Energy information on properties will be made clearer through new and improved Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). According to the Government, homebuyers will now have a better idea of how to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Alongside the recommendations for improvements, the new certificates will indicate to the consumer whether they can be funded through the Green Deal. Communities Minister Andrew Stunell said: “The Energy Performance Certificate has proved useful in putting the efficiency of our homes at the forefront of our minds, but homeowners can often struggle to know how to act on the advice it gives.
“That’s why we’re giving it a complete redesign, making it clearer and easier to understand and putting the recommendations for improvements into matters of pounds and pence by showing how much consumers could potentially save on their energy bills.
Under the new legislation prospective buyers and tenants will be given this energy information much earlier in the buying process, in order to give them time to plan how to implement any recommendations.
Liz Lainé, energy expert at Consumer Focus said:”We would encourage customers to use these new-look EPCs to weigh-up the costs of running their potential new home, as part of their decision on whether to buy or rent and, if they are buying, to make improvements when they move in.”
“We also urge people who think energy efficiency measures might help to cut their bills, to find out about the free and discounted deals and grants currently available. Major energy firms are offering free or cut price insulation. But these offers run out at the end of the year, as does the Warm Front Grant – which can help households on low incomes to make heating and energy efficiency changes. So it pays to put in a claim now.”
