SAP Ratings for Dwellings

At APT-EPC we recognise that deciding on sustainable, environmentally efficient construction is no longer simply a question of conscience. The UK Government is putting in place strategies that will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, which research has proved to be a major contributing factor to global warming. One such strategy involves the long awaited modification to Part L1 of the Building Regulations, which came into effect in April 2002. These amendments insist upon the calculation of a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating for all new dwellings and those converted through material change of use. The requirements also necessitate that the Rating is displayed in the property upon completion.

The regulations were amended in 2006 with the introduction of Approved Document L1A for New Build and L1B for Existing Homes including Extensions.

If you require advice on any area of compliance or seek general information on SAP ratings call one of our technical team on either 07775 623464 or 07967 233836 or e-mail us at: apt@epc.co.uk for further advice.

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How much can you save by improving energy efficiency
We all think we have done enough to improve our homes, but how many of us have? And when it comes to the crunch, just how much can be saved and how? let’s have a look at how much can be saved in the average home across a number of simple and inexpensive areas of improvement.

Insulation
Insulating a home is simple and essential as heat escapes via many different ways. Windows, doors and walls are all susceptible to heat loss, and insulating these areas effectively can bring surprising savings in the home.

Take the popular route of cavity wall insulation; this is relatively inexpensive these days as it is a routine procedure, and it can save in excess of £100 in a year. Given the purchase price, the home owner should see it pay for itself in three years. Insulating ones loft to a greater degree is another simple and cost effective measure, and given that it saves around approx £100 annually for the average house can easily recoup the initial expenditure in a couple of years.

Fitting double glazing is often cited as an expensive method of improving efficiency, though it can save £40 yearly, while simply draught proofing those areas where cold spots seem to live can see saving of over £30 and the cost recouped in just three years.

Another accurate way of improving energy efficiency would be undertaking a smoke pressurisation Test, this would quickly find all areas of potential air leakage through the buildings envelope, and this can reduce heating costs by approx 40%. If you want to find out more about this service please contact us now at apt@aptenergyperformancecertificates.co.uk

All of these measures are simple and can be done quickly and at little expense, and all add to the energy efficiency of a home without any doubt at all.

Other energy saving advice
It is not only insulating the structure of the house that can save money; effectively lagging a hot water tank can result in some impressive savings, with costs recovered in just a year.

Improving or replacing old and outdated devices is also worthy of consideration; a new central heating boiler, for example, can save as much as £200 in a year and the outlay be recovered in five years. Modern boilers are supremely efficient and an up to date condensing combi-boiler is certainly something one should be looking at in terms of improving the home’s energy efficiency.

Much has been written of late regarding energy efficient light bulbs, and much is scaremongering of a surprising nature. The newest versions are very efficient, reach full power almost instantly and are no more expensive than the traditional bulb; what’s more, fitting them across the board has been shown to save a notable amount of money, with £10 a year cited in many quarters.

Switching appliances off stand-by, keeping doors and windows closed and hanging heavier curtains in winter are all common sense approaches to increasing ones energy efficiency, and if it saves money then it must be a good thing. For very little effort one can induce savings of a serious nature.

Alongside trying to reduce consumption one should look at reducing your energy bills and expenditure, uSwitch.com is one of the comparison sites which can help you make comparisons with suppliers and often save you substantial amounts on your gas and electric bills.

If you require individualised information related to the energy efficiency of your property, there is no reason why you cannot commission an Energy Performance Certificate and follow the recommendations found within it, contact us now at apt@aptenergyperformancecertificates.co.uk for more information

We carry out hundreds of projects per year and guarantee to be professional, reliable, helpful and very competitive; we offer a last minute service at no extra cost, and we also undertake weekend working both on Saturday and Sunday in order to meet your out of hours testing requirements. We offer a nationwide service offering a single supplier for all of your regional offices and projects.
Most of our clients, who use us for the first time, continue to use our services because of our
proactive consultancy and testing service. This proactive approach has led to nationwide agreements with some of the top UK Contractors, which allows them to benefit from even more competitive rates.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) - Further Information

If you have any questions or queries please don’t hesitate to contact us:

By Mobile - 07967 233836 & 0777 562 3464 (available 7am to 8pm)

By Fax - 01582 896 709

By E-mail - apt@aptenergyperformancecertificates.co.uk

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES