subject: A Guide to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) [print this page] A Guide to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
Initially certificates were created as a component of Home Information Packs or HIPs distributed with properties with at least four bedrooms. By September of 2007, an extended HIPs scheme required EPCs for three bedroom homes as well. Regulations adopted later required rental properties to have a valid certificate for new tenancies effective October 2008. Although the HIPs requirement was lifted in May 2010, EPC requirements remained.
Procedures
The inspection that qualifies a property for an EPC focuses on points such as the hot water tank, loft insulation, windows, domestic boilers and radiators. Other items that contribute to the energy efficiency of the home may be inspected as well. The inspector calculates the level of efficiency using an approved software program. After the calculations, the home is awarded a single digit rating and a value that equals the potential for improvement. In addition, an estimate of energy costs and the potential costs after improvement are also presented. The cost of the survey costs for a four-bedroom home is about 60.
Domestic EPCs
The Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RSDAP) is a derivative of the United Kingdom Building Research Establishment's Domestic Energy Model (BREDEM), originally developed during the 1980's. The RDSAPv3 procedure acts as the basis for the calculations of energy ratings for the EPC. Domestic Energy Assessors or Home Inspectors registered with an approved certification scheme must generate certificates.
Property Details
Each certificate contains specific details for each property, which include the property's address, type, total floor area, date of the inspection, issuance date for the certificate and its serial number.
Advice
To receive the best price on your floor plans and your EPC, contact the Domestic Energy Assessor in your local area. If you choose to obtain your EPC through an estate agent, the rate charged is much higher. Rates are also affected by the total floor area. Total floor area consists of the complete inside of the home, the internal walls and the stairwells. However, balconies, porches and garages are generally excluded unless they exceed 1.5 meters high. If the area is higher than 1.5m, it may alter the rate.
The A to G Scale
The efficiency is represented on EPCs on a scale of A to G. Homes that are highly energy efficient are considered in band A, and descends with lower energy efficiency to G. Homes in the A band usually have the lowest energy and fuel bills. The environmental impact of the home is measured using the same scale by the EPC. Homes with good ratings should have a reduced amount of Carbon Dioxide emissions. On average, homes in the UK fall into the D or E band for both efficiency and environmental.
