With more and more people attracted by the idea of living in an energy-efficient home, homebuyers are turning their attention to new build properties. If you’re one of them, you’ll need to understand how Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) work.
Explore our handy guide to learn more about what the EPC certificate includes, the different ratings and how they’re assessed.
Key Takeaways
- Energy Efficiency: New-build homes excel in energy efficiency, contributing to lower utility bills and reduced environmental impact.
- High EPC Ratings: The majority of new builds achieve EPC ratings of A or B, indicating superior energy performance.
- Warranties: New homes come with warranties that cover any building snags, providing peace of mind.
- Less Maintenance: Compared to older properties, new builds require less maintenance.
- Exceptional Finishes: Enjoy stylish finishes without the need for renovations.
What is an EPC?
EPCs were introduced in 2007. They rate a property’s energy efficiency, estimate its carbon emissions and suggest ways to reduce them. They give your home a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient), so you’ll know how expensive it is to heat and light.
Once issued, an EPC certificate is valid for 10 years. It can cost up to £120, but you can get a cheaper deal by going directly to a domestic energy assessor.
Most David Wilson homes have an EPC rating of A or B, meaning they’re highly energy efficient. They boast smart cavity walls and argon-filled double-glazing, so you can keep yourself warm without breaking the bank.
Learn more about the benefits and features of our energy-efficient homes in our guide.
What does an EPC include?
An EPC certificate is four pages long and usually includes the following information:
• The home’s estimated energy costs
• The property’s energy-efficiency rating (current and potential)
• Actions you can take to save money and make your home more energy-efficient
• A summary of the home’s energy performance-related features, such as the roof, walls, windows, floor construction and more
• Recommended energy-saving measures – including those that might be eligible for government support
• Alternative measures
• Assessor information
• The home’s CO2 emissions rating
• The home’s heat demand
What do EPC ratings mean?
An EPC certificate has two rating charts. The numbers in each rating reflect the government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and range from 1 to 100 SAP points. The bands are divided into scores as follows:
• EPC rating A: 92-100 SAP points (most efficient)
• EPC rating B: 81-91 SAP points
• EPC rating C: 69-80 SAP points
• EPC rating D: 55-68 SAP points
• EPC rating E: 39-54 SAP points
• EPC rating F: 21-38 SAP points
• EPC rating G:1-20 SAP points (least efficient)
What EPC ratings do new build homes get?
If you want to live in an energy-efficient home, new build properties are the way to go.
The latest government figures state that 85% of brand-new homes built in England and Wales achieve the highest EPC ratings of A or B. When you buy your property with us, you can save up to £2,200 a year, making it 63% cheaper to run. We use the latest water and energy-saving technologies, which could reduce consumption by up to 26% per day per person compared to the national average.
Find your new energy-efficient home today
If you’re interested in energy-efficient living, a spacious and stylish David Wilson home with an impressive EPC rating could be what you’re looking for.
Discover unique homebuying offers to help you move, including Part Exchange, Parent Power and Deposit Unlock.
Call or visit our Sales Advisers today to kickstart your journey to homeownership.
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