subject: Energy Performance Certificate [print this page] The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) takes into consideration the amount of heat lost through the building envelope as well as the energy gained in the house through glass elements and windows. In addition, the heat that this gained within the house as a result of the use of electric devices, cooking and other elements that are capable of generating heat is also captured by the EPC. The result of this is referred to as the energy index and it indicates the amount of thermal heat that the object requires within a year in conditions that are standardized.
The EPC certificate is a prerequisite whenever a new building is constructed, sold or rented out. The energy efficiency rate is usually determined using a sliding scale that ranges from A to G. based on this scale, buildings that are rated at A on the scale are considered to be most efficient while those at G are least energy efficient. EPC certificates are usually issued by accredited energy assessors accompanied by a report containing the improvements that need to be made in the event that the building does not fair well on the energy efficiency scale. The purpose of this certificate is to allow buyers as well as tenants to make informed decisions in terms of energy efficiency of the property they want to rent or buy.
The Energy Performance Certificates are divided into two categories namely the residential or domestic Energy Performance Certificate and the commercial Energy Performance Certificate. The domestic EPC is recommended for homes that are let, sold or bought and is usually valid for a period of ten years hence it is reusable within this time. The EPC is usually availed for inspection by the applicants and a free copy is usually given to the tenants before letting the premise. On the other hand, the commercial EPC is issued for those non residential buildings when they are sold, let or even built. There are commercial buildings that may also be required to have a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) that shows that exact energy usage and is valid for a period of one year.
Temporary buildings that are intended for use for a period of less than two years, places of worship, agricultural and non residential buildings that are located in areas that are at least or not more than 50 square meters do not need an EPC certificate. One of the companies that are accredited to offer landlord EPC, domestic or residential EPC and commercial EPC is Just EPC. The company boasts of a great team of Energy Assessors that are always ready to carry out EPC at a time of your convenience and at a very competitive price. Thus, whether you are a landlord, homeowner or letting agent then you can be sure that the EPC will be done for you according to the set standards. In conclusion, the EPC is one of the important documents that are recommended by the law for a new building or even residential property to help you determine your energy consumption levels.
