EPC - An Online Guide

Nov 2
07:38

2011

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This article is written for public benefits. If you want to have on online guide about EPC, you must read this article.

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The idea for the EPC is to measure the carbon footprint your property has on our planet and not what you use as a person. By collecting this data and in putting it into the Landmark central software package,EPC - An Online Guide Articles the software will use a complex algorithm to calculate the property's current carbon output and also calculate what steps can be taken to lower this output.

A list of recommendations are included in the certificate along with the possible financial savings that could be made by increasing your property's insulation etc..

Energy Performance Certificate is a European Directive and as such, most of our European neighbours now have to produce EPC's for the sale of properties. In the future, it is hoped that the data we are collecting now will get analysed and go to help reducing the carbon footprint not only in the UK, but worldwide, by introducing new measures for home efficiency.

We all look to save money at home, but how many of us actually take the time to increase the loft insulation or change our lighting to low energy lighting? If we had a more calculated measurement as to how much we could save in money and energy, we would all make just that more effort.

So what is involved? The energy assessor will need to look at the heating system, hot water tank, lighting, windows & conservatory, wall & loft insulation and take the property measurements. Some photographs will also be taken as back up but not released to anyone or on to the internet.

There is no pass or fail to the EPC Building Survey and the average survey for a 3 bedroom semi detached house is around 40 minutes. There is no need to prepare the property in advance.

The current legislation states that when you start marketing your property for sale or rent, you have 28 days to produce the EPC. In addition the EPC must be booked in before the marketing of a property can commence. Failure to do so can result in a £200 fine.

The age or style of the property is immaterial as all residential properties will need an EPC before selling or letting. Some exceptions do apply such as property for re development, bed & breakfasts, lodgers, HMO houses and mobile homes.

Currently, the EPC is valid for 10 years for both resale and lettings. When letting your property you will need an EPC to hand to your tenant. You do not need to have a new survey for every new tenant if you have a current EPC.

The survey is non evasive and the energy assessor will only report on visual evidence. Therefore, if you have any documentation to support cavity wall insulation or loft insulation hidden under boards, this is always appreciated.