Hi, I’m Martin, your local EPC Near Me assessor in Stockton.

I provide a fast and efficient assessment of your property and a speedy turnaround in lodging your Energy Performance Certificate to the central register. Throughout my 14 years in the industry, I pride myself on honesty, friendliness and reliability. My price for a domestic EPC will depend on the size and complexity of the building.

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal document that provides information about a property’s energy efficiency. Using a scale from A to G, it ranks properties based on how well they retain energy, with A being the most efficient and G being the least. It not only offers a snapshot of the property’s current energy performance but also recommends potential improvements to enhance its efficiency.

EPCs came into play as part of the UK government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and make properties more energy-efficient. As such, the EPC offers essential insights for homeowners, buyers, and renters alike, showcasing how energy-efficient a home is, and what could be done to improve it.

Benefits of an EPC for Stockton Property Owners

1. Informed Decision Making: An EPC equips property owners with the necessary knowledge about their property’s energy efficiency, allowing them to make informed decisions when considering upgrades or selling the property.
2. Increase in Property Value: A higher EPC rating often correlates with an increase in property value. Potential buyers are more inclined to invest in a home that will be cost-effective in the long run due to energy savings.
3. Reduction in Energy Bills: The recommendations listed on an EPC can guide property owners in making their homes more energy-efficient, leading to reduced energy bills over time.
4. Environmental Impact: By acting on an EPC’s recommendations, homeowners contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions, playing a part in the larger environmental conservation picture.

Upgrades Stockton Property Owners Can Make

1. Insulation: Enhancing loft, cavity wall, or solid wall insulation can significantly boost a property’s energy efficiency.
2. Windows and Doors: Double glazing or even triple glazing can help retain more heat inside the property, resulting in a better EPC rating.
3. Heating System Upgrades: Replacing an older boiler with a more energy-efficient model or introducing modern heating controls can be a game-changer for a property’s energy consumption.
4. Renewable Energy Solutions: Installing solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy sources can drastically improve a property’s EPC rating.
5. Energy-Efficient Lighting: Switching to LED or other energy-saving light bulbs is a simple yet effective upgrade.
6. Smart Meters and Thermostats: These allow homeowners to monitor their energy consumption better and adjust usage habits accordingly.

Government Regulations

The UK government has been progressively introducing regulations to ensure properties are more energy-efficient:

1. Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES): As of April 2018, landlords of privately rented domestic and non-domestic properties in England and Wales must ensure that their properties reach at least an EPC rating of E before granting a new tenancy to new or existing tenants.
2. Selling and Renting: It’s a legal requirement for property owners to have an EPC in place when selling or renting out a property. Potential buyers or tenants should be provided with this certificate.
3. Validity: Once obtained, an EPC is valid for 10 years. However, if significant energy efficiency improvements are made in that time, it might be beneficial to get a new EPC to reflect these changes.

Why Homeowners and Landlords in Stockton Need an EPC

1. Legal Requirement: As previously mentioned, if you are selling or renting out a property in Stockton, you are legally required to have a valid EPC in place. This ensures that potential buyers or tenants are fully informed about the energy efficiency of the property.
2. Financial Implications: Properties in Stockton with a higher EPC rating are likely to be more appealing to potential buyers or renters due to the associated energy savings. This can potentially result in higher rental income or sale prices.
3. Future-Proofing: As the government continues its drive towards greener and more energy-efficient housing, the standards required for rental properties may become even more stringent. Being proactive and ensuring your property meets high energy efficiency standards now can save time, money, and hassle in the future.
4. Enhancing Comfort: Energy-efficient homes aren’t just beneficial from a financial or environmental standpoint. They’re also typically more comfortable to live in, with fewer drafts, more consistent temperatures, and better air quality.