ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) tell buyers and sellers about a home's energy efficiency using a similar system to the A - G energy ratings used for fridges and washing machines.

A typical new build will be B rated and a Victorian house with central heating is likely to be around a D or E. Any homes without gas or oil central heating are likely to score particularly badly, unless well insulated. If you buy a home with a G rating, you are likely to see some very high fuel bills or be very cold in winter!

The EPC provides the annual running costs for heating, lighting and hot water, plus the level of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the really clever bit is the EPC's ability to provide recommendations for improvement measures that will lead to lower fuel bills and carbon emissions. These suggestions can then be acted on by the seller to improve the energy rating while marketing, or to inform buyers before they start any major improvements when moving in.

Our homes account for a quarter of the UK's carbon emissions and the Government estimate that by following the EPC recommendations an average home could save £300 a year in fuel bills.

The EPC is included in a HIP and the overall energy rating must also be attached to the property particulars; ensuring everyone gets to see it. An EPC can only be prepared by a Domestic Energy Assessor or a Home Inspector who is a member of a Government approved Accreditation Scheme. They will need to visit the property and collect and measure around fifty items of data. An Inspection will normally take around an hour, for a typical 3-bed semi-detached house.

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