ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE ( EPC)

DOMESTIC

The Process explained. (Briefly)

When we visit your property we will need to identify its age, construction type and identify any extensions and conservatories which may affect its Energy Rating.

We will measure the total floor area and the ceiling heights of each floor and assess whether the window area is normal for its build type and whether any parts of the building have a different construction type. We also calculate the amount of exposed walls.

For flats and maisonettes we will also identify if there is occupied space above or below and measure any sheltered walls such as corridors.

We will assess the heating type, such as boiler, radiators and controls and how your hot water is heated. We will take details from your boiler (if there is one ) and check its energy rating back at the office.

We will also be looking for any low energy lighting.

We will need to look in the roof space ( if there is one) and measure the depth of insulation.

This and other information is collated and entered into a computer programme which is a calculation model, developed by the Government, known as RDSAP ( Reduced Data Standard Assessment Proceedure). Your EPC will then be produced.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

The Assessment is ‘non-invasive’ which means the assessor will not lift carpets, move furniture etc. Energy assessors can only record what they see and have to produce evidence (usually photographic) for their decision.

In some cases you may have Cavity Wall Insulation or Floor Insulation where no hard evidence can be seen but you may have a Certificate of Installation . If you make a valid certificate available to the assessor they may be able to photograph it and enter it as evidence, likewise for dating double glazed windows, if you can provide a Fensa Certificate this too can be entered as evidence.

It may also help to tell the assessor the approximate date your home was built and the date any extensions were added. This information will help to correctly identify its build quality.

It may also be helpful to have your boiler details to hand so that the assessor can correctly identify the boiler.

Fitting low energy light bulbs wherever possible will also improve the rating.

Do not worry if you do not have these documents we will make an assessment on evidence available.

ON THE DAY OF INSPECTION

The assessor will need access to all rooms and -

• The loft, if there is one.
• The boiler or heat source.
• The hot water cylinder, if there is one.
• The Electric Meter.

Please be aware that we have to take photographs but only of the front, side and rear of the building, and some interior components of the heating, lighting and insulation.

We never photograph any personal effects, people or any security items. Photographs that we do take are subject to data protection and will not be used for anything other than evidence for your EPC.

You do not need to provide any equipment, we will be fully equipped with all we need. We even bring a change of shoes for indoors.

AFTER THE INSPECTION

We produce the EPC, register it on the national database and send a copy to the email address you have given to us as a PDF file. We can also send a copy to your appointed agent if instructed together with the asset graph for the property details.

If you prefer we can send a printed copy by post or you can collect from our office.

For More Information or to  Order Your EPC call 01452 421002