When it all goes wrong!

A recent piece of research by spec.co revealed that over 2.5 million EPC certificates are likely to be incorrect.

This piece of research focuses on the methods that domestic energy assessors currently use to measure floor space. While this might not sound hugely significant, total floor space is central to the way EPC’s are calculated.

In this piece of work, it was found that one in four properties had their floor space miscalculated by 10%.

The implications

In this research over 1 million of the properties included would have had their rating downgraded if the rating was calculated accurately, which is clearly a concern for Landlords striving to ensure they meet the current guidelines.

While this report highlights some widespread issues, it is apparent that mistakes are made on a fairly regular basis. One landlord wrote in property 118.com that their rental property had been downgraded from a D to an F.  

In this case floorspace played a part, as the second assessment deemed the property to be 2msq larger than the first report. Also material were the assumptions that the assessor made, for example that the cavity walls were not insulated (whereas the first assessor assumed they were!)

How to appeal

If you believe that you have received an incorrect EPC rating, you can challenge the assessor and produce the relevant evidence in support of this claim. If this does not resolve your concerns you can also appeal to the accreditation scheme they belong to. The accreditation scheme details can be found on your EPC certificate.

Changes ahead

The overall flaws in the EPC process remain on the government’s agenda. The current focus on the cost of heating a home does not factor in carbon emissions generated, means that installing a heat pump could see your EPC rating decline, something the government is keen to address.