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Energy performance certificates (EPCs) By Chris Ennis FRICS

We have all seen them, multi coloured slips on new electric appliances, and on estate agents’ sales particulars. An EPC is a review of a property’s energy ‘rating’ used to determine energy consumption and it is a useful tool enabling home owners to improve the efficiency and running costs of their home. We must surely all be mindful of climate change and ‘green issues’ and I would urge you all to study the EPC to help save both the planet, and some cash. The EPC is shown on a colour and numeric coded scale from A (<100) to G (1>), ‘A’ being the most efficient with the cheapest fuel bills. The EPC on any property which has changed hands in the last few years is available to inspect online at the EPC register and once issued will be valid for 10 years. All properties should have an EPC when either sold, or let. Rented property should have an EPC of ‘E’ or above, or the landlord could face a substantial fine. The EPC shows the effect on energy consumption of making environmental changes at the property…

maybe changing to low energy lighting, changing the water boiler, upgrading window systems or providing photovoltaic /passive energy systems. The EPC document is, of course, the product of a computer program which is currently programmed to the standard assessment procedure 12 (SAP 12) guidelines. These guidelines will soon be revised to a new standard of SAP 10 in which, amongst other things brings ‘rating equity’ between both gas and electricity where previously disparity had existed. This alteration will encourage the use of more electric central heating systems and other green energy measures to facilitate the government aim of phasing out gas fired boilers and hobs in new property from 2025. This may affect some property values. Fortunately, the newest generation of electric heaters are attractive, efficient, easy and cheap to install, and easy to control with in-built timers and thermostats. Having installed and used the newest electric heaters I can speak highly of them. Don’t worry, you won’t freeze in 2026! Chris Ennis FRICS email: surveyor1@talktalk.net 01903 261 217 or www.propdoctor.co.uk