EPC Guide
WHAT IS AN EPC?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’S) provide information on how to make your home more energy efficient and how to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. All homes whether bought or rented require an EPC by law.
They provide information on your home’s specific energy usage and also include a recommendation report suggesting ways to reduce energy and lower CO2 emissions.
PLEASE SEE EXAMPLE
ENERGY USE AND CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS
EPC’s will provide a rating showing the current energy efficiency and CO2 emissions with figures calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and emissions would be if energy saving measures were put in place.
The ratings will measure the energy and emission efficiency of your home grading it from ‘A’ to ‘G’ – ‘A’ being the most efficient. All homes are measured using the same calculations making it easier to compare the efficiency of different properties.
Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change and approximately 27% of the UK’s emissions come from domestic homes. Also, the less efficient a home is the more it will cost you to run.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The recommendation report will show you ways of reducing the energy and CO2 emissions you use. The report will list suggested improvements like:
- Fitting loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation etc.
It will also show how much you could save on an annual basis if the improvements are made and it will also give you an idea on how the energy and CO2 emissions will change.
Acting on the recommendations isn’t compulsory however, if you chose to do so it may make your property more attractive to sell or rent.
There are some buildings that do not require an EPC. These are:
- Places of worship
- Any temporary building that will be used for less than two years.
- Standalone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50 metres squared that aren’t used to provide living accommodation for a single household
- Industrial sites, workshops and non residential agricultural buildings that don’t use a lot of energy
Owners of commercial buildings also have to provide an EPC when they sell or let their commercial premises.
If you are selling or letting your home you will have to provide an EPC. Oyster Properties can arrange an EPC on your behalf. Please contact us for further information.
