Brookes Hall Residential Estate & Lettings Agent in Cheltenham

Hot Properties:

Garden Flat Cambray Place A large garden flat in Cheltenham Town Centre

Read more

The Promenade An executive two bedroom apartment located in Cheltenham Town Centre

Read more

Pittville Lawn A studio apartment located in Pittville Lawn

Read more

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are compulsory for anyone selling or letting their property in the UK. They contain useful information for potential buyers/tenants about the energy efficiency of the property. The certificate provides 'A' to 'G' ratings for the building, with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least, with the average up to now being 'D'. You will need to instruct an accredited energy assessor to produce an EPC alongside an associated report which suggests improvements to make the property more energy efficient. Alternatively Brookes Hall can arrange this on your behalf. 

Energy Performance Certificates – what they tell you

EPCs contain:

1. information on your home's energy use and carbon dioxide emissions
2. a recommendation report with suggestions to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions

Energy use and carbon dioxide emissions

EPCs carry ratings that compare the current energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions with potential figures that your home could achieve. Potential figures are calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions would be if energy saving measures were put in place.
 All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.
Around 27 per cent of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic homes. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change.

The recommendation report

EPCs also provide a detailed recommendation report showing what you could do to help reduce the amount of energy you use and your carbon dioxide emissions. The report lists:

1. suggested improvements, like fitting loft insulation
2. possible cost savings per year, if the improvements are made
3. how the recommendations would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property

You don’t have to act on the recommendations in the recommendation report. However, if you decide to do so, it could make your property more attractive for sale or rent by making it more energy efficient.

The certificate also contains:

1. detailed estimates of potential energy use, carbon dioxide emissions and fuel costs
2. details of the person who carried out the EPC assessment
3. who to contact if you want to make a complaint

The DirectGov website called EPC adviser: www.epcregister.com –  gives you the facility to enter your EPC number and ‘tick box’ various energy saving items thus giving costs and savings.

For lots more helpful advice on selling or letting your home and moving just give us a call on 01242 257675 or email us.