Energy Performance Certificates
There is now a requirement, when placing a property on the open market, to commission an Energy Performance Certificate. This rates the energy efficiency of the property using a grading system from A to G which enables buyers to assess what their future energy costs might be. Estate Agents must incorporate the colour chart in their sales particulars and other marketing material, including the Internet.
Since October 2008, Landlords have been required to produce an EPC to prospective new tenants. Private sales (i.e. where no estate agent is used) also require an EPC, even if the owner is selling to a family member. Furthermore, properties that were placed on the market prior to the implementation of HIPs required an EPC if marketing was to continue after this date.
There are a few easy, low cost measures a house owner could implement before having the property assessed such as fitting low energy light bulbs, increasing loft insulation, increasing hot water cylinder insulation and adding cavity wall insulation. All these items will improve the final energy rating of a property. Higher cost measures to improve energy rating would be to upgrade heating controls, add a hot water cylinder thermostat and replace an older boiler with a Band A condensing model. Owners with homes rated F and G may be offered grants to make improvements in order to cut their heating costs and carbon emissions. To achieve an A rating, a property would need to be 'carbon neutral' utilising renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic panels and wind powered electricity generators.
Updated: June 2013
