Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EPC?
An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate. These certificates are produced following an assessment of your property's energy efficiency. Your "energy" being the likes of your heating, your hot water, and your lighting.
Do I need an EPC?
If you are selling or renting out your property, you must hold a valid EPC. It is a legal requirement to have a valid EPC when a property is sold or let. At present, there are some minimum standards in place for landlords to ensure their rental properties have a minimum energy efficiency of "E". We anticipate these standards and expectations will continue to increase over time.
How long is an EPC valid for?
An EPC is valid for 10 years from its assessment date. If you make any changes or improvements to your property, it may be beneficial for you to have your property reassessed and renewing your EPC prior to its expiry.
What will the certificate tell me?
Once an EPC is produced, the certificate is split into 6 sections;
1. An energy rating for the property.
This section will display the property's current and potential energy efficiency rating, which is graded from A to G.
2. A detailed breakdown of the property's energy performance.
This section will focus on the energy performance of several different features throughout the property, ranging from the windows to the lights. These will be graded as either very good (most efficient), good, average, poor or very poor (least efficient).
3. The environmental impact of the property.
This section will detail how much carbon dioxide (CO2) the property produces each year VS the average household, as well as the property's potential CO2 emissions.
4. Suggestions on how to improve the property's energy efficiency.
This section will provide suggestions and recommendations on how to increase the property's energy efficiency. This could include any energy saving measures which could be taken, along with the typical costs involved for installing any suggested measures, as well as potential savings and ratings should these measures be carried out.
5. Estimate of energy usage and where potential savings could be had.
This section will provide an estimation of the yearly energy cost for the property VS an estimation of the potential savings should all the previous suggestions be carried out.
6. Details of the Energy Assessor and their Accreditation Body.
This section will display the details of the Energy Assessor who conducted the assessment and produced the certificate, along with details of the assessors Accreditation Body, should you need to contact either following receipt of your certificate.
How is the energy rating calculated?
Energy ratings are calculated based on several factors on the property. The rating is typically based on;
-
The type of property
-
The age of the property
-
Source of heating
-
Lighting
-
Hot water
-
Windows
-
Roof
-
Flooring
