For over ten years now the Energy Performance Certificate has been a legal requirement of any property sale or rental agreement. Often overlooked and misunderstood this small efficiency graph and its associated recommendations may just be about to come into their own.
1st April 2022 sees a huge rise in energy tariffs with another predicted jump come October. With the majority of homes running on gas – be it mains, LPG or bottled – and/or electric the running costs of property are set to soar.
To unlock the potential of the EPC and hopefully find ways to decrease your energy usage and reduce the associated costs, you simply need to focus on the recommendations section within the report.
Energy efficiency improvements can be as small as changing a lightbulb or as large as implementing renewable power sources within your home. The most effective changes usually involve any improvements in insulation. Increase your loft insulation levels, retrofit your walls with insulation – cavity or lining dependent on construction – and insulate your floors if you can. The more heat that is kept in the less you use to top it up.
Bigger changes involve bigger financial outlays. Renewable energy sources like solar panels and heat source pumps may cost more but those of us isolated by Storm Arwen could certainly have done with an alternative power and heat source.
However, any changes for the better will make your property more appealing should you decide to sell. Running costs are sure to be high on any potential purchaser's list, now more so than ever before.
These Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are freely accessible on the government register so if there is one already completed on your property why waste time in finding ways to reduce your heating and electricity bills. Alternatively, Poole Townsend has fully qualified Domestic Energy Assessors who can produce these certificates and also talk you through the finer points.
So, turn the heating down a click, turn the light you left on in the kitchen off and wrap your house up warm. Small changes can have big impacts.
For Property Advice, call us FREE on 0800 389 2939 or visit our website at www.pooletownsend.co.uk