What is an EPC Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legally valid document which provides an energy efficiency rating (displayed on an A-G scale) in relation to a property’s running costs. This rating will take into account the potential energy performance of the property itself (the fabric) and its services (heating, lighting, hot water etc).
In addition to this, the EPC document will also show:
A breakdown of a property’s energy performance.
Its environmental impact.
Recommendations for improvements.
Estimated energy use alongside potential savings.
Not all properties are used in the same way. The energy efficiency rating uses ‘standard occupancy’ assumptions (typically 2 adults and 2 children) which may be very different from the way in which occupiers actually use things like heating and lighting within their property.
When Do I Need An EPC?
An EPC is required in the UK whenever a property is marketed for sale or rent or is newly built. The EPC is valid for 10 years or until a newer EPC is produced for the same property. It is recommended that a property’s EPC should be made available to potential buyers as soon as it is marketed for sale or rent.
Find out everything you need to know about domestic EPCs in our informative video below
Where Do I Find An Existing EPC?
To find an existing EPC for a property, search its postcode on the following sites:
- For properties in England, Wales or Northern Ireland: https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate
- For properties in Scotland: https://www.scottishepcregister.org.uk/
How Do I Get A New EPC?
To get a new EPC for your property, you will need to find an accredited energy assessor. They will assess your property, produce the certificate and answer any questions you have.
Elmhurst has the UK largest database of energy assessors, meaning it’s quick and easy to find an expert near you.
FIND AN ASSESSOR >How Do I Read An EPC?
What you see on an EPC will differ depending on where you are in the country and whether it is an existing or new build property. EPCs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are fully displayed online, whereas EPCs in Scotland are distributed as PDFs.
Towards the end or back of the EPC, you will see the Energy Assessors full details, including their name, contact information and the name of the scheme they are accredited with. If you have any questions regarding the content of your EPC, please contact the Energy Assessor directly in the first instance.
What information does the EPC display?
All EPCs will display basic information about the property, such as the address, property type and floor area. In addition to this, you may find:
How do I Improve My EPC Rating?
Reducing your EPC rating is a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills. Recommendations for your property are shown on the EPC itself. However, common improvements include:
- Installing insulation (in walls and/or loft)
- Replacing your boiler
- Installing solar panels
- Upgrading to double glazed windows
The recommendations for improving an EPC rating will differ from property to property, as it’s dependent on a number of factors, including your property’s age, existing instalments, and build type.
For an up-to-date EPC, which will provide bespoke recommendations for your property, contact an Elmhurst accredited assessor.
FIND AN ASSESSOR >What Is Involved In An Energy Assessment?
An energy assessment will differ depending on whether your property is an existing or new build property. For existing flats, bungalows and houses in need of an EPC, you will need to acquire the services of an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). Whereas, for new build flats, bungalows and houses in need of an EPC, you will need to acquire the services of an accredited On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA).
What to expect from a domestic energy assessment?
A Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) will visit your property to collect property data/information such as room dimensions, insulation levels, heating systems and amount of glazing.
The assessor will need access to all rooms, including the loft as they will need to take measurements and photos to support their assessment. Homeowners will be pleased to know that the domestic energy assessment is non invasive, with no drilling or hammering into walls. Depending on the size or complexity of the property a typical assessment can take between 30 mins and 2 hours to complete.
EPCs in Scotland will typically be printed and provided to you, however for the rest of the UK the EPC will be provided via an online link.
What to expect from a new build energy assessment?
An On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA) will undertake a desk-based assessment of your property, using building plans and elevation drawings.
New build energy assessments are required both before and after construction, with calculations and EPCs sent to Building control for sign off. Regional building regulations will establish a target that your dwelling must meet in order to achieve sign off.
A New Build EPC or SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) EPC, scores the energy efficiency of a property and provides an indication of the projected energy costs after construction of a residential property. A new build EPC can be produced when designing a new residential building (predicted EPC) however, it is typically produced after a property has been constructed as a result of an As-Built SAP Calculation.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): Frequently Asked Questions
Elmhurst has created a document covering the most frequently asked questions regarding EPCs. It also gives more information about our membership and quality assurance processes, and explains what changes Elmhurst would like to see in the near future.
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