The term 'retrofitting' refers to making older homes more energy efficient.
By retrofitting your home, you can save money on energy bills and protect the environment. If this is something that you have considered, but you are unsure where to start, we can help.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
If you have not had an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) survey undertaken on your current home in the last five years, we are offering a free EPC survey to a limited number of our current mortgage members, regardless of where they live in England or Wales, or the size of their home.
WHY GET AN EPC?
The EPC home energy survey will tell you how energy-efficient your home is (or is not), as well as what steps you can take to make it more efficient.
It is a legal requirement to have an EPC if you are selling, leasing, or renting a property. However, even if you have no plans to sell your home, EPCs can tell you what steps you could take to reduce your energy bills and carbon emissions. The EPC gives your property an energy rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient) and is valid for 10 years.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A 'GOOD' EPC?
Adding more energy efficient measures to your home will lower your energy consumption and therefore reduce your energy bills. If you are considering selling your home in the next ten years, then improving its energy rating could also improve the saleability of your home.
The recent study by Mortgage Advice Bureau found that three quarters (74%) of people looking to buy a house in the next two years see properties with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of an A or B as being more attractive than those with lower ratings. The study also found that more than half of house hunters are looking at efficient homes in order to reduce their overall bills, while a third (36%) want to keep warm in winter for less
Increasing your home’s energy efficiency will also lower your carbon footprint.
WHO WILL BE UNDERTAKING THE EPC SURVEY?
We have partnered with Vibrant, a property company who are a leading provider of EPCs and related energy services in the UK, with over 550 dedicated assessors located across the UK all within a UK postcode.
HOW DO I BOOK MY FREE EPC?
Simply visit Vibrant's website through this link to book your free EPC survey at a convenient time and date for you. You will be sharing your contact details with Vibrant when you book a survey, and you can view their Data Protection and Privacy Policy details here. Your EPC survey appointment will be confirmed within 24 hours.
WHAT HAPPENS AT AN EPC ASSESSMENT?
The assessment normally takes no longer than 1 hour to complete, depending on the size of your home. During the assessment, the surveyor will:
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Take internal and external photographs.
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Assess heat, ventilation, and insulation.
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Answer questions you have on energy efficiency measures.
You will usually receive your EPC within 48 hours of the assessment.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY EPC?
The EPC will provide some recommendations. This could be anything from changing lightbulbs and updating loft insulation, to replacing your boiler or installing solar panels.
Vibrant can provide quotes for works outlined in the results of the EPC if you are interested in doing so, there is no obligation to do anything further if you choose not to.
If you decided to undertake any of the recommendations, and needed to fund them, you could look at a GoGreen Further Advance mortgage, which are only available to our existing mortgage customers, to undertake energy efficiency improvements like this.
If you wanted to book an appointment with a mortgage adviser, you can do so online here.
And, if you do choose to undertake any energy efficiency improvements, Vibrant would then provide a new EPC to verify the improved rating of your home.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate contact us on 01635 555700 or by email.
