HIPS..

[slazanger]

I am in the process of moving abroad with my job and am in the process of selling my house.. since its just on the market I have had to have a Home Information Pack done, which includes an energy survey on the property...

After talking to the surveyor I thought I would share some of what he said..

Carbon Emissions & Energy usage is becoming a really important issue, each house gets 2 split ratings (0-100):

Energy Efficiency Rating - Current
Energy Efficiency Rating - Potential
Environmental (CO2) Impact Rating - Current
Environmental (CO2) Impact Rating - Potential

My house scored 65 current 77 potential for energy efficiency, and 63 current 77 potential for environmental impact..

According to the surveyor the house scores pretty damn good (it has a new efficient boiler, double glazing, good loft insulation with separate insulating foam sprayed onto the tiles) however its still 1/3 from perfect.. and the theoretical max is 1/4 ish from perfect... this building can never be "perfect" so im guessing the building regulations or practices have changed somewhat since the 1920's (when the house was built)...

As these surveys become more and more prevalent these ratings (exactly like those given to white goods) are having more and more weight, both current and potential (people like to know they can always improve the property)

Now certain simple things can be done by everyone which have a massive impact on the score..
* energy saving light bulbs throughout (i was surprised how much of a weight this had, the guy made a huge point as we had 100% energy saving)
* Thermostatic Radiator valves throughout (again, huge weight, relatively simple to fit)
* Cavity wall insulation (most local councils will subsidize this..)

All fun and good stuff :)

[Mike]

I find it strange that so much emphasis is put on the "replaceable" things?

Surely things like insulation etc should be key?!

[slazanger]

Its an odd one, I never knew such small things could have such a waste, to me it seems less about the house itself and more about the occupiers when you start including consumables....