– This month’s blog at Matthews Benjamin looks at Energy Performance Certificates and what you need to know. Contact our team today.
Energy Performance Certificates were introduced in 2007 to tell you how energy efficient a building is. They have become a crucial part of driving towards a more energy-efficient housing stock, providing clear information of a property’s energy performance to help reduce energy bills and carbon footprint.
At Matthews Benjamin Estate Agents, this month’s blog looks at Energy Performance Certificates and what you need to know. For information, don’t hesitate to contact our team.
Also known as an EPC report, Energy Performance Certificates are drawn up by an accredited assessor. The report you receive will include your property’s score rating, alongside recommendations about how to improve energy efficiency in the future.
The report includes a current score, which shows you how efficient your property is at the time of the assessment. It also includes a potential score that your property could reach if you carry out all recommended improvements.
EPCs are valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
There are several reasons why you may require an EPC. This includes:
Selling a Property: If you are selling a property, you are legally required to have a valid EPC.
Renting a Property: Landlords must provide a valid EPC to new and prospective tenants. Since 2018, it has been a legal requirement for privately rented properties to have a minimum EPC rating of E.
Building a New Home: New constructions must have an EPC once completed.
Listed buildings are exempt if they reach certain standards for energy performance.
An EPC energy-accredited assessor will look at different metrics to determine your property’s efficiency. This includes:
Once these have all been assessed and calculated, you will receive a new EPC rating for your property.
There are lots of options for improving your property’s energy rating on your Energy Performance Certificate. These improvements will help you save on bills and lessen the environmental impact of the property. These improvements include:
While you can take these steps to improve your property’s efficiency, it is important to note that these won’t improve your rating until you order a new EPC. The new report will take into account the improvements made.
If you require further advice regarding Energy Performance Certificates, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Matthews Benjamin. We are on hand to discuss any queries you may have.