Hello, I am Marcus and I am your EPC assessor in Leighton Buzzard.
I understand the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability in our everyday lives, and that’s what my work revolves around. As an EPC assessor, my role is to evaluate and analyze the energy efficiency of buildings, ensuring they meet the required standards. I am equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to conduct thorough inspections and provide comprehensive reports on your property’s energy performance. I am committed to offering an outstanding service to the residents of Leighton Buzzard, and I guarantee that you will receive reliable and professional guidance to help you make informed decisions about your property.
What Is An EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an energy performance certificate, which rates the energy efficiency of a building or property. Using a rating of A to G, it assesses the overall energy efficiency of the property, with A being the most energy-efficient rating and G the least. The certificate provides a summary of the property’s energy performance, including suggestions on how to improve its efficiency.
Benefits of Getting An EPC For Your Property
There are several benefits to getting an EPC for your property in Leighton Buzzard. Firstly, an EPC will give you a clear understanding of how energy-efficient your property is, allowing you to make improvements that will not only save money on bills but also help the environment.
Secondly, an EPC can help you to market your property, whether you are renting or selling it. Properties with higher energy efficiency ratings are a sought-after choice among tenants and buyers, as they are cheaper to run, making your property more desirable.
Government Regulations
Since 2008, it has been a legal requirement to provide an EPC for any property being sold or rented. Without this document, you could face fines of up to £5,000. Landlords need to be aware of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) legislation, which came into effect in 2018. This regulation affects rental properties with energy efficiency ratings below ‘E.’ Landlords face fines of up to £4,000 if they fail to comply. The MEES legislation ensures that rental properties provide a safe, warm and low carbon footprint to tenants.
Preparing For Your Assessment
The DEA will inspect the outside of your property to determine its age, construction type, roof type, number of extensions and detachment. They will also examine the brickwork for signs of insulation. A thorough examination of the outside of your property is essential as it provides a complete picture of the structure’s energy performance. Any weaknesses in the building envelope can result in increased energy consumption and higher energy bills.
Therefore, it’s critical that the assessor can access every part of the outside of your house. Blocked entrances, entangled plants, and other obstructions could make it difficult for the DEA to complete a proper inspection. If, during the inspection process, the assessor notices any potential areas where an obstruction could be impacting your energy performance, they will advise you to take steps to rectify the situation.
If your property is empty, then you must make arrangements for the DEA to access your property through the back or side doors. If you live in the same house, the assessor can come through the front door. If security measures, such as alarm systems, are installed, provide the DEA with detailed instructions on how to turn them off or provide the details of the company that manages them.
If you have pets at home, make sure they are restrained and kept in a secure place during the assessment. Let the DEA know about any pets because, while they may make the inspection process challenging, the safety of your furry friends is also important.
During the assessment, the assessor might give you some information on inexpensive measures that could improve your energy rating. By providing access to the whole house, including the outside, you can be assured of a comprehensive evaluation of your property’s overall energy performance. As such, you can help ensure that your home has been optimally assessed and that the energy rating that you receive is accurate.
