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Energy performance certificates have become a legal requirement for all domestic and commercial buildings in the UK.
If you’re thinking of selling or renting out your property, then you should ensure it has an EPC UK. Energy performance certificates are important since they tell you how energy efficient your property is and if any improvements need to be made. If you’re looking to buy a property or rent one you should insist on seeing the EPC UK before you pay.
Since EPC UK is an important document for landlords, homeowners, buyers, and tenants, we’ve made this detailed guide about the important things you should know about an energy performance certificate.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
What is an energy performance certificate?
An energy performance certificate is a document that tells you how energy efficient your property is on a scale of A (very efficient) to G (inefficient).
The energy certificate will also include remedial suggestions that can help improve the Epc rating of your property.
Do you really need an EPC UK?
You might be wondering if you really need an energy performance certificate for your property. Well, since EPC UK became a legal requirement for homeowners and landlords, the law expects you to get an energy certificate for your property before renting or selling it out.
If you don’t get an energy performance certificate for your property you can be fined up to £4000. Also, if you’re planning to sell your property, people might not be inclined to buy after they find out your property is not energy efficient.
Moreover, you’re not doing the government a favour by getting an energy certificate for your property since the certificate is for your safety.
How to get an EPC UK?
To get an energy performance certificate you’d have to hire an Epc assessor to carry out safety checks on your property. The safety checks will be used to assess your property. After the Epc assessor is satisfied with his findings he will then issue an Epc for your property. The EPC UK is simply a report of his findings.
The safety checks can take up to an hour. During that time, the Epc assessor will make sure that the electrical systems in your property are up to standard.
After he’s done with the safety checks, he will then tell you how much it might cost to make remedial repairs that will help improve the energy efficiency of your property.
Improving your Epc rating.
Although the Epc assessor will note specific things you should do to improve your Epc ratings. There are some general improvements you can do to improve your Epc ratings. They include;
Installing loft insulations
Installing loft insulations is one effective way of improving your Epc ratings. Loft insulations are easy to install, they are also inexpensive and will greatly improve your Epc ratings. When installing loft insulations ensure it is at least 270mm thick.
Insulating the walls.
Insulating your walls can also help in improving your Epc ratings. It doesn’t matter if your walls have cavities or if they are solid. Insulating the walls will help improve your Epc ratings.
Changing your boiler.
Your boiler might be the reason for your low Epc ratings. You should consider replacing it if your Epc ratings are not encouraging. Replacing your boiler can reduce your energy bills and in turn improve your Epc ratings.
Installing solar panels.
Solar panels produce cheaper and greener energy which reduces your energy bills considerably and helps improve your ratings. This ultimately improves the energy efficiency of your property.
How much does an EPC UK cost in 2023.
There’s no fixed price for an energy certificate. The cost of an epc is dependent on different factors. Factors like the size of the property, its location, or the type of property.
If you own a large house, your EPC UK will cost more than someone living in a one-bedroom apartment. Also, if you need the energy certificate for a commercial property, you should be ready to pay more.
However, if you need an estimate for your budget, you should know that an energy certificate for a 3-bedroom house can cost you between £50 and £130.
Are all buildings expected to have an EPC UK?
Although energy performance certificates are legal requirements for landlords and homeowners, it is not every building that is expected to have an EPC UK. Buildings that do not need an energy performance certificate include;
Non-permanent buildings that will be used for 2 years or less.
Buildings used for religious activities like churches and mosques.
Listed buildings that will not get upgrades.
Non-residential agro-based buildings that do not use so much energy. Industrial sites and workshops.
Detached buildings that do not have more than 50 square meters of total floor space.
Buildings due to be demolished
Residential properties that are only used for up to 4 months in a year.
Holiday accommodations that rent out for less than 4 months a year.
Unless your building falls within the list above, you will have to hire an epc assessor to assess your property and issue an Energy Performance Certificate.