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What Is an EPC?
Benefits of Having an EPC
Having an up-to-date EPC can be extremely beneficial for homeowners and landlords in Bridport for several reasons. First, having an EPC can help you save money on your energy bills by highlighting ways to reduce your energy consumption. Second, if you are renting out your property, having an up-to-date EPC can make it more attractive to potential tenants who are looking for properties that are easy on their wallets when it comes to utility bills. Third, if you plan on selling your property, potential buyers will be more likely to purchase it if they know that it has received a good rating on its EPC report. Finally, having an up-to-date report can help you comply with government regulations regarding the energy efficiency of rental properties in Bridport.
Government Regulations Regarding Energy Efficiency
Under current laws, all residential properties rented out in England must have at least a band ‘E’ rating before they can be let out or sold. Landlords must provide prospective tenants with a copy of the valid Energy Performance Certificate which covers the period of their tenancy agreement before they move into the property or enter into any negotiations regarding its rental or sale. The only exception is for buildings listed as being exempt from requiring an Energy Performance Certificate such as places of worship or temporary buildings due for demolition within two years.
Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines of up to £4,000 per breach so it is important that landlords ensure their properties meet these legal requirements before letting them out or selling them off.
What Does an Epc Assessor Look for When They Visit a Property?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessor, also known as an energy assessor or energy inspector, visits a property to determine its energy efficiency. They assess several factors, and their findings are reflected in an EPC rating, which ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
Here are some specific things that an EPC assessor typically looks for:
- Construction of the Property: The assessor considers the type of building (detached, semi-detached, flat, etc.), its construction material, and the year it was built, which can give a rough estimate of its insulation properties.
- Insulation: The assessor looks at the levels of insulation in walls, roofs, and floors. They also check the type and age of any insulation material installed.
- Heating System: The assessor inspects the heating system, including the type of boiler, the age and model of the system, how it’s controlled (e.g., programmable thermostats), and whether the home has features like underfloor heating.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation can reduce the need for air conditioning, so assessors look for things like windows, ventilation systems, and draught-proofing.
- Windows and Doors: The assessor will examine the windows and doors to determine their type, age, and efficiency, checking for things like double glazing or energy-efficient doors.
- Lighting: The type of light bulbs used throughout the property is also assessed – energy-efficient bulbs like LEDs will score better.
- Renewable Energy Sources: If the property has any renewable energy sources like solar panels or a wind turbine, these will be considered as they contribute significantly to the energy efficiency of the property.