Everything you need to know about EPCs
An EPC is always included with a home for sale on the property market. They’re supposed to indicate how efficient the building’s energy usage is. To some extent, they’re pretty effective. However, they don’t consider certain things, like installation and repair costs. In short, just because an EPC rating is good doesn’t mean the home will be cheap to run. That’s where a home survey can help.
What is an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)?
EPC stands for ‘Energy Performance Certificate’. It’s the British Government’s standard for how well a property uses energy for heating and lighting, etc.
The EPC is excellent, in theory. However, in reality, there are several significant issues. Many of them are highlighted in this detailed report from RICS.
Recent pushes for environmentally-friendly buildings mean that inspectors are now more interested in a property’s carbon footprint. EPCs are a measure of how efficiently a building uses energy (as opposed to how cost-efficient it is to run). Of course, protecting our planet is vital – but so is looking after the economic interests of homeowners – especially in the current climate where rising energy bills are sending the cost of living spiralling. For example, some energy-efficient insulation methods are actually detrimental to a building. A typical example is improperly installed cavity wall insulation on a timber frame building. While you’d get a better EPC rating, this method can make structural rot more likely. So, although EPCs are important, they don’t provide a comprehensive overview of a property.
Homes need an EPC (or a new one) when bought, sold or constructed. You can find the EPC for any home on the market online. Follow this link to the Government’s resource.
How EPCs affect property value
As mentioned, EPCs are always included with a listed property on the market. The higher the EPC value, the less a buyer would expect to pay on utilities. However, that doesn’t always hold true, as we’ve walked you through in the above section.
Because of this standard, homes with more highly rated EPCs are usually worth more than the others. However, there are some exceptions. For example, a C-rated house might be worth more than an A-rated one if it’s in a nicer area.
Broadly, though, EPCs can help drive up property value. Sometimes, they don’t have much effect at all. Historic properties always have low EPCs, for instance.
Unfortunately, EPCs don’t provide an accurate representation of living costs – something to be especially mindful of at the moment, given we’re in a cost-of-living crisis. You’ll need more than an EPC to understand the monthly fees associated with a new home.
Why get a home survey if you already have an EPC?
Every home on the market should have an EPC. It’s a legal requirement. Estate agents should list it along with the property details. You should contact the estate agent directly if it isn’t on the website or included in the package. Alternatively, you should be able to find a copy of the certificate on the Government’s online find an energy certificate portal.
So, what does a home survey pick up that an EPC doesn’t already tell you?
In short, a lot. A home survey is one of the best ways to get a realistic idea of how much it’ll cost to live in a property. They’re far more accurate than an EPC, which nowadays is more about how environmentally-friendly a building is than its energy efficiency. In these days of increased energy costs and mind-boggling inflation, that’s oh-so-important.
An EPC inspection involves basic box-ticking. Instead, a home surveyor will take a detailed look at the house’s structure. They’ll consider tariffs and real-life costs and look for the following (and more):
- Double-glazing
- Gas service certificate
- Ventilation
- Roof damage
- Insulation type
- Solar panels (and tariff impact)
Ask GB Home Surveys about EPCs
At GB Home Surveys, our chartered surveyors inspect homes throughout the South-West, South Wales and the Midlands. They’re always looking for signs of energy efficiency and, crucially, costs. For instance, replacing a gas boiler with an electric heat pump might benefit the environment, but will it save you money? Probably not, just yet.
If you’d like to get in touch with us, use the contact form at the bottom of the page. We’re always happy to hear from people moving home. A friendly staff member will be glad to chat with you (obligation-free) about EPCs and how home surveys help.
For more information on home surveys, follow this link. We look forward to hearing from you.
