Energy Efficiency – What is a Home Energy Report, or Energy Performance Certificate?

The Home Energy Report or Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is the first document required in the Home Information Pack, coming immediately after the index.

EPCs will enable home buyers and sellers to look at a home’s energy efficiency, using A to G ratings, like those used to rate fridges and washing machines, etc. The Department for Communities and Local Government, in their 2005 Home Buyers and Sellers Guide to Home Information Packs say that our homes currently produce 27% of the UK’s carbon emissions, contributing to global climate change, and estimate the recommendations in our EPCs could save the homeowner an average of £300.00p per year in fuel bills.

Energy performance certificates will eventually become mandatory for all home sales in England and Wales. They have been mandatory for homes with 4 bedrooms or more from 1st August 2007 and will be a legal requirement for 3 bed homes also from September 10th 2007.

The requirement for all properties sold and rented to have an EPC is stipulated in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

Energy Performance Certificates

Advantage Home Inspectors are now providing, for  home sellers or their agents, some of the country’s first Energy Performance Certificates. Only fully qualified professionals registered as Domestic Energy Assessors or Licensed Home Inspectors within an approved certification scheme are allowed to issue Energy Performance Certificates.