Hi, I’m Nick, your EPC Near Me assessor in Romiley.

An EPC is not just a mandatory requirement but a tool that offers a wealth of benefits for homeowners and landlords in Romiley. Whether you’re thinking of selling, buying, renting out, or simply improving your home, an EPC is the first step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future.

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides information about a property’s energy efficiency. Presented in the form of a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), it offers a clear understanding of how energy-efficient a building is and how it could be improved. An EPC is required when a property is constructed, rented, or sold. This report not only gives the current efficiency rating but also provides a potential rating if the recommended improvements are made.

Benefits of an EPC for Romiley Property Owners

1. Informed Decision-making: Property owners in Romiley can make informed decisions about energy efficiency improvements based on the recommendations provided in the EPC.
2. Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient homes often command higher sale prices as potential buyers are increasingly looking for sustainable and efficient properties to reduce their energy bills.
3. Lower Energy Bills: Implementing the recommendations from an EPC can lead to significant savings in energy bills. This not only reduces expenses for homeowners but also makes rental properties more attractive to prospective tenants.
4. Environmentally Friendly: Reducing energy consumption has environmental benefits by reducing the carbon footprint of the property, thus contributing to the broader goal of sustainability and combating climate change.

Upgrades EPC Romiley Property Owners Can Make

Several upgrades can improve the EPC rating of a property:

1. Insulation: Ensuring that walls, roofs, and floors are properly insulated can significantly reduce heat loss. Installing cavity wall insulation or solid wall insulation can make a marked difference.
2. Energy-Efficient Windows: Double or triple glazing can prevent heat loss through windows. This not only helps to keep the home warmer in winter but also cooler in summer.
3. Efficient Heating System: Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient boiler or adopting renewable heating systems like solar panels or heat pumps can drastically improve energy performance.
4. Lighting: Using LED light bulbs or energy-saving alternatives can contribute to a better EPC rating.
5. Renewable Energy Installations: Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources can increase a property’s energy efficiency.

Government Regulations on EPC

The government recognises the importance of energy efficiency both for economic and environmental reasons. As such, there are several regulations in place concerning EPCs:

1. Mandatory Requirement: It is mandatory for all properties being sold, rented, or built to have a valid EPC. This must be shown to the prospective buyer or tenant.
2. Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES): From 2020, landlords cannot rent out a property with an EPC rating below E to new tenants or renew existing contracts. This ensures that rental properties achieve a basic level of energy efficiency.
3. Duration: An EPC is valid for ten years. However, if significant energy improvements are made to the property, it’s advisable to get a new EPC to reflect these changes.

Why Homeowners and Landlords in EPC Romiley Need an EPC

1. Legal Requirement: As previously stated, when selling, renting, or constructing a property, an EPC is legally required. Failing to have a valid EPC can result in fines.
2. Competitive Edge: For landlords, properties with a high EPC rating can be more appealing to potential tenants who are likely to prioritise homes that will cost less in energy bills.
3. Informed Choices: Homeowners looking to make improvements can get a clear picture of where to invest for the best energy savings, ensuring that their money is well spent.
4. Predicting Future Costs: For potential buyers, an EPC can provide insight into future energy costs associated with a property, allowing for better budgeting.
5. Contribution to Global Goals: On a broader scale, ensuring homes are energy efficient contributes to national and global objectives to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.