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The importance of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings

An Energy Performance Certificate or EPC provides a detailed look at the energy efficiency of a property.

It uses an A to G rating system, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient.

This certificate plays a pivotal role in property transactions and its importance stretches beyond legal requirements.

What does an EPC entail?

An EPC takes a close look at several key aspects of a property to determine its overall energy efficiency, including:

Construction of the property
Insulation
Heating and cooling systems
Ventilation
Lighting
Windows
The use of renewable energy technologies

The EPC considers the property’s size, the number of rooms and the type of property (detached, semi-detached, apartment etc.).

Essentially, it examines anything that could impact the amount of energy consumed in the building and its resultant CO2 emissions.

It is important to note that the EPC does not consider how the current occupants actually use the energy. It merely measures the potential energy used based on the property’s characteristics.

Legal requirement

If you are planning on selling or renting your property, you must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants.

Energy efficiency insight

The most direct value of the EPC is the comprehensive information it offers on your home’s energy efficiency.

With rising energy prices and global emphasis on sustainable living, understanding how energy efficient your home is can help you make significant savings.

An EPC can guide you in making necessary modifications to your home to enhance energy efficiency, which can, in turn, reduce your carbon footprint.

Potential property value

A home with a high EPC rating (closer to A) is often more attractive to prospective buyers and renters.

A higher rating indicates lower energy bills and potentially less work to improve the property’s energy efficiency. Therefore, a good EPC rating could boost the value of your property or make it easier to sell or rent out.

Improving EPC ratings

There are numerous ways to improve your EPC ratings.

This can range from simple changes like installing energy-efficient light bulbs and increasing insulation in the property.

More significant changes would include upgrading heating systems, changing windows from single glazing to double-glazing and installing renewable energy technologies.

Future regulations

In December 2020, the UK Government announced changes to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for England and Wales.

The Government has proposed that all rental properties will require an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above by 2028.

An EPC is not just another document, it is a comprehensive guide to your home’s energy efficiency and a potential boost to your property value.

Whether you are selling, buying or staying put, a better understanding of your EPC rating can bring significant benefits.

If you are thinking of selling or leasing your property, get in touch today.

Elizabeth Jennings

Director - Commercial Property & Charities

I joined Mander Hadley in 2004, qualified as a solicitor in 2006 and have focussed on commercial law throughout. I am also a member of Coventry and Warwickshire First and Warwickshire Law Society.

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