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Overview
Energy Performance Cerfificate & Home Information Pack GuideSince December 14, 2007, all homes in England and Wales need a Home Information Pack (HIP), which includes a home energy rating. The Pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title. CLG has issued a press release on the introduction of HIPs to homes marketed for sale in England and Wales from December 14, 2007. To find out more visit CLG at www.communities.gov.uk An Energy Performance Certificate forms part of a Home Information Pack. The seller or representative of the seller commissions the certificates from an accredited Energy Assessor, who visits the property to collect relevant data for the production of the certificate. A survey allows data to be collected and assesses the properties age, construction type and relevant energy useage including the efficiency of heating systems and insulation. The HIP and the EPC is now a prerequisite for the sale of domestic properties. This is a requirement before the property can legally be permitted to be placed for sale on the housing market. The rollout dates for the introduction of all commercial and rented properties are to be confirmed by the Government in the coming months. Included in the Home Information Pack :- · HIP index · Energy Performance Certificate · Sale Statement · Standard Searches · Evidence of Title · Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales – where appropriate. As a mandatory element of the HIP, the EPC provides the owner of the property (or his/her representative) and the potential buyer with an energy efficiency rating together with recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of the property. Only an accredited/qualified Domestic Energy Assessor can conduct EPCs. What an EPC will show :- An A-G rating of the home’s efficiency. This will include the level of carbon emissions and provide a clear indication of energy improvements. Average costs for heating, lighting and hot water. Money saving recommendations for improving energy efficiency. This may come at a cost but will make cost savings and returns. Some properties currently exempt :- Non-residential properties (for example shops and businesses) Seasonal and holiday accommodation Mixed use properties (for example a ground floor shop with a residential flat above that share access/entry) Unsafe properties or properties to be demolished Improving the energy efficiency of your home can mean either making changes to the building, or simply changing your behaviour to save energy. Energy Performance Certificates will give you advice on both of these areas. A significant amount of carbon dioxide emissions are produced by houses through the amount and type of fuel used in the day to day running of the home including hot water heating, heating fuel, electricity for lighting and energy to run domestic appliances. Installing energy-efficient measures Some of the measures that the certificate might recommend include:- · Low-energy light bulbs. These last up to 12 times longer and use around 80 per cent less energy than traditional filament bulbs · Hot water tank jackets. These cost from around £10, and can cut heat loss by around 75 per cent · Loft insulation. Fitting insulation that is at least 250mm thick could cut heat loss by around 30 per cent · Cavity wall insulation. If you have unfilled cavity walls, installing insulation could cut heat loss by over 30 per cent. The cost of the measures recommended will vary, but the certificate will distinguish between those that cost under £500 and those that could cost more, such as double glazing or new heating systems. The certificate will also list further measures that will help achieve the highest possible ratings for the home, although significantly more expensive and could take several years to repay their cost in energy savings. Behaviour changes There are also simple ways that you can improve your energy efficiency, simply by changing how you use your home :- · Check that your heating system thermostat isn't set too high (21 degrees C in the living room is suggested), and use the timer or programmer so you only heat your home when necessary · Make sure your hot water isn't too hot. If you have a water cylinder thermostat it shouldn't need to be set higher than 60 degrees C/140 degrees · Turn off lights when they aren't needed, and don't leave appliances on standby. Remember not to leave chargers (e.g. for mobile phones) turned on when you aren't using them · These tips will enable you to reduce your energy usage and save money. First steps · Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient ones; they last longer and will cut the cost of your electricity bill Approximately 10% of the energy used in heating your home will be cut by turning down the thermostat by just one degree · Opt for a shower rather than a bath, but try to avoid power showers · Turn off your electrical appliances (DVDs, mobile phone chargers, TVs, computers, stereos) at the wall. Every year the country spends in excess of £700m on appliances being left on standby · Run your fridge at between 3-5°C · Turn down the hot water to 60°C (or less) · Draw your curtains at dusk and maintain the heat in your rooms · Set your washing machine to 30-40°C and try to dry your clothes naturally Challenge yourself · Improve your loft insulation - up to a third of your household heat will escape through an uninsulated loft · Insulate your home's cavity walls · Lag your boiler and pipes to prevent heat loss · Insulate your hot water tank · Install double or triple glazing · There are grants available for solar hot water through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. Financial incentives There is financial help available if you are looking to make energy saving improvements to your home. Energy Performance Certificates will make recommendations on how you can make energy saving changes in your home. In some cases grants, discounts and other incentives are available. The Government, Local Authorities and energy suppliers all provide grants to help homeowners introduce energy saving measures into the home. If you reduce the amount of energy you use in the home, not only will you cut your energy bills, but also you will be playing your part in reducing your impact on climate change. “Gas and electricity used in our homes is responsible for 25% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions. Green house gases produced when electricity is generated or gas is burned is a major contribution to global warming” |
