Frequently asked Questions about EPCs
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
How long is an Energy Performance Certificate valid for?
Who needs an Energy Performance Certificate?
Who can produce the Energy Performance Certificate?
Once I order online what happens next?
What does the assessment include?
Will the EPC tell me the condition of the property?
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An Energy Performance Certificate is a rating of the energy efficiency of a property on a scale of A-G. The most energy efficient homes are in band A. The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, what impact the home has on the environment.
The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The EPC also includes suggestions on how to improve the home's energy efficiency, although you are not required to make these improvements.
How long is an Energy Performance Certificate valid for?
An Energy Performance Certificate is valid for 10 years. However if an existing Energy Performance Certificate is more than a year old when the property is put back on the market, then a new one is required.
For a rental property, there is no need for another inspection before the 10 years are up unless improvements are made to the property to obtain a better energy efficiency rating.Who needs an Energy Performance Certificate?
Almost every property in England and Wales now requires an Energy Performance Certificate if it is marketed for sale. A sale cannot occur without an Energy Performance Certificate in place.
Almost every rental property in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland now requires an Energy Performance Certificate as soon as it is marketed to let. Landlords must now provide an EPC as part of the marketing details and failure to comply could attract a fine.
Who can produce the Energy Performance Certificate?
The Energy Performance Certificate can only be produced by a qualified and licensed Domestic Energy Assessor or Home Inspector.
Once I ordermy epc online what happens next?
As soon as the certificate has been ordered and paid for online you will receive an order confirmation email along with a receipt for your payment. One of our domestic energy assessors will contact you within 48 hours to arrange a convenient assessment time. Once the Energy Assessor has visited the property you can expect to have your certificate completed within 24 hours of the property being assessed. The whole process usually takes less than 7 working days.
What does the assessment include?
The inspection will include:
- Roof insulation
- Construction of walls
- Number of double glazed windows
- Number of open fireplaces
- Checking the boiler
- Number of energy saving light bulbs
- Type of heating system used
- Material used to insulate hot water cylinder
- Measure heat loss through roof
Will the EPC tell me the condition of the property?
No the EPC is not a Home Condition Report and will not value the property. Although the ratings provide a guide to the potential running costs of a property, it will not indicate what the fuel bills will be.
Click here to order your Energy Performance Certifcate