What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate is a document that assesses the energy performance of your property and gives it an A-G rating based on the amount of energy it uses compared to other buildings. It can help you understand how much money you could save by making your home or rental property more efficient. The report also includes advice on improving your property’s energy efficiency, such as replacing inefficient appliances or installing insulation.
How Does Government Legislation Affect Homeowners and Landlords in Clowne?
The government introduced legislation in 2008 requiring all privately rented homes to have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This means that if you are a landlord in Clowne, you must obtain an EPC when renting out a property. Additionally, if you are selling your home in Clowne then an EPC must be provided to prospective buyers before they make an offer. Failure to provide an EPC when required can result in hefty fines from the local council.
Benefits of Having An EPC
Having access to this information can help both homeowners and landlords make informed decisions about how to make their properties more energy-efficient and cost-effective over time. An up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate will also let potential buyers know what kind of improvements they may need to make if they purchase the property. Not only will these improvements save them money on utility bills but they will also add value to their investment in the long run.
What Does an Assessment Involve?
The DEA will start by examining the outside of the property. This enables them to determine the age and construction type of the property, including any extension or detachment. They will also inspect the roof, specifically its insulation and any skylights, and assess the brickwork for insulation. Access to the front and back gardens is essential too, as they will check for any renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, and garden lights running off electricity, for example. By looking at the outside of the property, they can obtain a more accurate picture of its energy efficiency.
It’s imperative that the DEA can access the entire outside of the property, so it’s essential that there are no obstructions that could prevent them from conducting a thorough assessment. In the case of an empty property, keys should be available for the back or side doors. Any gates or fences that block access to the garden or any areas outside the house should be unlocked before the DEA arrives. The DEA should be able to conduct their assessment in a safe environment, and if there are any pets present, they should be secured away for the duration of the assessment.
Once the DEA has examined the outside of the property, they will then move inside. All rooms need to be accessible, including the loft or any cellars, to ensure that the DEA can accurately record any insulation, heating sources, and appliances. Lights should be working and any hazardous materials or safety hazards removed. If possible, any tenants or occupants should be present during the assessment, so the DEA can ask for any information they need regarding how the property is heated or cooled, for example.