Energy Performance Certificate Guide

If you are a prospective house or building buyer, then you must get to know about the energy efficiency of the house. The rating that comes with the building signifies the energy efficiency of the house. Seeing the building's energy efficiency clearly states what should be the price of the building.

A prospective buyer can decide which building or house premise to buy based on the EPC. The certificate holds equal prominence for both buyers and sellers. From sellers point of view a better rated certificate can help charge a higher amount on the property.

It encourages people to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings in which they live and work. Thus, the benefits are twofold. If the rating is less, the owners can make some changes. Making improvements as suggested will help to reduce carbon footprint. With the recent fuel cost increases, buildings that are more energy efficient should also be cheaper to run and be more attractive to prospective owners.

Energy Performance Certificates, also known as (EPC). An Energy Performance Certificate is needed for all homes which are built, rented or sold. If you are buying or selling a home, then it must have a certificate. This kind of certificate is also required for construction of new homes for rented houses. Not many are aware of EPC. Read further if you wish to know in depth about this.

The certificate records how energy efficient a property is as a building and provides A-G ratings. Similar labels are also available for domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. Such products are produced using standard methods and assumptions about energy usage so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of the same type. This kind of certificate allows prospective buyers, tenants, owners, occupiers and purchasers to get the relevant details on energy efficiency and carbon emissions from their building so they can consider energy efficiency and fuel costs as part of their investment.

It is stated that from 1 October 2008, landlords have a legal obligation to provide prospective tenants with a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It is also noteworthy that you risk a £200 fixed fine if you do not have a valid EPC when you do change tenant. Signing a lease contract without a valid EPC is a criminal offence in Scotland and landlords can be fined up to £5,000.

You must be wondering from where you can secure an EPC. It is only accredited Domestic Energy Assessors who have the right to carry out an inspection and issue an Energy Performance Certificate, using special Government approved software.