What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

Your home’s energy efficiency can be determined by those three letters. Learn all about EPCs and how to obtain one.

How does an EPC rating work?

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures the energy efficiency of your home.

With an A rating, your home receives the highest energy efficiency rating.

With a G rating, your home is far from energy-efficient.

However, it’s not just about the rating.

Among the useful information in an EPC is how much energy your home uses.

You’ll even find recommendations for improving your rating.

There are several ways to cut your energy consumption, as well as how much you could end up saving if you improve your home.

What is the legal requirement for an EPC?

You must have a valid EPC if you’re selling or renting a home.

Providing a clear picture of your home’s energy efficiency and how much it will cost them on their energy bills gives prospective buyers and tenants a better understanding of your home.

In order to put the property on the market, you must have a valid EPC within seven days.

A letting agent or estate agent will be able to tell you all about this and assist you in getting a certificate.

You could receive a fine of up to £5,000 if you don’t have a valid EPC within this timeframe.

EPCs aren’t required if you don’t plan to sell or rent – but they are still useful.

Your home’s energy efficiency will be revealed, which can help you improve your home and cut your bills.

Find out what your EPC rating is

It’s easy to determine if you have a valid EPC. On the government’s EPC register, search for your address.

Your certificate can be downloaded as a PDF and saved for free.

The process of getting a new EPC rating

Get an energy assessor to assess your home if you don’t have an EPC yet – or if you want to get a new one.

An accredited EPC must be conducted. Assessors are listed on the government’s website.

You can find your certificate here.

Find an EPC assessor in England, Wales or Northern Ireland

Find an EPC assessor in Scotland

How does an EPC assessment work?

During the assessment, the assessor will look at your home from the inside and outside.

The energy and carbon dioxide produced by your home will be evaluated.

Among the factors they’ll consider are:

Roof, walls and insulation
Dimensions and age
Windows
Heating system
Lighting
Fireplaces
Renewable energy solutions like solar panels, if you have them

You’ll receive a digital copy of your EPC, as well as a rating for your home.

What is the cost of an EPC?

Depending on your home’s size and who you choose to assess it, the cost of the assessment will vary.

In general, an EPC can cost between £60 and £120.

In order to find the best price, it’s worth getting quotes from several assessors in your area.

How do I determine if an EPC rating is good?

EPC ratings in the UK are most commonly D. If your rating is C or higher, you’re doing well.

Generally, new-build homes are rated A or B for energy efficiency due to their green construction. Currently, only 4% of older homes meet this standard.

Your home has an E, F, or G rating, which means it is not as energy efficient as the average home in the UK.

You may get more interest from buyers if your EPC rating is higher – especially if they are aware of energy costs.

Is it possible to fail an EPC?

The EPC rating can’t be failed – there are no passes or failures.

However, G is the lowest rating, which means your home is less energy efficient.

Your EPC will explain why your home has been rated this way. The problem might be poor insulation, a malfunctioning heating system, or an environmentally harmful fuel source.

A good thing about your EPC is that it will advise you how to fix this and what it will cost.

What are the situations in which an EPC is not required?

Even if you’re renting or selling your home, an EPC may not be necessary.

Listed, protected, or conservation areas may not require one. Due to the fact that energy efficient improvements may change the appearance of the property too much, it’s not recommended.

If your home falls into one of these categories, consult your local authority’s conservation officer.

EPCs are not required for:

Vacant or licensed holiday accommodation rented for less than four months a year
Residential buildings that are used for less than 4 months a year
A building that is scheduled for demolition

What is the lifespan of an EPC?

It does not matter whether the property has new owners or tenants – the EPC is valid for 10 years.

If you’ve made any improvements to your home to improve its energy efficiency, it may be a good idea to get an updated EPC before the 10-year period ends.

This will help you understand your home’s running costs and condition, so you’ll be better prepared to sell or rent it.