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Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What is a DEA?
A
DEAs
are accredited and licensed Domestic
Energy Assessors
Q Why do
I need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to sell my Home?
A All private
dwellings require an EPC to be commissioned before they can be placed
on the market, this is an EU directive. The EPC will form part of the
Home Information Pack which from August 1st 2008 is a legal requirement
for the sale of residential property in the UK.
Q What is
an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
A An Energy
Performance Certificate (EPC) is a graphical report showing the energy
efficiency and environmental impact of your property.
Q What does
the certificate look like
A Click here
to see a sample certificate.
Q Does an
actual survey take place at my property
A Yes, an internal
and external inspection of the property is carried out by a licensed
DEA.
They will make a note of the following:
Sketch
and make relevant notes of the home and room layout
Q What will
the Certificate tell me?
A It will provide
you with clear information on the energy performance of the property
and cost effective means for improvement. Most of the improvements will
be under £500. Any improvements will make you more comfortable
in a warmer and less drafty home. You will also be saving money and
reducing your carbon footprint by reducing CO2
emissions
Q My EPC
report recommends improvements that I have already made.
A Your energy report is based on information
available to the energy assessor at the time of the assessment. In the
absence of information, the assessor will make certain assumptions based
on what can be observed. Some recommendations may be inappropriate,
e.g. replacement double glazing in a conservation area. You should always
check with your local authority before carrying out any recommendation
on buildings that are listed or in a conservation area.
Q My EPC
report recommends improvements that are inappropriate?
A Some recommendations may be inappropriate,
e.g. replacement double glazing in a conservation area. You should always
check with your local authority before carrying out any recommendation
on buildings that are listed or in a conservation area.
Q My EPC
report recommends cavity wall insulation but I live in an exposed area?
A If the property is in a very exposed area,
or the pointing is poor, or there are signs of water penetration, the
energy assessor may remove the recommendation for cavity wall insulation.
Only use a reputable installer of cavity wall insulation, who should
carry out a site assessment before any installation (visit the National
Insulation Association to find out more, and to locate a registered
installer in your area).
Q
Will the DEA be affiliated to any energy companies or home improvement
companies.
A No. There
will be no recommendations made as to which companies to use for energy
improvements.
Q
I disagree with my energy report. What should I do?
A Firstly, ring your
energy assessor and discuss your concerns; most probably you will be able
to quickly resolve any problems. If you are still dissatisfied, tell the
energy assessor that you wish to make a formal complaint. Every accredited
energy assessor has a formal complaints procedure, which you are entitled
to see. If you cannot resolve the issue, it will eventually be referred
to the energy assessor's accrediting body for a decision. All energy assessors
are regularly monitored for quality control purposes. If they fail to
perform satisfactorily, they can be required to undertake further training;
in extreme cases, thei accreditation will be revoked.
