Question: What are Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)?
Answer: EPCs were introduced by the government in 2007, in line with European legislation. The reason for their introduction is to give all buildings in the UK an energy effeciency rating, they allow everyone to see where the energy efficency of their building can be improved.
Question: Why do I need an Energy Performace Certificate?
Answer: By law any property, commercial or residential being sold or let requires an EPC.
Question: How long does it take for the certificate to be produced?
Answer: The certificate can be produced almost instantly after the inspection. However in some circumstances if certain information is not available to the assessor on his site visit, it may require further investigation. This will delay the production of the certificate slightly.
Question: Is there anything I can do to affect the outcome of my EPC?
Answer: Yes but only if these things are done prior to the inspection. An EPC is produced based on standard information that is collected by the energy assessor, this is entered into a piece of computer software which produces the EPC. The easiest and most cost effective methods of improving your EPC result are, making sure your insulation meets or betters the required standards and installing energy efficient light bulbs.
Question: How does the energy and Co2 rating of my property effect me?
Answer: The ratings may affect your household bills. For example a house with a G rating will have above average utility bills, however if the same house with the same occupants had an A rating the bills would be below average.
Question: What do the recommendations on my certificate mean?
Answer: The recommendations are produced by the software based on the information the energy assessor feeds in. They are ways in which your ratings could be improved. As they are standard recommendations they may not always be applicable.
Question: Am I legally obliged to action any of the recommendations?
Answer: No at present there is no legal obligation to carry out any of the recommendations. However they may save you money in the long run. If you are considering carrying out any of the recommendations please visit our Recommendations page.