Energy Efficiency Inspection

Most people have heard of the new Home Inspection Packs which were introduced in 2007 to give buyers and sellers more information about their homes. One of the most publicised parts of the pack was the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Home owners were required to have a survey completed which would give the building an energy rating and efficiency rating.

In October 2008 the Energy Performance Certificate became a requirement for any building which is built, bought, sold or rented. For the first time this now includes commercial buildings, rented accommodation and all homes on the property market. The EPC's are required for flats and houses of all sizes.

In order to obtain an EPC you must engage an approved energy assessor. There are many assessors now fully qualified around the UK and you should be able to obtain the survey and certificate within a week from the survey taking place.

The government has put these regulations in place in order to help people understand more about carbon emissions. Our homes produce a significant proportion of the carbon released into the atmosphere on a daily basis and with tough targets to meet, the government is helping to educate individuals on how their home affects the environment.

Most of the emissions are due to our use of energy for heating and hot water. Installing energy efficient heating systems and ensuring your house is fully insulated and draught proofed will help to increase your energy rating.

Below are a few tips for making your home more energy efficient before you have an inspection:

• Check for draughts around doors and windows and install draught proof strips
• Install low energy light bulbs everywhere in your home
• If you have a hot water tank - insulate it with a jacket
• Turn down the average temperature of your hot water to 50 or 60 degrees
• Install more loft insulation so it is more than 25cm thick
• Check or install cavity wall insulation
• Reduce your heating thermostat to 19 degrees
• Ensure all your curtains have thermal lining
• Place reflective boards behind your radiators to push heat back into the room
• Only have the heating on when you are at home
• Turn off all the lights and standby equipment when not in use
• Use switch off products for your stand by equipment
• Use a smart meter to assess your energy consumption throughout the home and look for areas where you can save money

If you make some or all of these changes before your home is assessed you may find your EPC rating is above the national average of a D to G rating.

Act on Energy is accredited to provide EPCs for homes so for more information please talk to us today 0800 988 2881.

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