Back when those HIPS (or “Home information packs”) suddenly exploded onto the Home Buyers’ Market, (for reasons we won’t go into) there was quite an outcry. They have been removed now, but they leave in their wake the necessity to have an “Energy Performance Certificate” (or EPC) for your home, within twenty eight days of putting it on the market. It’s at that point you may wish that you had braved those double glazing prices and had a complete installation.
The EPC is an independent survey of your home’s energy efficiency. After the HIPS packs disappeared in 2007, the new legislation of October 2008 meant that no home could be sold without an EPC. The home’s EPC is based on the energy use per metre squared of floor area. The energy efficiency is based on current fuel costs and the environmental impact is based on carbon dioxide emissions.
There’s no doubt that good quality double glazing can earn you EPC points. If the owners of your potential new home have braved the double glazing prices and installed, you will obviously purchase a property that has many advantages. If the home you are interested in has a high EPC rating it will indicate you will receive lower energy bills, if you buy. More good news, the EPC is valid for ten years, so you will hopefully inherit a healthy certificate which grades the property’s energy efficiency from A to G – A being the high point. If you’re about to purchase a brand new home, you’re in for a treat! Your EPC is likely to be high – or near the top of the class!