What is an EPC?
The Energy Performance Certificate will look broadly similar to a certificate on a refrigerator. Its purpose is to record, in a clear unambiguous format, how energy efficient the home is as a building. Using colour charts, the EPC records the current rating and compares this with the rating at which the owner or tenant should aim.
The energy ratings will be included in Home Information pack (HIP) which will set out important independent information on the condition of the property.
Given that homes account for 27% of the UK's CO2 emissions contributing to global climate change the introduction of the Energy Performance certificate will make home owners aware of their contribution to climate change. The advice given by Home Inspectors should also reduce the cost of domestic energy bills for home owners.
European agreements require that from 2009 all homes for sale should have energy certificates. Including certificates within the Home Information Packs is a fast and cost effective way to give consumers the most up to date information without them having to pay for additional surveys. It also means England and Wales will be among the EU front runners, introducing energy certificates 2 years earlier then the deadline set out in the EU directive and linking energy measures to a report on property condition.
An energy assessment of your home will involve both an internal and external inspection of the property. It is advisable to ask the DEA to bring along proof of accreditation when booking the appointment.
The following information is collected by the Home Inspector or Energy Essessor to enable the calculation to be made and report to be produced:
CATAGORY DATA REQUIRED |
| CATAGORY | DATA REQUIRED |
| Property Type | Bungalow/Detached/Semi/Flat etc
|
| External Perimeter | External Wall Perimeter in Metres |
| External or Internal Floor Area | External Floor Area in Square Metres |
| Average Storey Height | Average Storey Height in Metres |
| External Wall Type | Main Wall Thickness in Milimetres
|
| Roof Type & Ground Floor Type | Roof Insulation Thickness Floor - Solid/Suspended/Uninsulated etc
|
| Doors, Windows & Open Fires | Percentage of Double Glazed Windows Percentage or Openings with Draught Proofing Number of Open Fireplaces
|
| Space & Water Heating | Whether Underfloor Heating is Present
|
| Hot Water Cylinder & Tariff | Type of Hot Water Cylinder Type of Cylinder Insulation & Thickness Type of Electricity Tariff
|