Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are unreliable and in desperate need of reform by the next government, consumer group Which? has warned. The system was introduced in 2007 to rate the energy efficiency of buildings, using grades from A to G. Which? carried out a snapshot investigation into EPCs in light of their role in the green transition.
Home-owners look to the rating system as a first step in getting advice on r educing their energy usage and switching to low-carbon heating. Access to grant funding or ‘green’ financial products such as loans or mortgages is often contingent on meeting certain EPC-based criteria and higher EPCs allow home-owners to command a higher sales price or attract tenants. Which? booked EPC assessments on behalf of 12 home-owners across Scotland, England and Wales - living in homes built between 1650 and 1999 ranging from a one-bedroom flat to a five-bedroom detached house - during February and March this year.
The results were riddled with inaccuracies and the advice the home-owners received was often unhelpful, Which? said. The consumer group said one home-owner never received their certificate following the survey and, while the fee was refunded, they were left in the dark about their home’s energy efficiency. Of the remaining 11 participants, Which? said just one was “very satisfied” with their EPC.
Meanwhile, eight of the 11 participants told the consumer champion their EPC did not appear to be accurate, with incorrect descript.
