Elmhurst Energy has developed its new updated RdSAP software ahead of the industry ‘go live’ date for version 9.93 in November 2017.

As a result of these changes, it may be beneficial for building owners (including private landlords) to obtain a new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to be assured that the rating is accurate.

Following research by the BRE, the default U-values within RdSAP have been improved in version 9.93, meaning an increase in the EPC rating for some older properties, particularly those of solid wall construction. This affects private sector landlords more than most with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards meaning they can’t let a home, in England or Wales, that is F or G rated from April 2018.

Registered social landlords have worked with EPCs for over 10 years and understand that as the methodology changes, the fuel prices used to generate the SAP score are more up to date and new technologies are recognised; therefore EPC ratings will change over time. Elmhurst Energy says this supports its recommendation that EPCs should not have a lifetime of 10 years, but that three-year lifetimes are much more pragmatic.

“As we all know, each home is different. Our advice is simple; if in doubt get a new EPC,” explained Stuart Fairlie, Technical Director at Elmhurst Energy.

“If the home is F or G rated, use the expertise of the energy assessor and the recommendations on the EPC to plan to make the home warmer and more energy efficient.”