FAQ 's

1. What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An EPC indicates the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a property.

2. Why do we need to energy rate properties?
Climate change is becoming an increasing concern. Levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, one of the main causes of climate change, have risen by more than a third in the last two centuries and are now rising faster than ever before. This has led to higher temperatures and some significant environmental changes, including:

* Ice caps are retreating
* Arctic sea ice has thinned by 40%
* Global mean sea level has risen an average 1-2mm per annum
* Global snow cover has decreased by 10% since 1960s
* Use of the Thames Barrier has increased from once every 2 yrs to 6 times per year over the past 5 years
* Weather related economic losses have increased 10 times over last 40 years

3. Who needs an EPC?
All homeowners who are selling their property will now require a Home Information Pack which contains the EPC. All rental properties will require an EPC if marketed for rent after 1st October 2008.

4. Can I order an EPC without having to sell my property?
Yes. Anyone can order a home assessment survey which includes an EPC. The EPC will inform you of what improvements you can make to the property to improve its thermal efficiency, saving you money on your fuel bill and reducing your carbon footprint.

5. Who produces the EPC?
The EPC is formulated by a qualified and licensed Domestic Energy Assessor and is calculated using government software.

6. What does the EPC actually show?
The certificate shows the cost of energy consumption in the home and the total carbon dioxide emissions per annum. Affordable recommendations are made as to how to make your home more energy efficient.

7. What are the main factors that determine the findings contained in the EPC?
The greatest impacts come from the age of the property, the main fuel type and the efficiency of its insulation, heating and hot water systems.

8. How long does an EPC remain in force and current?
The EPC for a rental property lasts 10 years. However, when a property is marketed for sale, it lasts 3 years.

9. Does the EPC exist in other countries?
Yes. It is a requirement of all European Union countries.

10. Will the requirement to produce EPCs actually help?
The impact of taking up the recommendations of an EPC is twofold: not only can it help homeowners to save money, but the effect on pollution levels could be dramatic: if 10% of the homes in this country fitted low energy light bulbs throughout, then one nuclear power station could be closed down.

11. How long does the inspection take for the EPC?
Usually about 45 minutes to 1 hour.