EPC questions
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What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives home owners, tenants and buyers information on the energy efficiency of their property. It gives the building a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from A to G, where A is the most efficient.
The ratings are measured using the same calculations for all homes, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties. Part of the EPC is a report, which lists the potential rating that your home could achieve, if you make the recommended changes.
The report lists suggested improvements (such as fitting loft insulation and work to your boiler) and the approximate cost of these. Possible cost savings per year if the improvements are made and how this would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property.
What can I use an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for?
You can use information contained in your EPC to cut your fuel bills, improve energy performance in your home and help cut carbon emissions. It may help you choose a more energy efficient home to rent or buy.
It could make your property more attractive for sale or rent by making it more energy efficient by following any recommendations. It may allow you to obtain a grant for energy efficiency home improvements or help you gain reduced finance rates.
What is the average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) grade?
The average efficiency grade to date is E.
How long is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) valid for?
EPC’s are valid for 10 years from the date of certification unless they have been produced as past of a Home Information Pack or HIP. If this is the case they are only valid for 3 years.
Display Energy Certificates or DEC’s are valid for 1 year and must be displayed at all times. The actual advisory report to produce the DEC is valid for 7 years.
What are the implications of not having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Under domestic EPC legislation non-compliance will result in a fine of £200.
Your current tenancy agreement may be deemed invalid or your house sale fails to finalise.
Commercial EPC legislation non-compliance will result in a penalty. This will be a minimum of £500 and maximum of £5,000.
The penalty is £500 for failing to display a DEC at all times in a prominent place clearly visible to the public and £1000 for failing to have possession of a valid advisory report. The DEC is valid for 1 year.
Who carries out the Energy Assessment?
Link to Energy Assessor page
How can I purchase an Energy Performance Certificate?
Link to EPC purchase page
What is the purchasing process through Green house?
Link to purchase process
Who needs an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required by sellers of homes, including new build properties
Landlords will need to make an EPC available to prospective tenants the first time they let a home after 1 October 2008. An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years.
Even if you do not fall into the above categories, you can still apply for and receive an EPC. This may be because you want to know what the energy efficiency of your home is, and make improvements suggested by the recommendation report.
Will Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) be needed across the UK?
The EPC regulation applies throughout the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How do you get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An EPC can only be produced as a result of a survey by an accredited energy assessor.
Link to EPC purchase page
How long will it take to get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Obtaining an EPC for an average sized home will be delivered on average two days after the assessment day.
What about Public buildings?
Certain public buildings must have a Display Energy Certificate (DEC).
The DEC contains similar information to an EPC to enable visitors and users of the building to see its energy efficiency rating.
What about Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) for business premises?
Owners of all commercial buildings also have to provide an EPC when they buy, sell or let commercial premises.
Why do I need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Under domestic EPC legislation non-compliance will result in a fine of £200.
Your current tenancy agreement may be deemed invalid or your house sale may fail to finalise.
How can I improve my score?
An EPC will list recommended improvements to increase your rating.
These could include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, central heating and lighting improvements. Your rating will increase dramatically if you install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar water heating systems.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Anybody can apply for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) on your behalf if you have given them authorisation.
An energy assessor can book an appointment with a letting or estate agent or a tenant if you prefer.
Can I have a printed copy of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
As part of our efforts to become more environmentally aware we have a paperless office.
Any documents that are received by us are scanned, electronically stored, shredded and then recycled. We do not print documents so all relevant paperwork is e-mailed; we do not therefore print Energy Performance Certificates. We are able to e-mail any relevant parties who you wish to see your EPC, such as Solicitors, estate or letting agents and tenants.
Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if I am selling or renting to a relative
(a private sale or let)?
Yes, legislation now requires an EPC to be produced for private sales and lets.
I am due to have building work or and improvements made to my property in the coming weeks,
can an assessor take this into account before work is carried out?
You should inform the assessor of any work to be carried out when booking an appointment.
You may wish to book the appointment after work has finished to your property or the assessor may be able to re-lodge your certificate details at another time.
