What is an EPC?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) give information on how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce your energy costs. All homes bought, sold or rented require an EPC. Find out what EPCs look like and what they contain.
Example of energy efficiency rating graph for homes
Energy Performance Certificates – what they tell you
EPCs contain:
- information on your home's energy use and typical energy costs
- a recommendation report with suggestions to reduce energy use and save money
- details of the person who carried out the EPC assessment
- who to contact if you want to make a complaint
Energy use and potential savings
EPCs carry ratings that compare the current energy efficiency and estimated costs of energy use with potential figures that your home could achieve. Potential figures are calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and energy costs could be if energy saving measures were put in place.
The rating measures the energy efficiency of your home using a grade from 'A' to 'G'. An 'A' rating is the most efficient, while 'G' is the least efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is 'D'. All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.
The recommendation report
EPCs also provide a detailed recommendation report showing how you could reduce the amount of energy you use and your carbon dioxide emissions. The report lists:
- suggested improvements, like fitting loft insulation
- possible cost savings per year, if the improvements are made
- how the recommendations would change the energy efficiency rating of the property
- which improvements may be eligible for funding through the Green Deal
You don't have to act on the recommendations in the report. However, if you decide to do so, it could make your property more attractive for sale or rent by making it more energy efficient.
The EPC survey takes around 40 minutes to complete for an average four bedroom house. The EPC assessor will need to gain access to each room and the attic or roof space if applicable to take measurements and notes. For further information on EPC's click on the headings below:
There are four key areas to an EPC
Construction
How is the property constructed, insulated and ventilated. The EPC assessor will be looking at the following factors.
- The construction methods and materials used in the property
- What insulation and mechanical ventilation is present?
- The volume of the property
- The dimensions of any heat loss (external) walls
Heating Systems
The EPC assessor will be looking at the following factors.
- What is the main space heating system present?
- What control systems are installed (time, temperature, zone control etc.)?
- Is there a secondary heating appliance (fireplace, gas fire etc.)?
- What control systems are present on the secondary heating?
Water heating
The EPC assessor will be looking at the following factors.
- How is your water heated?
- How is the hot water cylinder insulated?
- Does the hot water cylinder have a thermostat?
- Is there a solar water heater installed?
Lighting
The EPC assessor will be looking to see what proportion of your light bulbs are low energy. It should be noted that compared to the previous three factors the lighting makes relatively little difference to your EPC rating. It is not advised to change all your bulbs over to low energy for the EPC survey, but rather to replace incandescent bulbs with low energy ones as the incandescent bulbs fail.
Improving your home
With ever rising energy bills and the growing environmental threat, isn't it time you made your home more energy efficient…
According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST) most average UK homes can save around £300 per year simply by making a few small changes. For more information, visit this link: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Call us for a more in-depth review of your home and to see if you could save money on your energy bills.