Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

About the EPC

On August 1st 2007 the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) became a mandatory part of the Home Information Pack. This is an EU directive in compliance with the Housing Act 2004 and the Home Information Pack Regulations 2007. The EPC will tell you how energy efficient your property is, and, can only be carried out by accredited Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs).
This is an example Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (pdf 0.37k)
You can also download our pre-inspection questionnaire (pdf 0.40k)

Some frequently asked questions about the EPC

1. What is an Energy Performance Certificate EPC?
2. Why is the Certificate Important?
3. Why is Energy Performance Certificates Necessary?
4. What does the Certificate mean?
5. How do I obtain an Energy Performance Certificate?
6. How long will the Inspection take and what will be involved?
7. When are EPCs required?
8. What is the Average rating?
9. Do buyers care how energy efficient my house is?
10.Is there financial help available to make energy savings?

An energy performance certificate shows the official energy efficiency rating of a property The certificate provides a rating for the building, showing its energy efficiency and its environmental impact on a scale from A--G where A is the most efficient and G is the least efficient.

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2. Why is the Certificate Important?

Nearly 40% of the UK's energy consumption arises from the way in which our 25 million buildings are lit, heated, and used. Even comparatively minor changes in energy performance and the way we use buildings will have a significant effect in reducing energy consumption and therefore carbon (CO2) emissions.

3. Why is Energy Performance Certificates Necessary?

The UK Government along with EU member states has made a commitment to cut greenhouse gases, by reducing emissions and promoting more cost effective measures in the way we use energy to heat, illuminate and air condition our properties.

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4. What does the Certificate mean?

The purpose of an EPC is to record how energy efficient a property is as a building.
There are 2 ratings:-

1 The Environmental Impact Rating is a measure of the homes impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the higher Rating the less impact it has on the environment.
2 The Energy Efficiency Rating is a measure of the homes overall efficiency the higher the rating the more energy efficient the home is and the lower the costs will be. The certificate also lists the potential rating of the building if all the cost effective measures were installed.

The ratings will vary according to the age, location, size, and condition of the building. The potential rating on the certificate will consider these factors, and suggest measures which will be tailored so that they are realistic for that particular building.

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5. How do I obtain an Energy Performance Certificate?

You will need to find a suitably qualified Domestic Energy Inspector to perform an inspection of your property and produce an EPC. As reports are stored in a central government data base and only certified and accredited assessors will have access to this. Once the EPC has been generated the inspector will send you a link to the secure website where the reports are stored you will then be able to download the report. Ascot Assessment will also deliver to your door a hard copy for you to keep (within 48 hours).
See our home page for details on how to order an EPC from Ascot Assessment.

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6. How long will the Inspection take and what will be involved?

When we visit your property for an inspection we will ask you a few basic questions about the property but don't worry if you can't answer all of them. The assessor can fill the questionnaire in on the day or you can You can also download our pre-inspection questionnaire (pdf 0.40k) if you like.

The inspection will take between 1 and 2 hours depending upon the size of the property. We will take measurements of the property, draw floor plans, and inspect and record details of your heating system and controls, walls, floor, and loft insulation, double glazing and lighting. We may need to photograph some aspects of the house for record purposes, but only with your permission.

The inspection is purely visual and there is no need to take up carpets, floorboards, or drill into walls.

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7. When are EPCs required?

An EPC is only required when a building is constructed, sold, or rented out.

On Construction
For a newly constructed building, when the construction is completed, the builder or person responsible for the construction is accountable for obtaining the certificate and providing it to the owner.

On Sale

For buildings that are to be sold, the buildings owner is responsible for ensuring a certificate is available to all prospective purchasers. The Energy Performance Certificate should be shown, on request, to any prospective purchaser, and should in any case be provided by the owner to the ultimate purchaser before a contract for sale is made. Marketed sales of homes will require a Home Information Pack, which will include and EPC.

On rent

Under the terms of the Directive where buildings are to be rented out, the landlord is responsible for ensuring a valid certificate is available to all prospective tenants. The certificate should be provided, on request to any prospective tenant, and should in any case be provided by the landlords before a contract for tenancy is drawn up.

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8. What is the Average rating?

The average property in the UK falls within bands D--E for both ratings.

9. Do buyers care how energy efficient my house is?

Yes, Research suggests that buyers are willing to pay up to £10.000 more for environmentally friendly homes and that 70% consider it Important when purchasing a new house.

Recommendations to Improve the Energy Efficiency of your home.

Ascot Assessment will advise on the recommendations generated by the EPC for you particular property and point you in the right direction with regard to improvements to make your house more environmentally friendly and of course! Save you money.

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10. Is there financial help available to make energy savings?

Ask Ascot Assessments about Government, local authorities, or energy suppliers grants that maybe available in your area to help you or go to the Energy Savings Trust website for further information.

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