What is An Energy Performance Certificate? (EPC)

EPCs are a measure of how energy-efficient your home is. It is based on an A-G rating, with A being the best and most efficient. The better score a home is given on an EPC the cheaper it is to run in theory. From this, you can also generate an estimation of what your carbon emissions may be.

To generate an EPC an assessor goes to the property and will look at things such as –

·         Loft insulation

·         Wall material and thickness

·         Wall insulation

·         Heating system

·         Windows

·         Lighting

Once you have an EPC it will last for 10 years. It is not a legal requirement to keep an up-to-date EPC unless you are selling or renting.

There is no requirement for your EPC to be above a certain level unless you are renting. When renting you must have an up-to-date EPC and it must be above an E. This will hopefully be increasing to C in the coming years as a way to make the UK more sustainable and greener.

The UK’s average EPC is currently a D, meaning there is still room for improvement.

Are EPC Ratings Accurate?

In general, EPCs provide a baseline for how efficient a house is. As a general scale to compare between houses, it is an effective tool, but for the more specific usages such as analysing your carbon footprint, a SAP calculation would be conducted.

How EPCs are Calculated

EPCs are calculated using a variety of different factors such as insulation, ventilation, and renewable energy as well as the age and construction of a property. An assessor will go to your house, analyse the structure and energy usage of the property, and give it a score of A-G. This process is non-invasive, and nothing will actually change in your home.

Will EPC Rules Change?

Occasionally new legislation will be introduced that changes the rules around EPC’s. One example of a previous rule change is the introduction of EPC minimums when renting a property. This requires all properties which are rented to have an up-to-date EPC with a minimum of an E. This was put in place to ensure that tenants were living in suitable accommodation. When a rule is changed or added there is typically a grace period where people have an opportunity to make the required changes to meet the new rules. Homeowners are given a significant amount of notice prior to the rule being instated. Rule changes are a necessary part of EPCs as standards change, and new technology is created, though they do not often affect people.

Why Do I Need an EPC?

EPCs are needed when you are selling or renting a property, this is due to laws that were introduced to protect homeowners and tenants. If you own your home and the EPC has run out you do not legally need to redo it until you decide to sell your home, or you wish to renew it for your own reasons.

Who Does EPC Ratings?

Many different companies do EPC ratings. To choose which one does yours you should check that they are qualified. On average a good EPC officer will charge around £100. If it is significantly less than this, you should be suspicious. Alternatively, we also offer EPCs from trusted tradespeople.

How To Know Which Houses Are EPC Exempt

If your home is recognised and protected by law as a property which requires the minimum energy requirements (e.g., An off-grid eco house) which could not be changed you are not required to have an EPC, even if you are selling the property.

You also do not need an EPC if it is a temporary structure which is being used for less than two years, or if it is a building used only for religious events such as a church or mosque.

If you have any further questions regarding your EPC, you can call us on 0115 985 9057.