EPCs still critical of UK homes

The majority of homes in the UK with three or more bedrooms are ranking towards the bottom of the energy efficiency scale, according to one Home information pack (Hip) provider.

Last month a report by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) revealed that homes with at least four bedrooms were typically receiving an 'E' grade for efficiency from the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) that now come as a mandatory part of a Hip.

Since then, the Hips scheme has also been rolled out to properties with three bedrooms, but provider the Partnership has said that the number of conforming properties remains low.

"The vast majority of our houses are coming out at the bottom end of the scale," commented a spokesperson for the Partnership.

"Our best houses are coming out with a 'C' rating. Even though the agents have laughed it off, there is definitely a feeling that you don't want to have a bad grade.

"[It] is something they are unhappy about when they get a 'G' rating," the spokesperson added.

The official concluded that the best way for a home to improve its rating was to consider alternate methods of heating.

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