Domestic Energy Performance Certificates


Energy consumption in our homes accounts for some 30% of the CO2 emissions in the UK. Heating uses 90% of energy in the home and so Improving energy efficiency of our homes not only saves money but also reduces these harmful emissions.EU Directive 2002/91/EC on the Energy Performance of Buildings ensure that building standards across Europe place a high emphasis on minimizing energy consumption.

The Directive requires that when a building is constructed, sold or rented out, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be made available to the owner or by the owner to prospective purchasers or tenants.

Changes to the requirements for EPC's have now been brought in by the new Government in May 2010.

  • The new requirement brings a shared responsiblity on both the Vendor and the Agent acting for the vendor to ensure that where an Energy Performance Certificate for a property does not pre- exist,that the Agent is satisfied that the Vendor has commissioned and agreed payment terms for one to be completed.
  • This change allows marketing of the property to begin without any delay. However the certificate MUST be made available and be included within any marketing information within 28 days.

The validity of the certificate has also been extended to 10 years for both sale and rental purposes.

Why Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?


An Energy Performance Certificate is part of  the sales detail compiled by an Estate Agent. The certificates are commissioned by the seller (or their agent) from a Domestic Energy Assessor, who visits the property to collect the relevant data and creates the certificate. This data includes the date, construction and location of the house and relevant fittings (heating systems, insulation or double glazing, for example). Following the survey the data will be entered into a computer system based on the Reduced Standard Assessment Procedure (RDSAP) .

Energy Assessors

EPCs can only be compiled by Domestic Energy Assessors or Home Inspectors who are members of a Government approved and regulated certification scheme.

 

Anglia Energy Assessment provides Energy Performance Certificates for private home sellers as well as property professionals.

If you are thinking of selling your property it makes sense to know how your property will perform at an assessment. So why not follow some of the simple, practical advice from some of the links attached and ensure that you maximise the sales potential.

If you commission a report  from us prior to any improvement works and then let us reassess after any improvements, we will carry this out for half the original fee.


Contact us for further information or to arrange an appointment

Telephone 01354 688225 Mobile 07710 242974
Email: info@angliaenergyassessment.co.uk
37 High Street, Manea, March, Cambridgeshire. PE15 0JD

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An EPC gives the property’s rating based on its energy efficiency. It doesn't take into account how the home is used by the occupiers. The Certificate will give the building a rating from 'A' to 'G'. An 'A' rating shows it's very efficient, meaning lower fuel bills, while a 'G' is inefficient, meaning higher fuel bills. The Certificate will also show the building's environmental impact by indicating its carbon-dioxide emissions. 

The Energy Performance Certificate is broadly similar to the certificates found on many domestic appliances. 

An EPC gives the property’s rating based on its energy efficiency. It doesn't take into account how the home is used by the occupiers. The Certificate will give the building a rating from 'A' to 'G'. An 'A' rating shows it's very efficient, meaning lower fuel bills, while a 'G' is inefficient, meaning higher fuel bills. The Certificate will also show the building's environmental impact by indicating its carbon-dioxide emissions. 

The Energy Performance Certificate is broadly similar to the certificates found on many domestic appliances. 


The Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) will need to inspect your property and collect information. This will include external or internal measurements, details about the construction and the type of room and hot water heating used in your property. They will also need access to all rooms, the boiler and the loft. They will draw a sketch plan and make notes of the type(s) of heating appliances and any energy saving methods used in the property. An inspection of the loft space (if accessible) is required to measure the quantity of insulation. There is no need to move or remove any items stored in the loft. The DEA will use their own ladders where it is possible 

  •  It will be necessary to photograph some aspects of the property and also the heating appliances for the EPC report.

  • Preparing for the Survey.

  • The DEA will need to know about how your property has been built. Finding supporting information before the DEA visits will ensure you get the most accurate rating for your property. The DEA will want to know: 
    •  Whether or not your property has been extended and when
    •  If it has been double glazed (guarantee certificates will help)
    •  Whether walls have been insulated and type of insulation
    • The location of any room thermostats and heating timers;
    • When the property was built (searches or deeds will help)
    • When boilers were installed (instruction manuals will help)
    • The location of any gas and electricity meters;
    • The type of heating fuel used.

    You can further help by making sure there is access to the electric and gas meter cupboards; to the boiler or heating system; to any heating timers, hot water cylinders, thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves. 

    If the property will not be occupied, please give clear instructions on where key can be obtained. 


      How long will the survey take ?

    For the average three bedroom property, the inspection will take approximately 1 hour. A larger property or one of an unusual complexity could take much longer.The DEA will try to minimise any disruption but if you have not prepared for the survey, as explained in the previous section, the survey could take longer than 1 hour.

      
    After the survey, the DEA will enter the information gathered into an authorised software programme which will produce your EPC and recommendations report. Information collected about your property is protected from disclosure without your permission.  

    What can go wrong?

    If you will not be present for the survey, please bear in mind that it cannot take place if there are unsupervised juveniles under the age of 16 in the property. It is also advisable to keep any family pets under control or out of the inspection area.  A missed appointments or return visits will incur an additional fee.

    What if I am dissatisfied with the report ?

    If you are concerned about any aspect of the energy survey or the quality or accuracy of the EPC you should first discuss with the DEA. If, after this, you are still concerned ask the DEA for details of the comprehensive complaints procedure or contact the accreditation body whose details will be on the report.