Ever since 2002, all properties up for sale have to produce an Energy Performance Certificate or popularly known as EPC. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are needed whenever a property is built, sold or rented. You must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property to sell or rent.

In Scotland, you must display the EPC somewhere in the property, eg in the meter cupboard or next to the boiler.

An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs as well as recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money. An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years.(Source)

A domestic energy assessor will usually come to your home to inspect the energy efficiency and prepare a report based on what is seen. Before the inspection happens, you can implement numerous alterations to ensure that you get the best possible rating. These alterations will not only help you receive a good rating, but will also raise the overall value of your home.

What’s more, an improved EPC is going to help you save on energy bills long term.

Heating Controls

You can improve your heating controls by changing the old used boiler or by introducing modern controls such as a boiler programmer and room thermostats. The addition of these controls will have a positive impact on your rating because it helps better control the environment temperature and save on heating when and where it is not needed.

Lighting

Your choice of lighting will impact your EPC. If you have costlier lighting in the form of halogen or non LED’s, you should get them replaced with Low Energy Lighting. Opt for fluorescent lights and LEDs to imp[orve on your EPC rating.

Roof Insulation

The roof is where most of a home’s heating is lost, that is why taking steps to insulating it will add value to your home and help save money on energy bills. To get a good EPC rating, you need to ensure that your roof insulation is no less than 270 mm in depth.

Wall Insulation

If your home has cavity wall construction, you can get it filled through an inexpensive way. The fillings will have a huge impact on the EPC.

Renewable Technology

The use of renewable technologies, such as solar panels and biomass boilers will help propel your EPC rating upwards.

For more information and to find your current energy rating, visit the Energy Saving Trust Home Energy Check here.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.