The importance of EPC rating for  residential properties and how to improve it.

What is EPC?

EPC is an abbreviation for an Energy Performance Certificate.

EPC has been a legal requirement for every UK residential property Since 2008. All marketed residential properties (for sale of for rent, newly built or lived in,) must have an up-to-date EPC certificate.

What information contains an EPC?

An EPC has information about the typical use of energy in a property. An EPC is valid for 10 years and contains recommendations as to how to improve, reduce and cut the cost of energy used.

EPC ratings range from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient).

Currently, all privately rented properties must have an EPC rating of E or above.

How to obtain an up-to-date EPC?

The existing EPC record could be viewed on the National EPC Register available online.

Click here to see the National EPC Register: https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

If missing or expired, an up-to-dates EPC could be obtained by an inspection done by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).

Contact Chase Evans Property Management to assist with a DEA inspectionpropertymanagement@chaseevans.co.uk

What does an EPC inspection cover?

The inspection covers the property internally and externally and includes windows, roofs, walls and insulation, boilers and the property heating system, lighting, and any solar panel or other renewable energy devices.

Why is an EPC necessary and important?

Introduced by the government in 2007 as part of the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the EPC record offers information about the energy used in the property.

The EPC regulation and legislation help maintain and improve decent living standards in rented properties in the UK.

The EPC is also an important resource for governments and businesses working towards global carbon emissions reduction and campaigns such as the Net Zero Emissions by 2050. According to the most recent data, residential properties are responsible for 17-21% of energy-related carbon emissions globally. 

A low property EPC rating could have a considerable impact on its future market performance, especially if the owner decides to sell. As a matter of fact, in the last couple of years, the EPC ratings have become very important items with renters and buyers who are factoring in gas and electricity bills when moving homes. In addition to that, banks and building societies are increasingly factoring in energy costs when assessing whether people can afford a mortgage.

In challenging market conditions, energy efficient homes are outperforming other properties and are holding their value better.

EPC legal requirement changes:

Currently, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard is E and applies to all tenancies, not just new ones.

Are there any EPC legislation exemptions?

Yes, currently the exemption list includes:

·         Places of worship.

·         Temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years.

·         Stand-alone buildings with a total useful floor space of less than 50 square metres.

·         Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that do not use a lot of energy.

·         Some buildings that are due to be demolished.

·         Holiday accommodation that’s rented out for less than 4 months a year or is let under a licence to occupy.

·         Listed buildings - you should get advice from your local authority conservation officer if the work would alter the building’s character.

·         Residential buildings intended to be used less than 4 months a year.

How to make a home more energy efficient?

·         Upgrade the lighting to energy-efficient lighting.

·         Insulate cavity wall, loft and roof, pipes and hot water tanks.

·         Draught-proof windows and doors.

·         Invest in double or triple-glazed windows.

·         Upgrade the boiler to a condensing boiler.

·         Install underfloor heating.

·         Install a smart meter.

·         Reduce water usage.

·         Consider renewable energy technology such as a wood fuelled heater, solar panels, or wind turbines.

Resources:

Domestic private rented property and EPC See more HERE: 

How can Chase Evans help?

Should you need any further information about any aspect of EPC, please contact Chase Evans Management: propertymanagement@chaseevans.co.uk