From the 1st August 2007, it became a legal requirement to have a Home Information Pack when marketing a domestic property, with 4 or more bedrooms, for sale. An Energy Performance Certificate is one of the documents that must be included in the pack. Properties with less than 4 bedrooms will also require a HIP and EPC at a later date pending government decisions.
The requirement for an Energy Performance Certificate has been set by a European Directive, which all member states have to implement. The EU found that a significant proportion of energy was being used by commercial and residential properties. Small increases to the energy efficiency in the millions of properties across Europe will result in a significant overall reduction in energy usage and the resulting carbon dioxide emissions.
To produce an EPC, a Domestic Energy Assessor will visit the property and record the key information that affects the energy efficiency of a property, such as the depth of insulation in the roof and the type of boiler used. All this data is entered into a computer program that calculates the energy efficiency and produces a result on an easy to read scale.
The Energy Certificate also includes energy saving measures that can be taken to reduce household bills. These include general recommendations applicable to us all and specific points for that individual property. A guide to the possible cost savings in fuel bills that could be achieved is also included.
The overall efficiency is shown on a colour bar chart similar to that seen on a new fridge or freezer (see image above). The average rating of a newly built property is also shown as comparison along with the potential rating if the recommended measures are implemented.
You can find an example of a completed EPC here and you can find out more about HIPs and EPCs on the Department of Communities and Local Government website.
What you can expect from us
Upon instruction we will arrange a suitable appointment with you to inspect your property. We will give you a copy of our Terms of Engagement that you must agree to before an inspection can take place. We will also provide you with guidance notes detailing things you should do to help the assessor to perform the inspection quickly and accurately e.g. ensure all areas are accessible.
An inspection should take between 45 and 60 minutes and during this time the assessor will take notes on features such as the age and construction type of the property, age and type of windows, type of heating and hot water system along will wall and roof insulation. They will also take measurements and photographs and review any documents you may have provided e.g. window certificates.
Following the inspection the Domestic Energy Assessor will produce an Energy Performance Certificate for your property. This will be lodged on the governments national database and a copy will be sent to you.
