The impact of EPC ratings
Whether you are the owner, landlord or tenant of a building, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an essential part as it contains the following:
– Information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs
– Recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money
You need to understand the legal obligations of your property to ensure you pass the assessments as they apply to both commercial and domestic properties.
What’s an EPC rating?
An EPC, is a standardised review of a building’s energy efficiency. It is based on a rating system that provides a scale from A (highly efficient) to G (inefficient). EPC assessments use standardised methods, so anyone looking to buy or rent a building can easily compare the likely energy costs between properties.
As of the 1st of April 2018, regulations surround EPCs changed, stating it is unlawful to let or lease a domestic or non-domestic property with an EPC rating of F or G, as the minimum is now E. An EPC has a lifespan of 10 years so EPCs given in 2007 will have reached expired and therefore, will need to be reassessed and a new EPC obtained.
How is the EPC rating calculated?
Only a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) for a home or a Commercial Energy Assessor (CEA) for a commercial building are qualified to make consistent accurate judgements to produce an EPC. To calculate an EPC, the energy assessor will visit the property to determine estimated energy use CO2 emissions and fuels costs of a property. These are entered into a computer program, known as Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RDSAP).
Assessments take a variety of factors into account such as:
- Property’s age
- Construction and materials
- Floor area
- Lighting
- Heating system
Once this information has been entered into the calculation software, an EPC will be produced. When working out a domestic building’s energy requirement, standard assumptions are made on the heating pattern. In other words, how long it is heated, and to what temperature, each day. For commercial buildings, more accurate and detailed measurements are used.
How can an EPC rating be improved?
From window glazing to renewable energy, there are various areas within your property that contribute to the overall EPC rating. The EPC rating is based on a score of points out of 100. Changes to your property such as insulation or window glazing can have a large positive impact on your overall score. Refer to this infographic for more details.
How can Haverland help
Heating is a contributing factor to your rating, however, there are more paramount long-term effect by sticking with electric heating. Electric heaters are 100% efficient at the point of use. Switch them on and they immediately give out heat, switch them off and they stop.
Haverland has a range of solutions to choose from for the ideal electric radiator for your space, combining the best components available to satisfy the highest standard of quality. With unique sensor technology, ULTRAD knows when someone’s in a room and heats up to a comfortable temperature. When the room’s not in use, ULTRAD will automatically lower its temperature, reducing energy consumption. This can help prevent over-heating and the fight against fuel poverty.
