How can I get my EPC from E to C?

How can I get my EPC from E to C?

0:01 AM, 8th August 2023, About 9 months ago 98

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Hello, I own a 1900 solid brick small workers’ cottage. It’s been fully renovated, new roof, new DG and electric heaters with no mains gas. My EPC is currently an E.

I ask the assessor if I put in mains gas central heating how many points would my EPC increase by. He said he couldn’t tell me!!!! So I am now wondering if the assessor doesn’t have a clue, then how are we, the public meant to?!

What’s the point of doing any upgrades if I cannot get a guaranteed EPC C rating? Will most of the houses in the country predating 1900 ever get to a C without having to spend £30k min. Looks like I’m offloading the house if I can’t find any assured answers from officials.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated,

Helen


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Comments

Robert Johnson

12:32 PM, 8th August 2023, About 9 months ago

It's not the assessors role to provide this information, the neccesaary works are generated by a computer program and fully displayed on the certificate when issued.

Helen Quinn

13:43 PM, 8th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Ray Lancaster at 08/08/2023 - 12:15
Hi Ray,
Where do I find this register. I have heard of it but can't find it. And was it only after you had done all the recommendations that the assessor have you the exemption certificate?

AlanR

15:18 PM, 8th August 2023, About 9 months ago

I'm tempted to do the Domestic EPC assessors course myself and do my own EPCs. Not because I want to cheat the system but, after discussions with other rental property owners, I'm a bit concerned about how accurate some of these surveys are.

Richard Dickson

15:59 PM, 8th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Hi Helen.

I am a retrofit co ordinator,
The system used to calculate the energy scores is being looked at , however the only way at present is to upgrade to Air Source Heating, this will boost you from E to B.
If your renting, and the EPC is F,or G then your landlord will be liable to have these added measures installed by law.
Your landlord is required to give you a EPC report along with your tenancy agreement.
If you are a home owner, then it is entirely upto you.
If you receive any benefits, you will qualify for this under the ECO4 Scheme.
Unfortunately you do not have mains Gas. This is the only route.
Regards.

Cristian Docoli

17:40 PM, 8th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Hello Helen ,
As I know, the new heating with a condensation combi boiler is 39 points on EPC .
Best wishes
Cristian

Ray Lancaster

18:08 PM, 8th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Helen Quinn at 08/08/2023 - 13:43
No I didn’t do any recommendations as it would cost lots money for no benefit to get the property even to an E rating.
You have to get a letter or email from a EPC assessor to state the fact that by doing those improvements won’t even make the minimum required EPC band. There will be many properties that won’t reach a C.
When you have that you apply on the EPC exemptions register for approval with proof.

Russell Cartner

18:23 PM, 8th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Richard Dickson at 08/08/2023 - 15:59
Hi
what is a retrofit co ordinator, are you fitting air pump compressors. Never thought it was possible to reach Band B from E

Young Man

20:43 PM, 8th August 2023, About 9 months ago

It does seem that you should find another EPC assessor, someone who knows the local housing stock- perhaps someone on the forum could recommend? Do also keep all invoices for work done, as the he won't know what's behind the plaster, in the loft and will always assume the minimum insulation. I have noticed that some mortgages require a C rating to get a preferential rate, so it may be that a C rating will save on borrowing costs as well as you able to charge a higher rent for a house that needs less heating. I personally think that the raising of EPC from E will come eventually.

Dougie Mackintosh

21:10 PM, 8th August 2023, About 9 months ago

As a Domestic Energy Assessor I can confirm an Assessor can model a gas central heating system for you, if they've already done the EPC on your property. However, there are a few pieces of information they will need such as the proposed boiler make, model and heating controls, to give you an accurate idea of the improved EPC rating. The other thing that maybe holding them back is insurance. As some accreditation bodies want their Assessors to have a separate policy for giving out improvement advice.

Philip Sandham

6:20 AM, 10th August 2023, About 9 months ago

I had a terraced property with a epc of D
Whilst the property was empty I wanted to get it to a C.
I installed new double panel radiators, c/tsv installed an extra 400mm of insulation in the roof space. Insulated the external walls to the bathroom and 2nd floor bedroom with 70mm rigid insulation complete with vapour barrier 37.5mm insulated plasterboard and also Superfoil insulation.Totally separate from the existing wall.
After this work I got the inspector round and I ended up with the same EPC rating D
I showed him multiple photos of the works as they were carried out and invoices for all materials.
He would not accept these as he said the materials could have been delivered to anywhere. That's what he said the system would say.
I was going to appeal but have since put the house on the market and we are exchanging contracts next week.
The previous tenants left us owing £7000 in back rent and £ 3000 worth of solicitors fees.

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