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What is an EPC?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced in 2007 as a way to help reduce carbon emissions and promote energy efficiency. They are required by law for all homes and commercial properties that are built, sold or rented in the UK. An EPC contains detailed information on the energy efficiency of a property, using a rating system that goes from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient). They are valid for 10 years from the date of issue, or until a new one is produced.
Why Do You Need an EPC?
Firstly, having an EPC will give you a clear understanding of your property’s energy performance, and identify ways that you can improve its efficiency. This can save you money on your energy bills and also help to reduce your carbon footprint. Secondly, an EPC is required by law if you’re planning to sell or rent out your property. Potential tenants or buyers are entitled to see the EPC, which could influence their decision on whether to go ahead with the transaction.
Benefits of EPCs
In addition to providing information on energy efficiency, EPCs have several other benefits. For example, they can give you an indication of the potential rental income of your property, and help you to identify areas for improvement that could increase its value. They can also give you peace of mind that your property meets required environmental standards and regulations.
Government Regulations
It’s important to note that the government has set minimum standards for EPC ratings in the private rented sector. From April 2020, landlords in the Vale of Glamorgan and throughout the UK must ensure that their properties have a minimum EPC rating of E before they can be rented out to new tenants. This means that if your property has a rating of F or G, you’ll need to make improvements before you can legally rent it out.
What Happens During an Assessment?
- Your local EPC assessor will look at the outside of the property to determine the age, construction type, roof type, number of extensions, and detachment. These features can have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of your house. For example, if your property has a flat roof or a high number of extensions, it can be less energy-efficient as compared to a property with a pitched roof and minimal extension. By examining these factors, the DEA will determine the energy efficiency of your house.
- Apart from this, the EPC assessor will also examine the brickwork for signs of insulation. Good insulation can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your property, making it less dependent on energy-consuming heating systems. By examining the brickwork, the DEA can determine if the walls are insulated correctly or not. This information is essential while calculating the energy efficiency rating of your house.
- However, it is essential to ensure that the energy assessor can access the outside of the property without any hindrance. If there are obstructions, such as overgrown plants or locked gates, the assessor may not be able to complete the assessment. Therefore, it is essential to remove any obstruction or provide alternative access to the outside of the property.
- In an empty property, it is essential to ensure that keys are available for the back or side doors. This is because the DEA may need to examine the inside of the property to ensure that it is consistent with the outside of the property’s features. While conducting this assessment, the assessor will ensure that there is minimal disruption to the property, and they will leave it in the same state as they found it.
- If you have pets, it is essential to keep them secured during the EPC assessors’ visit. This will ensure that the DEA can perform their duties without any disruption, and it will also keep your pets safe. It is recommended to keep your pets in a different room or outdoors during the assessment period.
