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Getting a hip to work for you


The most controversial aspect of the Home Information Pack (HIP) is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which gives your home an energy rating. However, this could prove to be a useful tool for saving money.

 

Hips were introduced in August and became compulsory for three bedroom houses on September 10th. Since then the number of properties coming on the market that required a Hip has fallen by half. How much of this is down to the Hip and how much is down to financial crises, such as Northern Rock, is unsure, but with Hips costing an average of £300 plus VAT (Government quoted figure) they have undoubtedly had an affect.

 

A survey by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) found that most houses that have been examined so far received a poor E grade, on a scale of A-G. Yet if homeowners were to follow the advice given by the assessors they could save anything from £270 - £800 (depending on where you look) per year on utility bills and bump up the EPC grade in the process. The advice given by the EPC includes;


 

  • Fitting under-floor, loft and wall cavity insulation
  • Installing approved double glazing
  • Choosing a high-efficiency condensing boiler with up to date heating controls
  • Changing to low energy lighting
  • Putting thermostatic valves on radiators

Note that you can often get grants from your local council and energy suppliers for installing a condensing boiler and some types of insulation.
For advice on Hips and EPCs you can contact Communities and Local Government on 02079444400 for information on green grants see.


www.energysavingtrust.org.uk, http://www.communities.gov.uk

 

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