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Energy Performance Certificates EPCs
Advice on the EPC legislation, and what it means for you, the seller
The Legislation
By law an EPC is required as soon as a property is placed on the market- with legislation furthermore stating that an EPC must be available for a potential purchaser to view on request. The responsibility to obtain an EPC is with the owner/seller. Complying with the legislation at the beginning of the selling process will avoid any risk of being fined, as a failure to do so could result in a £200 fine for every breach (one breach equating to one report that an EPC is not available for viewing). Furthermore, a sale cannot complete unless an Energy Performance Certificate is in place.
For further information concerning EPC legislation you can visit the Department of Finance and Personnel website at: www.dfpni.gov.uk
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate tells you how energy efficient your home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes will have a rating at the upper end of that scale and will therefore be more energy efficient. The certificate also advises on the impact your home has on the environment, and what improvements you could make to improve the rating of your property.
How is an EPC Calculated?
In order to obtain your EPC it will be necessary to arrange an assessment of the property with a fully trained Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). During this assessment the DEA will conduct a full survey of the property, recording specific details which are then input into unique software used to calculate the energy rating.
Details taken into consideration in an EPC calculation include:
- The age of the property
- The floor area
- The length of the external heat loss perimeter walls
- The thickness of the walls
- Cavity wall insulation and type
- Roof space insulation and depth
- Make, model and age of central heating boiler
- Type of central heating boiler and flue
- Method of heat radiation (radiators, under floor etc.)
- Number of Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
- Number of fireplaces
- Form of any other secondary heating
- Type of windows
- Type, age and extent of double glazing (if any)
- Number of low energy light fittings
We at Leonard Auctioneers & Property Management Ltd would be delighted to provide you with contact details of a Domestic Energy Assessor or alternatively we can arrange this service for you.
EPC Enquiry
Contact us today and a member of our team will be in touch with you as soon as they can.