After 1 August 2007, you will need an Energy Performance Certificate as part of the Home Information Pack to sell your home. These certificates are being introduced due to our government's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by 60% in 2050.
The level of CO2 into the atmosphere is one of the main causes of climate change. Up to a third of the CO2 emissions are from the UK domestic homes. The Energy Performance Certificates will be graded on an A to G scale (very similar to your kitchen appliances), with Grade A being outstanding and Grade G being very poor.
Energy Performance Certificates will have two ratings:
Home Energy Efficiency - this provides you with an
overall calculation on the efficiency of your home.
Environmental Impact Rating - this is a measure of
a home's impact on the environment. The higher the level the less
impact it has.
A qualified rdSAP assessor will visit your home and look at various elements such as general house details, property dimensions, wall dimensions, wall construction, roof construction, windows, heating systems, mechanical ventilation and extensions to a property. This data is fed into a computer program, which automatically calculates the ratings and produces an Energy Performance Certificate grading your home as it stands. It will also provide you with recommendations on improving your ratings, if applicable.
The grade is determined by the number of points your house scores:
| SCALE | POINTS | RATING |
| A | 93 to 100 | Outstanding |
| B | 81 to 92 | Very Good |
| C | 66 to 80 | Good |
| D | 51 to 65 | Above Average |
| E | 36 to 50 | Standard |
| F | 21 to 35 | Poor |
| G | 1 to 20 | Very Poor |
How can your score be improved?
If you are not happy with the Energy Rating score your home would achieve, it can be improved in a number of ways:
- A new gas condensing boiler could give an additional 47 points
- A new oil condensing boiler could give an additional 40 points
- Cavity wall insulation could give an additional 13 points
- Loft insulation could give an additional 10 points
- 100% double glazing could give an additional 4 points
- 100% draught-proofing could give an additional 1 point
- Heating controls package could give an additional 1 point
As you can see, replacing your boiler can have a dramatic impact on your overall rating. This can be a costly exercise and may not suit your budget. However, replacing your loft and cavity insulation can also have an impact on the energy performance certificates and can be achieved with a more affordable cost.