What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property’s energy efficiency and provides recommendations to improve it. It is essential for sellers and landlords to showcase their property’s performance.
EPC Overview
Introduced in 2007, the EPC estimates a property’s energy efficiency by assessing carbon dioxide emissions and suggesting ways to reduce energy consumption. The certificate rates properties from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), with the average rating in the UK being band D.
An EPC is provided when a property is built, sold, or rented. It helps prospective buyers or tenants compare energy costs and understand potential improvements to save on energy bills.
Do I Need an EPC?
You need an EPC if you’re planning to sell or rent your home. Estate agents or specialist assessors can arrange your EPC, which, once completed, is stored on the National EPC Register and shared with interested parties.
Exemptions: What Homes Don‘t Need an EPC
Certain properties are exempt from needing an EPC, including:
- Homes where landlords rent out a single room
- Listed buildings
- Holiday homes let for less than four months a year
- Temporary buildings used for less than two years
- Places of worship
- Agricultural buildings with low energy consumption
How to Obtain an EPC
EPC assessors or Domestic Energy Assessors evaluate your property’s energy performance by calculating energy consumption per m² and CO₂ emissions. The resulting rating is displayed on the certificate along with improvement suggestions such as:
- Low energy light bulbs
- Double glazing with low-E glass
- External and internal wall insulation
- Loft and solid floor insulation
- Solar water heating
For more details or to find an assessor, visit the official government website: Get a new energy certificate.
Validity, Cost, and Duration
EPCs are valid for 10 years. If major work is undertaken or if you sell/start a new tenancy, a new EPC is required. Typically, an EPC assessment takes 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the property type and size.
EPC Ratings and Standards
Properties are rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). In England and Wales, a minimum rating of ‘E‘ is required for rental properties as of recent legislation, with future proposals aiming for a higher threshold for new rentals.
The EPC not only indicates current energy performance but also serves as a guide to improvements that can be made, enhancing both the living environment and the value of the property.
The EPC in Practice
When selling or renting out a property, you must provide an up-to-date EPC. Landlords are responsible for obtaining the certificate for rental properties, while sellers must supply it during the sales process. The EPC is a tool for transparency, enabling buyers and tenants to compare energy costs and make informed decisions.