Homeowners could face EPC fines

All houses for sale in Northern Ireland will have to get an EPC from the end of June.

Failure to get an EPC drawn-up could result in a £200 fine for homeowners, reports the Belfast Telegraph.

Noel Williams, head of Energy Saving Trust Northern Ireland, told the newspaper that research suggests buyers may be willing to spend an extra £10,000 for an environmentally-friendly house.

“However, what does surprise me is how many householders admit to being unaware about the Energy Performance Certificate,” he said.

“Clearly we need to inform people about energy efficiency because once they are on board, they are interested and will change their behaviour.”

There have been no exact pricing figures released for getting an EPC drawn up but industry insiders are reported to estimate the cost at around £150.

Energy Saving Trust Northern Ireland recently reported that switching boilers could make homes more environmentally-friendly.

Worcester Bosch Group claims that a boiler which is over 15 years old will only be around 65 per cent efficient.