Need an EPC in Bedford?

There are many data entries that go into creating your EPC, however the 3 most important items that contribute the most to the rating are:

• The main source of fuel ie, gas, electric, oil, LPG etc.
• The heating system in the property.
• The amount of insulation in the property.

Main source of fuel

Gas and air source heat pumps rate best on the EPC as they cost less to heat the home.

Peak rate electric and LPG rate very poorly on the EPC because they cost significantly more to heat your home using these fuel sources.

 

Heating System

 A good heating system that also has heating controls such as a room thermostat and a programmer/timer will rate well especially if the property is heated by one of the lower running cost fuels previously mentioned.

 

The  Amount of Insulation

Good insulation in the walls, floors and roof keeps the energy running costs of the property low and improves the EPC rating. This in conjunction with a good heating system will normally ensure a good energy rating.

To improve your energy rating try to implement those factors mentioned above as it will go a long way to achieving a good rating.

 

EPC Rating

The EPC certificate is rated in bands from A the highest to G the lowest

• EPC rating A = 92-100 SAP points (most efficient)
• EPC rating B = 81-91 SAP points.
• EPC rating C = 69-80 SAP points.
• EPC rating D = 55-68 SAP points.
• EPC rating E = 39-54 SAP points.
• EPC rating F = 21-38 SAP points.
• EPC rating G = 1-20 SAP points (least efficient)

 

Other facts

• An average UK property is rated D60.
• To legally rent a property it must be rated at least an E
• There is no minimum rating to sell a property.

There isn’t much you need to do to prepare for an EPC assessment. Just make sure you follow these simple guidlines.

ACCESS

Make sure these items are accessible:

• All rooms within the property
• Gas and electric meters
• Hot water cylinder
• Access to the loft space if you have one.

 

DOCUMENTATION

The EPC is very much evidence based and information can only be entered into the software if the Assessor can gather photographic evidence or obtain documentary evidence from the customer. Here are the most common documentary evidence that we would need to see.

• Completion certificate or building plans for any loft conversions.
• Proof of date windows were installed, if after 2002, such as Fensa certificate or invoice/receipt from contractor.
• Evidence of additional insulation added that typically wouldn’t be visible such as floor insulation, sloping ceiling insulation, internal wall insulation.
• Copy of MCS certificate if you have installed any renewable technologies such as Solar, or Heat Pumps.

The EPC is not a condition report, so we won’t need things such as service or maintenance records.

 

The EPC report only shows the property’s energy performance rating. Technically, you cannot fail it. For their internal purposes, some organisations might require that the EPC have a minimum rating. Here are some examples:

Rental:  to legally rent a property the property must be at least an E on the epc rating.

Lenders: many lenders are now requiring that the EPC has an E rating. In certain cases, if the EPC doesn’t achieve an E rating, further restrictions may be placed by the lender. For example, a restriction could include a holdback of some of the funds until the minimum standard is met.

Grant Funding: On the flip side, grants funding for the Local Authority Green Homes Grants Scheme will only be available to properties with an F, E, or G epc ranking.These properties are more costly to manage and would reap the greatest benefits from energy efficiency upgrades.

In these kind of cases, then a lower EPC rating is a more favoured outcome.

The cost for an EPC in Bedford depends on several factors. We have made it simple by offering a fixed cost for all property types, up to a five-bed property. Some providers offer extremely low prices, but there are also some scammers out there.

You should always read customer reviews before making a booking. You can check our Google Reviews by CLICKING HERE.