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What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and who needs one?
Energy Performance Certificates, also known as an EPC, report on the energy efficiency of a property. Each property is given an energy rating from A to G as part of its Energy Performance Certificate. ‘A’ is the most efficient and ‘G’ is the least efficient. You might have seen similar energy rating charts as they’re also used when selling appliances like TVs or washing machines. The energy rating chart is just one part of the report though.
When is an Energy Performance Certificate needed?
Energy Performance Certificates are a legal requirement any time a property is being sold or let. This has been the case since 2008. If you’re selling or letting either a domestic or commercial building, then you must make the EPC available to potential buyers and tenants. Energy Performance Certificates enable people to make an informed decision about buying or renting a property.
We provide EPCs for
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Landlords
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Letting agents
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Property owners wishing to sell
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Commercial property owners
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Building and construction firms
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Why do we need EPCs?
Energy Performance Certificates tell potential buyers or tenants what their bills are likely to be and how green their home is relative to other properties. This can be an important part of a decision to buy or rent.
Each Energy Performance Certificate includes two ratings. Current and potential. The potential energy rating is how far the energy efficiency could be improved. How this could be done is listed in the 'actions' section of the EPC.
What does an EPC assessment look at?
An Energy Performance Certificate is the result of an assessment by a qualifies assessor. The EPC assessor will look at things that impact the energy efficiency of a home or business property. Areas looked at before issuing an EPC include:
Property age
Property type
Wall, loft or floor insulation
Construction materials
Windows
Hot water systems
Heating systems
Lighting
Got a question about Energy Compliance Certificates? Chat with one of our friendly energy experts.
Energy Performance (EPC) FAQs
Can I do my own energy performance certificate?
No is the short answer. Energy performance certificates need to be provided by an accredited assessor after an inspection of the property.
How long does it take to conduct the assessment before an EPC can be issued?
A home energy assessment can take as little as 30 minutes but larger commercial buildings can take up to an hour to complete.
How long is an EPC valid for?
An energy performance certificate is valid for 10 years. But if you make improvements to the energy efficiency of a property, then it's advised to update the EPC before selling or letting the property.
Are the energy costs accurate?
The energy costs are an estimate and not tailored to the property, number of people using it or type of use. The estimates are based on similar properties at the time of issue. The costs cover lighting, heating and hot water but do not include appliances or other energy use.
What happens if my property fails an EPC inspection?
There is no such thing as a pass or fail when it comes to Energy Performance Certificates. A property is simply rated from A to G. If a property is rated as having poor energy efficiency then there is no failure, simply higher energy costs listed and suggested actions to improve energy efficiency and reduce overall carbon emissions.
When do I need to display my EPC at my business premises?
According to the Gov.uk website, a business must publicly display an EPC by fixing it to your commercial building - IF all these apply:
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the total useful floor area is over 500 square metres
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the building is frequently visited by the public
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an EPC has already been produced for the building’s sale, rental or construction