What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that indicates a property’s current and potential energy efficiency. It provides a rating on a scale from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and least expensive to heat. The certificate also includes a list of recommended actions to improve the property’s energy efficiency. In the UK, you need an EPC if you are selling, renting, or building property.

How does an EPC work?

An EPC is the result of an energy assessment carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).

When a property is sold or let, the DEA will visit the home to conduct a detailed energy efficiency survey. This involves inspecting various factors such as room sizes, heating systems, and insulation types. Measurements and photos are taken to support the assessor’s findings and recommendations.

The assessment usually takes a couple of hours, and the homeowner should receive the EPC within a week. If an EPC has been conducted in the last 10 years and no significant changes have been made to the property, a new assessment is not required when selling or letting.

For newly built homes, an accredited On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA) conducts a remote assessment based on building plans rather than an in-person inspection.

How do you read an EPC?

An EPC is a multi-page document that is typically provided in printed form but can also be viewed online. It is divided into several sections, including the estimated energy costs for the property, its energy efficiency rating, and recommendations for improving that rating.

The most well-known part of the EPC is the energy efficiency rating chart, found on the first page. This chart shows both the current and potential energy ratings of the home. The current rating is indicated by an arrow pointing to a letter (A-G), with a number inside the arrow representing the efficiency score (1-99).

Properties with higher ratings are generally more energy-efficient and cheaper to heat. The document will also estimate the current and potential energy costs for running the property, covering areas like heating, lighting, and hot water but excluding appliance usage.

One of the most valuable parts of the EPC is the recommendations section, which provides a list of suggested improvements to boost the property’s energy efficiency. These might include:

Internal or external wall insulation
Floor insulation (suspended floors)
Draught-proofing
Low-energy lighting
Double glazing

If you need help interpreting an EPC, you can consult an estate agent, landlord, or the assessor who conducted the survey.

When do you need an EPC?

By law, an EPC is required when property is built, sold, or rented in the UK.

If you’re selling a home, you must provide an EPC to your estate agent. If you’re renting, you need to supply one to your letting agent. In Scotland, EPCs must be displayed within rental properties while they are occupied.

If you are buying or renting a home, you can request an EPC from the estate or letting agent. This will help you understand the property’s energy efficiency and potential improvements.

Can you rent out a home with a poor EPC rating?

Most properties with an EPC rating of F or G cannot be rented out. The government has set a target to raise the minimum EPC rating to C by 2030.

However, there are exemptions in England and Wales, such as for listed buildings or when at least £3,500 has already been spent on improvements. You can check for exemptions on the UK government website. In Scotland, landlord exemptions are still under consultation, with updates available on the Home Energy Scotland website.

How do you get an EPC?

If you own a home and have misplaced your EPC, you can access it for free on the Gov. uk website. In Scotland, EPCs can be found on the Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register.

If you are buying or renting, you can request an EPC from the estate agent or landlord or search for it online via the Gov. UK website.

For those selling or letting a property without an EPC, you will need to arrange an assessment by an accredited domestic energy assessor. You can find one through the Gov. uk website. The cost of an EPC ranges from £35 to £120, depending on the size and type of property, and it remains valid for 10 years. After this period, a new EPC will be required.

Why Do You Need an Energy Performance Certificate?

In the UK, an EPC is a legal requirement in the following situations:

When selling a home
When renting out a property
When a new home is built

For sellers and landlords, having an EPC is essential for completing the property sale or rental process. Buyers and tenants can use the EPC to understand the energy efficiency of the home they are considering. The document not only provides the energy rating but also outlines recommended improvements that could reduce energy bills and improve the comfort of the home.

In Scotland, landlords are required to display the EPC within the home for tenants to view during their tenancy.

How to Improve Your EPC Rating

If your property has a low EPC rating, there are several steps you can take to improve its energy efficiency:

Upgrade Insulation: Improving loft, wall, and floor insulation can significantly reduce heat loss.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows: Double or triple glazing helps keep heat inside your home.
Upgrade Your Heating System: Replacing an old boiler with an energy-efficient model can make a huge difference.
Use Energy-Saving Lighting: LED bulbs consume less energy and last longer than traditional lighting.

Making these upgrades can not only lower your energy bills but also increase the desirability and value of your property.

How Much Does an EPC Cost?

The cost of obtaining an EPC varies depending on the type of property and the region you are in. Generally, it ranges from £60 to £120. It’s a small investment that provides valuable information for property owners and prospective buyers or tenants.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an essential document for anyone involved in selling, renting, or buying property in the UK. It offers insights into the energy efficiency of a building, helping you make informed decisions and contributing to energy savings and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to sell, a landlord aiming to rent, or a buyer seeking an eco-friendly home, an EPC is a crucial tool for understanding a property’s energy performance.