An Energy Performance Certificate or (EPC) is required for all homes whenever built, rented or sold.If you are buying or selling a home it is now law to have a certificate. They are also required on construction of new homes and are needed for rented homes the first time the property is let after 1 October 2008.

The energy performance certificate records how energy efficient a property is as a building and provides A-G ratings. These are similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.

As of October 2012 the energy performance certificate will become a big part of the Green deal to help reduce carbon emmisions from homes and buisinesses through energy suppliers.

Saving energy

More than half of your domestic energy consumption is used for heating your home. Proper insulation of walls and roofs and the use of insulating glass has a huge effect on your energy consumption.

To save energy, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.
You save 3 percent on the day's heating or cooling costs by setting your thermostat back one degree (higher for cooling, lower for heating) for that 24-hour period.

On a windy day feel for leaks. Also look for spider webs - if there is a web there is a draft.

Keep heating radiators clear of furniture, curtains and rugs.

Plug gaps around pipes, ducts and fans that go through walls, ceilings and floors from heated to unheated spaces.

If you have a fireplace, close the damper to prevent warm air from escaping through the chimney, and make sure the damper fits tightly.

Switch-off your home appliances, instead of leaving them in stand-by mode.
Stand-by mode account for some 10 percent of your home energy consumption.

Have your heating and cooling systems serviced once a year to ensure peak operational efficiency.

Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans wisely. In just one hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air. Turn fans off as soon as they have done the job