Dwellings Energy Performance
Features
Heating and Lighting Costs
In addition to the energy cost and environmental
impact ratings, the EPC also states the predicted
costs for heating, domestic hot water and lighting
of the dwelling. It should be noted that the cost
of energy for other purposes, such as cooking
and using other electrical appliances is not assessed.
The predicted costs are not based on the current
householder's actual use of the dwelling; they
are based on standardised assumptions as to heating,
hot water and lighting in use. In this way a prospective
purchaser or tenant can use the EPC as an objective
comparison between one dwelling and another.
The actual energy use of different households
in similar dwellings can vary dramatically. For
example one dwelling may be occupied by a single
person who heats only a few rooms for a limited
part of the day, whereas the neighbours may be
a large family heating all of the dwelling for
long periods to high temperatures.
Summary of the Dwellings Energy Performance
Features
The EPC contains a table giving a description
of the energy performance of certain features,
such as walls, roof, windows and heating/lighting
systems. The descriptions used come from a table
written into the SAP methodology and currently
run from "Very Poor" to "Very Good".
They are generated automatically by the data entry
and are not chosen directly by the assessor.
The descriptions are set against a high standard
of energy performance with "Good" or
"Very Good" being difficult to achieve
without low or zero carbon technologies being
utilised in the dwelling. For example, a well
controlled conventional heating system might have
a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic
radiator valves (TRVs), but this will only generate
a description of "Average".
Recommendations
The EPC may include a table of recommended energy
saving improvements. These are standard text and
also driven by data entry, rather than being written
and chosen by the energy assessor.
Recommendations will only be included if the
software predicts that they will be worthwhile
and make a significant improvement to the energy
rating of the dwelling.
Occupiers must ensure that they take appropriate
professional advice from reputable contractors
before proceeding with the suggested improvements
and must understand that there is no guarantee
that the predicted savings listed in the EPC will
be achieved. Much will depend on the individual
circumstances and energy use of the household.
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