Domestic Energy Performance Certificates
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) have been introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings, as part of a series of measures being introduced across Europe to reflect legislation which will help cut buildings' carbon emissions and tackle climate change.
If you are buying or selling a home you now need a certificate by law. From October 2008 EPC's will be required whenever a building is built, sold or rented out. The certificate provides 'A' to 'G' rating for the building, with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least, with the average up to now being 'D'.
Measures recommended in the EPC could save the average consumer £300 a year off their fuel bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
With EPC's being introduced today - giving home-buyers a home energy rating, the system will make easier for consumers to get grants to make the improvements recommended in the certificate.
For the first time, the six major energy companies have agreed that when buyers move into their home and sign to an energy contract they will get immediate access and information about 'green' grants or offers to consumers. This follows talks with the Government and will help them make their homes more environmentally friendly and cut fuel bills.
In addition, the scheme will include a new portal on the Energy Saving Trust's website where consumers only need to tap in their postcode to find details of offers available. Once fully rolled out it is estimated that the energy certificates would save nearly a million tons of carbon per year by 2020. Consumers who choose to give details from the EPC to suppliers will also receive targeted offers for recommendations in their certificate. This information will not be used for any other purpose and cannot be given to anyone else by the supplier.
For advice on how to take action and to find out about offers available to help make your home more energy efficient, call free on
0800 512 012 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.
DEA Domestic Energy Assessor
DEA is a licensed Domestic Energy Assessor, a person who has undergone specific training in energy performance of buildings using RdSAP methodology. RdSAP is an acronym for Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure.
This method is used for smaller domestic dwellings whereas full SAP is applied to new build homes.
The DEA's job encompasses a number of areas.
1. The DEA home inspector must on arrival conduct a health & safety survey around the exterior and interior of the property.
2. The assessor will take dimensions throughout the property to work out the area considered as "space heating" to determine heat loss through walls and ceilings for example.
3. Inspection of boilers, room heaters, fireplaces and heating controls will also be surveyed. The type of fuels to heat the home will also be recorded.
4. Any extensions to the property will be surveyed including the year of build and the construction properties noted.
5. The main house construction will be surveyed and the age of build noted.
6. An "un-separated" conservatory dimensions and build age will also be recorded if one exists. For the purposes of doubt a "separate" conservatory is one where access to the conservatory is through a door and is exempt from the energy survey.
7. The property will be inspected to establish what insulation is present, both in walls and loft. Loft access is required if there is one.
How long is your EPC valid for?
EPCs are valid for ten years, except if they are part of a Home Information Pack (HIP). If it is part of a HIP, an EPC must be less than three years old when the building is first put on the market.
To order a Domestic Energy Performance Certificate please visit our orders page or call us on 020 7903 5154