New Rules Have Been Introduced Concerning Properties' Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Ratings
It is a legal requirement to have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when a building is sold, rented or constructed.
Your property's EPC needs to be available to potential buyers as soon as you start to market your property for sale or rent. This will inform people how energy efficient the property is, including any potential savings on fuel payments.
You must get an approved /accredited Domestic Energy Assessor to produce the EPC, which provides information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs..
If you implement any of the energy efficiency recommendations outlined in your EPC, you may wish to get a fresh EPC done to include these improvements. Failure to have a valid EPC may result in a fine, although there are exemptions e.g. listed properties.
By 2035, the UK government will enforce new rules concerning properties’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, with all homes required to meet an EPC rating of C.
This is a major headache for those currently living in or hoping to buy a period property. Retrofitting older properties to ensure they’re more energy-efficient can result in major costs for these homeowners – particularly if renovations are started without careful planning.
Austin Barcley, Managing Director of Improveasy, offers his advice on the best ways to make your home more energy-efficient:
1. The highest volume of heat loss is through the walls and roof of a property so insulating first means that any heat generated is retained within the property for longer.
2. Many period properties were built using a solid wall construction type meaning the only way to insulate the walls is either internally or externally, as they have no cavity.
3. Both methods are very effective, but homeowners must consider the impact they may have on the look of their properties, especially houses with period features as they may either be lost or costly to retain.
4.When it comes to your roof, always ensure your loft is insulated adequately to 270-300mm, and if you have a ‘room in the roof’ instead of (or as well as) a loft, there is a system for insulating this area too.
5.You should also consider composite external doors; energy-efficient double or triple glazed windows even consider underfloor insulation (especially above an unheated cellar or basement) to get the best energy performance from your heating system.