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Questions & Answers
Q: I have heard that energy audits have become compulsory, is this true?
A: As of December 14 2007 all homes put up for sale in England and Wales must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as part of the Home Information Pack. Properties are rated on a scale of A to G, where A is highly efficient and G is very inefficient.
The idea is that, from the buyers’ point of view, the EPC will provide an indication of the likely running costs of the property and also its “eco-credentials”. If a buyer is split between two different homes, one of which has an A rating and the other a D rating, then it may be this performance indicator that becomes the deciding factor in their choice of home.
From the sellers' point of view the EPC is an opportunity for them to show off the energy efficiency of their home. Conversely, if their building scores very poorly they will have the opportunity to take action to boost the rating to make it more marketable.
The mandatory requirement for having an EPC is being led by the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive which also requires the certificates on all rented properties by January 2009.
How does your house rate? Book a home energy audit today by calling 01580 830334 or email info@footprint-es.com.
Q: What is a SAP rating?
A: The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the Government’s recommended system for home energy rating and is based on energy costs for space and water heating only. Properties are rated on a scale of 1 to 120+ where 1 is extremely bad and 100 is excellent. It is required for all new build homes and any existing dwelling that is undergoing major renovations or improvements.
Q: How does this compare with the RDSAP rating?
A: This stands for Reduced Data SAP and is the survey system used to produce the Energy Performance Certificate. Because a full SAP required several pieces of information which cannot be seen in a survey of an existing dwelling, the different energy rating companies (NHER, MVM and Elmhurst) each previously created different systems to infer the missing data. RDSAP was created by reviewing each of these systems and producing a new system combining the best aspects of each. To this end the RDSAP system is still under constant review and is subject to amendment in future.
Q: What is the National Home Energy Rating (NHER)?
A: The NHER, or National Home Energy Rating, is a more detailed version of SAP. It too is based on energy costs for space and water heating, but also takes into account the local environment, geographical location, and the effects of cooking, lights and appliances on a property’s efficiency and running costs. Homes are rated on a score of 0.0 to 10.0 where 0.0 is extremely poor and 10.0 is excellent.
Q: How much does an EPC cost?
A: Our fees range from £50 to £100+ (excl. VAT) for an EPC, depending on the size, location and complexity of the property to be surveyed. For a free quote call 01580 830334 or email info@footprint-es.com.
Note: Different rates and services are available to housing associations and other housing stockholders. Click here for more information.
Q: Is the EPC quality assured?
A: Yes. All Domestic Energy Assessors are monitored closely as part of a rigorous independent Quality Assurance Programme; assessors face having their registration cancelled and themselves prosecuted if there work is not up to standard.
Q: What else do I get?
A: Private homeowners who commission an EPC through us are eligible for a 10% discount on any product bought from this site within six months of their audit.
Q: What is a payback period?
A: The payback period is the time it takes for the cost of any given improvement to be cancelled out by the savings that improvement makes.
Q: What does the energy audit involve?
A: An assessor comes to your home and carries out a series of measurements and checks on the building, such as its dimensions and thermal properties. The data is later entered into a sophisticated computer software model which computes the ratings and identifies improvements.
Q: How long does it take?
A: The survey usually takes around an hour. However, it may take longer for larger homes and properties of a complex design.
Q: Are there any parts of the country where Footprint Environmental Solutions Ltd does not carry out audits?
A: Our audits are currently only available to people and organisations in the West Midlands area and the South-East of England. However, the company has links with other auditors throughout the country and would be more than happy to put you in touch with one near you.
Q: Are there any types of home that cannot be rated?
A: Yes, but very few. Some very unusually designed homes may not be suitable for a standard energy audit. Residential homes, and some sheltered housing complexes are also unsuitable. |
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