Energy performance certificates are a useful tool for improving the energy efficiency of buildings. It provides a standardised energy rating for buildings and helps in reducing fuel bills. The EPC also provides suggestions on how to reduce energy usage.
A typical UK residential property has a D rating. In comparison, an A rated building is the most energy efficient, with the lowest CO2 emissions. An energy performance certificate is a required requirement for any building. You can get a better rating by implementing some simple measures.
For a typical house, a few minor changes in the design and insulation can make a big difference to comfort. In addition, the use of a heat pump or a solar panel can significantly reduce the electricity bill. However, many of these changes can take weeks or months to implement. While an EPC should give you some ideas about what to do, it is not a guide to making the necessary changes.
Although an EPC can give you a rough idea of the energy consumption of a building, it is not a complete picture. Generally, an EPC is based on theoretical predictions of the building’s energy efficiency. Those predictions are compared to the building’s actual consumption.
One of the most important uses of an EPC is to determine whether the building will meet its minimum energy efficiency standards. If the building does not meet the required requirements, the owner will have to take action. Among other things, the EPC should give information on the cost to heat and light the property.
Another good reason to obtain an EPC is to provide an argument for selling the property. Some studies have shown that a property with a higher EPC rating has higher prices. This energy performance certificates could be due to the increased energy savings associated with a higher ranking.
It is also a good idea to use an EPC to check the energy efficiency of a building’s heating and cooling system. As a general rule, a well insulated building should have a higher level of comfort. Moreover, a proper EPC can show the potential for renovations for the long term.
It is also a good idea for owners and buyers to consider an EPC when looking for a new property. The cost to heat and light a home should be included in the price. Also, a property with a low EPC may be eligible for government subsidies.
Finally, an EPC can be a useful tool for educating the public about the benefits of reducing energy usage. In Germany, for example, the government has promised to upgrade the EPC to a digital building logbook. Using the information presented in an EPC, a landlord can spend PS3,500 to improve the energy efficiency of a property.
Although an EPC is not the only way to evaluate a building’s energy performance, it is a useful albeit time consuming process. In fact, it takes up to 30 to 40 minutes to calculate the relevant data and a few weeks to implement the recommendations.