Understanding EPCs
An energy assessment and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provide the means of assessing the (current and potential) energy performance and environmental impact of a domestic property, and identify where home energy performance can be improved and where savings may be made.
A pre-arranged site assessment at the property considers the type, age, size, structure, and levels of insulation of the property in order to identify current heat loss characteristics, and the potential for improvement. Heating, hot water, and lighting systems are identified in order to calculate cost and environmental impact of current systems, and the potential for energy savings.
Information gained from the assessment is entered into an online system and an EPC produced. A colour chart within the EPC shows a current energy efficiency performance rating for the property , with an indication of how this rating may be improved if recommendations (within the EPC) are carried out. A further colour chart shows current and potential (improved) environmental impact (in terms of CO2 emissions) with the potential improvement being as a result of recommendations being put into place.