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What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy efficient your home or property is on a scale of A-G with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least. They are valid for 10 years and give advice on how to make your home more energy-efficient by making small changes such as improving insulation and sealing windows/doors. These certificates are required by law when renting out a property or selling it for the first time.
Why do Homeowners and Landlords Need One?
Having an EPC can save you money in the long run as it helps identify ways that you can make your home more energy-efficient which will result in lower energy bills. It also allows prospective tenants and buyers to see how much they could potentially save if they moved into an energy-efficient property. Furthermore, having an EPC can help increase a property’s market value as it allows potential buyers to accurately compare different properties based on their energy efficiency ratings. Lastly, landlords in Llantwit Major must have an EPC before they can legally rent out a property, so if you are looking to rent out your home then getting an EPC should be at the top of your list.
Government Regulations
The Welsh Government has introduced legislation that requires all landlords in Llantwit Major and throughout Wales to have a minimum of Grade ‘E’ on their EPC before they can legally rent out their property from April 1st 2018 onwards. The government has also introduced funding schemes such as ECO3 which provide grants towards insulation costs for both homeowners and landlords who meet certain criteria. It is important that homeowners and landlords in Llantwit Major familiarize themselves with these new regulations before renting out their properties as failure to comply may result in hefty fines from local authorities.
What Happens During an Assessment?
The DEA will examine the outside of your property, including the walls and roof, to determine the age, construction type, roof type, number of extensions, and detachment. They will also inspect the brickwork to identify the insulation’s presence and the building’s structural integrity. For instance, if your property is relatively new or renovated, the DEA will immediately conclude that it’s energy efficient, which will impact the EPC rating.
Moreover, the DEA will record the type and thickness of the insulation to evaluate the thickness and efficacy of the insulation material. They’ll also note the placement of the windows, doors, and any other building materials that can impact the property’s energy performance. Additionally, the DEA will verify the access points, including the gates, fences, and external doors’ locks. It’s critical to ensure the assessor has easy-to-use access to the external parts of the property.
The assessor needs access to all the rooms within the property, but they also need access to the attic or loft, which may be inaccessible. By providing access to the loft, the assessor can assess the insulation used, whether batts or loose-fill and determine if it meets the minimum standards required by the building regulations. The DEA will require adequate lighting to perform the assessment and ensure safety while entering and exiting the attic or loft.
During the DEA’s visit, all pets must be secured and kept far away to avoid any disturbance or injury. If the property is vacant, keys to every external door, fence, gate or any access point must be available. On the day of the EPC assessment, it is advisable not to plan any other activities around your home or rental property in Llantwit Major to accommodate the DEA’s visit.