Energy performance certificate

About Energy Performance Certificates - EPC's prices, why you need one and what the EPC contains.

EPC costs

EPC's range from £36.00 and you can organise this through your estate Agent or by booking online. For Landlords there are EPC and Landlords gas safety certificate CP12 bundles available from £114.00 For your budgeting check the current costs for an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) and how often it might need up-dating. An EPC usually lasts for 10 years unless you carry out alterations to your property at which time it is recommended that you obtain a new EPC.

What is an EPC?

Energy Performance Certificate

In brief the EPC gives a current energy rating for your home and a potential energy rating based on making certain energy saving criteria that you may implement.

When do I need an EPC?

Sellers are required to commission, but don't need to have received an EPC before commencement of the marketing their property.

EPC's contain:

*   Information on your home's energy use and typical energy costs

*   A report with suggestions to reduce energy use and save money

*   Details of who carried out the EPC assessment

*   A complaints procedure

The EPC represents a long term strategy by the Government to encourage home owners to give more commitment to saving energy by making changes to their property. At the point of selling your home it's a legal requirement to have your home assessed for energy ranking on a grading of 'A' to 'G', 'A' being most efficient. The EPC report gives suggestions to acheive an improved grade. The idea is that a good EPC will make your home more attractive to buyers as their fuel bills will be lower. And if you don't make the changes, then the buyer has the benefit of the report being available so that they may implement changes to improve energy efficiency after purchasing your house.

Energy use and potential savings

EPC's carry ratings that compare 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 implemented.

The rating measures energy efficiency of your home in grades from 'A' to 'G'. An 'A' rating is most efficient, 'G' is least efficient. 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 provide a detailed recommendation report showing ways that you could reduce the amount of energy you use and your carbon dioxide emissions.

The EPC report lists:

* suggested improvements, e.g.fitting loft insulation

* possible cost savings per year, if improvements were made

* how the recommendations would change the energy efficiency rating of the property

* which improvements may be eligible for funding through the Green Deal

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