Energy Performance Certificates
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a report detailing the energy efficiency of a property. It gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years.
An EPC also contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs, as well as recommendations on how to reduce energy use and reduce costs.
Sellers and landlords are required to hold a valid EPC for a property before they sell or let it. In Scotland, you are also required to display the EPC somewhere in the property. It is also a requirement that estate agents and letting agents display the EPC when marketing the property.
If a property does not have an EPC when marketed the seller or landlord and the agent risks a fine.
You can search the EPCs of other properties for free. This helps compare your home’s energy performance with that of similar homes. Search by the property’s address or by the EPCs >report reference number.
How to get an EPC
An EPC is provided by a Domestic Energy Assessor, and you should be sure that they are an accredited provider.
The assessor will visit your property and inspect key items such as loft insulation, domestic boilers, hot water tanks, radiators and windows.
Most homes in Scotland require a Home Report when marketed for sale, and an EPC is included in this Home Report. However, even if the property is exempt from a Home Report, an EPC is still required.
When you sell a property through Your Move we can help you obtain an EPC for a small additional charge. Ask in your local branch for more information.
Top tips for making your home more efficient
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Draught proofing
Blocking unwanted gaps around places like windows and doors is a cheap and effective way of keeping cold air out of your home, and warm air in, and therefore keeping your heating bills down. This could save you up to 10% on your heating bill.
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Insulate
In an uninsulated home, a quarter of heat is lost through the roof. Loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years, and could help you save up to £250 a year.
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Double glazing
Replacing single glazing with double glazing helps to reduce the heat leaving your home through the windows, as well as reducing noise. It could help you save up to £175 on your annual heating bills.
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Lighting
Lighting counts for around 7% of a typical household’s energy bill, and reducing this is quick and easy. Look out for Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). And make sure your whole household is conscious of turning lights off when they leave a room, no matter for how long.
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Install Renewables
This won’t be an option for everybody as the initial costs are so high, but the long term savings are significant and you can even earn money by selling excess energy back. Options include solar panels to generate electricity or heat water, hydroelectricity if you have running water nearby, or even wind turbines.