FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are some common questions in relation to Energy Performance Certificates. Should these not answer your question then you may email us or if you would like a quotation then please fill out a Quotation Request Form.
Q. WHO NEEDS AN ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE (EPC)
A.
The EPC is required by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent.
Sellers or buyers of homes
All sellers of homes need to ensure that they provide a Home Information Pack which includes an EPC for potential buyers.
An EPC must be made available to a potential home buyer – free of charge.
Builders
An EPC needs to be provided to buyers of newly built properties.
Landlords
If you are a landlord, you’ll need to make an EPC available to prospective tenants the first time you let a home from 1 January in Scotland. An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years.
An EPC isn’t required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities.
Tenants
If you are interested in renting a property then an EPC must be made available to you free of charge. An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years.
If you are a prospective tenant, an EPC isn’t required when you rent a room and share facilities.
If you are not in one of the above categories
Even if you do not fall into the above categories, you can still apply for and receive an EPC. This may be because you want to know what the energy efficiency of your home is and implement improvements suggested by the recommendation report.
Q. WHAT DOES THE EPC DO
A.
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives home owners, tenants and buyers information on the energy efficiency of their property. It gives the building a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’, where ‘A’ is the most efficient and with the average to date being D
Q. WHAT ELSE CAN THE EPC DO
A.
EPCs are measured using the same calculations for all homes, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.
Part of the EPC is a report which will list the potential rating that your home could achieve, if you made the recommended changes. The report lists:
- suggested improvements (such as fitting loft insulation)
- the approximate cost
- possible cost savings per year if the improvements are made
- how this would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property
You can use this information to:
- cut your fuel bills
- improve energy performance in your home
- help cut carbon emissions
- help you choose a more energy efficient home to rent or buy
You do not have to act on the recommendations contained in the recommendation report. However, if you decide to do so, then it could make your property more attractive for sale or rent by making it more energy efficient.
Q. HOW DO I GET AN EPC
A.
EPCs can only be produced as a result of a survey by an ‘accredited’ Energy Assessor. EPCs are used to collect standard information on the property – for example, its size and hot water/heating systems. The information is then fed into a government-approved software programme which produces the EPC.
ENERGY ASSESSOR SCOTLAND can meet all of your EPC needs. Call us free on Tel: 0800 756 6831 or email us.
Q. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET AN EPC
A.
Obtaining an EPC for an average sized home is likely to take the same time as a house valuation report which has to be prepared when a property is put up for sale or for rent. ENERGY ASSESSOR SCOTLAND offers a 2 to 3 day turn around.
Q. DO I NEED AN EPC FOR BUSINESS PREMISES
A.
From October 2008, owners of all commercial buildings also have to provide an EPC when they buy, sell or let commercial premises. In Scotland it is in line with the Domestic requirements i.e 1st December 2008 for Sale and 4th January 2009 for rent.
Q. HOW MUCH WILL AN EPC COST.
A.
The price of an EPC is set by the accredited organisations which issue them. When you obtain a Home Report, the overall cost should include that of an EPC. If you apply for an EPC on its own then the Government guidelines for the cost of an average house is quoted at approximately £100.
ENERGY ASSESSOR SCOTLAND can structure very competitive packages to suit your needs delivering EPC's for up to 60% less than government recomendations.
We look forward to assisting you with any inquiry that you may have.
Please call free to call on 0800 756 6831
or
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