EPC’s – What are they and why do I need one?

Hello Again Everyone,

Here at Smart Letting Solutions our EPC service is proving to be very popular. But one question I frequently get asked is what is an EPC and why do I need one? Well here is a short summary of what an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is and in what circumstances you need to get one:

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legally valid document which provides an energy efficiency rating (displayed on an A-G scale) in relation to a property’s running costs. This rating will take into account the potential energy performance of the property itself (the fabric) and its services (heating, lighting, hot water etc).

In addition to this, the EPC document will also show:

✅ a breakdown of a property’s energy performance
✅ its environmental impact
✅ recommendations for improvements
✅ estimated energy use alongside potential savings

Not all properties are used in the same way. The energy efficiency rating uses ‘standard occupancy’ assumptions (typically 2 adults and 2 children) which may be very different from the way in which occupiers actually use things like heating and lighting within their property.

When do I need an EPC?

An EPC is required in the UK whenever a property is marketed for sale or rent or is newly built. The EPC is valid for 10 years or until a newer EPC is produced for the same property. It is recommended that a property’s EPC should be made available to potential buyers as soon as it is marketed for sale or rent.

How to read an EPC

What you see on an EPC will differ depending on where you are in the country and whether it is an existing or new build property. EPCs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are fully displayed online, where as, EPCs in Scotland are distributed as PDFs.

One thing that all EPCs will display first is basic information about the property, such as the address, property type and floor area. Towards the end or back of the EPC will be the Assessors full details including their name, contact info and scheme they are accredited with. If you have any queries about the content of the EPC we would strongly recommend that you contact them directly in the first instance.

What to expect from a domestic energy assessment?

For existing flats, bungalows and houses in need of an EPC, you will need to acquire the services of an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). These professionals will visit your property to collect property data/information such as room dimensions, insulation levels, heating systems and amount of glazing.

The assessor will need access to all rooms, including the loft as they will need to take measurements and photos to support their assessment. Homeowners will be pleased to know that the domestic energy assessment is non invasive, with no drilling or hammering into walls. Depending on the size or complexity of the property a typical assessment can take between 30 mins and 2 hours to complete.

If you would like any additional information or perhaps order a new EPC for your property, then please get in touch and we can make an appointment for you.

All the best,

Lance.