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What Is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a report that measures the energy efficiency of your property. It gives you a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The rating is based on factors such as levels of insulation, energy-saving appliances, lighting, heating systems and more. An EPC will also provide advice on ways to improve your property’s energy efficiency – including potential cost savings – so that you can make informed decisions about how best to use your energy.
Why Do Homeowners and Landlords in Porthcawl Need One?
Having an EPC is important because it helps landlords and homebuyers in Porthcawl better understand how much energy their property consumes, which can help them make more informed decisions about how to save money on their energy bills. Additionally, it can help landlords comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations in Wales. An EPC can also provide potential buyers with the peace of mind that they are making an environmentally conscious decision when purchasing a new home or renting out a property.
Benefits of Having an EPC
Having an up-to-date EPC allows homeowners and landlords in Porthcawl to identify any improvements that need to be made in order to make their properties more energy efficient. This can result in significant savings on their utility bills as well as increased comfort for tenants or buyers due to improved insulation, ventilation, and air quality. Furthermore, investing in energy efficiency measures may increase the value of your property over time!
Assessing the Outside of the Property
The DEA will start by examining the outside of the property. This is because the age, construction type, roof type and the number of extensions and detachments of a property can have a significant impact on its energy efficiency. For example, a property with an old roof or poorly insulated extensions may lose heat more quickly, resulting in higher energy bills. The DEA will also examine the brickwork for signs of insulation as this can also affect the property’s energy rating.
Importance of Unobstructed Access
It is crucial that the assessor has unobstructed access to the outside of the property. This means that any obstacles or barriers, such as locked gates, overgrown bushes or cluttered backyards, should be removed or cleared in advance. It is also essential that keys are available for the back or side doors of the property if the front door cannot be used. Failure to provide the DEA with full access to the property could result in an incomplete assessment and an inaccurate EPC.
Pet Safety
If you have pets, it is important to ensure that they are secured during the assessment. This is to avoid any risks to the assessor’s safety, as well as the pets’ own safety in case they accidentally escape. It is recommended that you keep pets in a separate room or outside in a secure area during the assessment. Make sure to inform the DEA in advance if you have pets and make suitable arrangements for them.
Inside the Property
Once the assessor has examined the outside of the property, they will need to assess the inside as well. This includes all rooms, hallways, stairways and loft spaces. It is essential that the assessor is given access to every room, even if it is rarely used, as this can affect the overall energy rating. It is also important to note that the DEA will need to take measurements and photographs of the rooms, so make sure that furniture, curtains and personal belongings are not obstructing any areas.
Time Frame
The time it takes for a DEA to assess a property can vary depending on its size and complexity. On average, it can take between 45 minutes to 2 hours, although larger or more complicated properties may take longer. It is important to set aside enough time for the assessment and to make sure that you are available for any questions that the assessor may have throughout the process.