Energy Performance Certificates...

Home Information Packs (HIP) were introduced on the 1st August 2007 and now apply to all dwellings marketed for sale. A vital part of the HIP is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 

The Home Information Pack needs to be compiled by the seller of a property and be made available to any genuinely interested buyers. Other than the EPC, all the other information required for the HIP is no more than what was required prior to their introduction, the information now just needs to be provided by the seller up front which is designed to speed up and simplify the process.

The Energy Performance Certificate tells you how energy efficient your home is, the impact it has on the environment and includes recommendations on ways to improve the rating of the property.

It is relatively straightforward to compile your own HIP without too much expense, however the Energy Performance Certificate must be issued by a qualified and accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. If you compile your own HIP you will not be tied in to any agent and will be free to take it with you if you change agents.

SCT Energy Assessments are qualified and accredited with Elmhurst Energy Systems and can issue Energy Performance Certificates required for your sale. A survey of your property will be required to ascertain the thermal standards of the dwelling, gathering data including the date, construction and type of dwelling and relevant fittings (heating systems, insulation and double glazing for example). Following this survey the thermal efficiency of the dwelling will be calculated and the EPC issued. We can also offer help and advice in compiling your HIP.

Energy Performance Certificates will be introduced for rental properties by October 2008.

Even if you are not selling your property you can still have an Energy Assessment carried out to give you details of the energy efficiency of your home, along with suggested improvements and the effect they will have.