you’ll need to make arrangements for them to be secured during the period of time that the assessor is on-site.
Keys should also be made available for any back or side doors that might be locked. If you live in an empty property, it’s especially important to ensure that access isn’t obstructed in any way.