EPC rating low but sticking to Planning Requirements?
I have just had an EPC done which refers to the single glazing as ‘very poor’ leading to a D rating overall despite the rest of the report showing Good or Very good in all the other areas.
Planning requirements state I cannot change the windows, so what more can I do?
I am keen to get a C rating now (before tenants move in) and before the proposed changes are on the statute books. I clearly don’t want the cost later on of employing a specialist to write a report to say exactly this just to tick another bloody box for possible exemption, as I am clearly not permitted to change them to double glazing.
Any ideas anyone?
(NB will go back to the assessor about this, just wanted to throw it out there or hear from other assessors to see if there is an actual consensus on this or not with how these EPC’s are actually filled in regarding this point)
DSR
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Member Since December 2021 - Comments: 11
3:29 PM, 28th December 2021, About 4 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Seething Landlord at 27/12/2021 – 23:55
Hi yes if we use the same set up 3 bed semi, water heater immersion* (25mm foam tank).
With the older type storage heater the EPC score would be a,
E47 (single immersion), &
E52 Duel immersion.
With the modern high retention storage heaters,
D56 (single immersion)
D61 (duel immersion)
Its those precious extra points where you have a property hovering just under band C where you can make easy things count. If the HWC has a jack or foam stick another one over the top (1-2pts more) for £12.
Ensure all light fittings have a low energy bulb (1-2pts)
Can you prove the windows were fitted post 2002? (1-2pts).
As mentioned remove any secondary heating (if the boiler already heats all habitable rooms), (2-6pts)
Ask your DEA to not lodge it if it is just below C in case there are any easy wins like the above.
Knowing your DEA is ideal (knowing if he/she is any good is a bonus), some DEA’s will not open screwed shut loft hatches, but that makes a massive difference to the score on older properties as it is assumed there isn’t any.
Attic/rooms in the roof assume the original build date (and if the house was built pre 1976 no insulation assumed). Often the stud walls are insulated, this can now be modelled into the calculation again giving you those vital (1-2pts), but if the small hatches are screwed shut or sealed many DEA’s won’t look giving you no loft insulation (assumed), & no room in roof insulation.
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 1102 - Articles: 1
10:29 PM, 28th December 2021, About 4 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Wayne Church at 28/12/2021 – 15:29
Thanks!