Energy Performance Certificate FAQ

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

Why do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

When will I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

How often will I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

How much will an Energy Performance Certificate cost?

How long will it take?

What's the benefit of getting an EPC?

What is a Display Energy Certificate (DEC)?

Who will need a Display Energy Certificate and when will they need one?

Why use MKHC Energy Services?

What things are checked during the EPC inspection?

 

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

An Energy Performance Certificate provides an assessment of the official energy rating of a property having regard to standards established by legislation. It is in a specified format and includes a graph summarising the position in respect of a building in the same way as ratings are given for electrical items such as fridges and washing machines.

 
Under the legislation properties are rated on a scale of A-G with A being the most efficient. A rating of G is the poorest rating assessing the property as energy inefficient with probable wastage on fuel bills but the potential to improve efficiency and make significant savings.

  
Properties are also rated on their Environmental impact by reference to calculated carbon-dioxide emissions.

 
The report within the Certificate goes into fine detail in respect of such matters as lighting, heating, insulation and hot water. All of these matters are taken into account in calculating the ratings which in turn should provide useful information for the property owner and indeed any interested buyer.

Very few properties will achieve an A rating as most buildings in this country were built at a time when energy efficiency was not a major consideration in construction. Before the Legislation was introduced it was believed that most properties would have a D rating.

As an EPC will identify energy inefficiencies the Government believes that this will provide home owners and buyers will essential information that they can use to improve the rating of a property with corresponding cost and environmental benefits. The report includes guidance on how this can be achieved and the graph within the EPC gives a projected score if the recommendations are adhered to. These recommendations are split into levels according to cost of implementation.

 

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Why do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

The European Performance of Buildings Directive requires all member states to certify a building's energy status in order provide occupants and building users with this information. In England and Wales it is an offence to construct, sell or lease a building without providing an Energy Performance Certificate to potential Tenants, Lessors or Owner/Occupiers.

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When will I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

The legislation is being introduced in three stages and is dependent on the size of the building's floor area. For details see our links page. By Law, you are required to commission an Energy Performance Certificate within 28 days of marketing.

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How often will I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates are valid for 10 years, regardless of whether the building is resold, released or re-let within this time period. However, if you upgrade your insulation (walls, roof) or boiler it may be advantageous for you to commission a new EPC as to reflect the increase energy efficiency of the property.

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How much will an Energy Performance Certificate cost?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How long will it take?

A site visit will be arranged to suit the client then one of our Energy Assessors will travel to your property. The inspection should take between 45 minutes - 1 hour and will cause the minimum of inconvenience. The only significant factor to be aware of is that our Assessor will need access to the loft space and your boiler. An internal and external inspection of the property is carried out for the purpose of the EPC.

From our site visit, we will aim to provide you with an Energy Performance Certificate by e-mail within a maximum of 48 hours.

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What's the benefit of getting an EPC?

It is envisaged that many building Owners and Landlords will view the requirement of having to provide an EPC for their building as an extra financial burden. With this in mind, we aim to help our Clients meet their minimum legal requirements. As an additional service, we can use the data collected to produce an EPC or a DEC as a tool to help our client reduce future energy costs.

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What is a Display Energy Certificate (DEC)?

A Display Energy Certificate rates a Public building in terms of its capability to use energy efficiently. The building will be rated from A – G and will provide information to the public about how much CO² it is currently producing.

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Who will need a Display Energy Certificate and when will they need one?

Any building with a floor area > than 1000m² and that is frequently visited by members of the public requires a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) as of 1st October 2008.

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Why use MKHC Energy Services Energy Services?

At MKHC Energy Services we pride ourselves on 'getting it right'. We have the experience and the proven expertise to offer you a high quality service to meet your individual requirements.

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What things are checked during the EPC inspection?

 

The inspection should take between 45 minutes - 1 hour. The only significant factor to be aware of is that our Assessor will need access to the loft space and your boiler. An internal and external inspection of the property is carried out for the purpose of the EPC. Items inspected cover:-

• Construction of your walls.
• Measure the roof insulation.
• Confirm how many windows are double glazed.
• Count the number of open fireplaces
• Check the make and model of boiler under EU SEDBUK regulations.
• Look for green devices such as solar panels and wind turbines.
• Calculate the number of low energy light bulbs.
• Confirm the type of heating system e.g. radiators, under floor heating, electric and so forth.
• Categorise the type of material used to insulate hot water cylinder.
• Measure heat loss through roof .
• Check for excessive window area in larger houses.
• Take precise measurements of conservatories and extensions.
• Confirm how many habitable rooms are heated

* Optional extra—we can provide you with a hard copy of your report at £8.50 per copy