Energy Performance Certificate, or commonly known as EPC is a document which marks the building’s energy efficiency. It is a form of rating system to summarize the energy efficiency of a building and also analyses the energy performance of certain fabrics including walls etc. Moreover, it also provides you with certain steps to take to improve your energy. A building is rated from A to G where A means the most efficient and G means the least efficient. Moreover, the rating is valid for ten years in the UK and allows a comparison between buildings or factories as well. An EPC also includes the most cost effective ways to improve your rating. If your house is being sold, or even being rented out, this is important for you.
If you need an EPC certificate, you should book with a recognised energy assessor.
Domestic EPC vs a Non-Domestic EPC: Know the difference
A non domestic EPC is quite more complex that domestic EPCs. Thus, they do cost more but that depends. A non domestic EPC and domestic EPC, both have a rating from A to G, where A means most efficient and G means least efficient. A domestic EPC is to analyze the energy efficiency of buildings such as houses or apartments whereas domestic EPCs are for offices or shops etc. Both are valid for a period of 10 years.
But what is more complex? A non-domestic EPC is more complex and needs a proper analysis to find out the use of energy.
What does an EPC represent?
An EPC represents many things such as the value of the property, as well as the energy efficiency rating of a particular building, its effect on the environment, and how to improve your ratings. The ratings from A to G gives you an idea of how much energy efficient your property is and the certificate represents your recent rating and which category is it.
When is an EPC important for me?
If your property is being rented or sold or even if it is built new, it is crucial for you to get an Energy Performance Certificate. This certificate is valid for ten years. Possible purchasers should have access to a property’s EPC immediately as it is listed for selling or rental purposes.
How Can My EPC Be Updated?
You must locate a certified energy assessor in order to obtain an entirely new EPC for the building you own. The assessor will inspect the property you own, provide the certification to you as well as respond to any inquiries.
How do I get a good rating?
An EPC recommends you to get some changes to improve the energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions as well as low running costs.
Here are some things to know to improve your EPC rating:
- Lower the need for energy consumption.
- Insulate your roof or your wall.
- Improve glazing, it’s better to use double glazed windows.
- You should use modern technologies which include solar panels.
- Renew your boiler.
However, these tips depend on different properties as it depends on certain factors such as how old the building is and its type.
How is an assessment performed?
An assessment involves looking at the building properly, checking where the insulation is, then looking at the heating as well as the cooling system, thus it should be efficient also finding places in the house where air is passing by the most. When the assessment has concluded, a customised report is given to you.
What is involved in a domestic energy assessment?
The purpose of a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) is to obtain details and check on important information about your property, including the size of the rooms, the number of windows and the degree of insulation. If you own a house, you won’t have to worry about drilling into the walls, as a domestic energy assessment does not require any of this.
Each area must be accessible to the assessor in order to conduct measures and collect pictures. An assessment usually takes 30 minutes to two hours but that totally depends on how big or small your property is.
To get an EPC in Scotland, it will be printed and given, whereas in the UK, you can access the certificate through online links.
New Build Energy assessments
These assessments are needed before and after the making of the building. The score of energy efficiency and an estimate of the anticipated energy expenses following the building of a place of residence are provided by a New Build Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) EPC.
