All You Need To Know About EPC Registers and Certificates

19 May 2021

An EPC is a document you will frequently hear about when you begin to think about selling your property. Here we explain everything you need to know about EPC’s and some things you can do to improve your property’s energy efficiency.

EPC, What Does it Stand For?

EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate and is a document you will have to produce if you want to sell or rent out a property.

What Exactly is an EPC?

An EPC tells a buyer or renter how energy efficient your property is and gives them an idea of how much the property could cost to run. EPC’s were introduced in 2007 as a legal requirement for any home being sold or let out and are part of a plan to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions. Operating buildings are said to be responsible for 28% of all CO2 emissions globally.

An EPC is Split into Different Sections..

Estimated Running Costs

An EPC will outline a cost prediction for running the property over a three year period, this includes lighting, hot water and heating. 

Energy Efficient Rating

The main element of an EPC highlights the current Energy Efficiency Rating of the property and an estimated potential rating if changes or upgrades were made. 

Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

The final section of the EPC makes recommendations on how you can make your property more energy efficient and save money on fuel bills. The EPC will show a projected cost of any improvements and the typical savings over a three year period.

What is an EPC Rating? 

The main section of the EPC shows a current and projected Energy Efficient Rating for your property. The rating runs from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient rating and G the lowest. The closer to G your property falls, the more it will cost to run, meaning your bills will be higher. The average rating for a home in the UK is currently D.

How Do I Get an EPC and What is the EPC Register?

You will need to have your property assessed by a qualified domestic energy assessor in order to obtain an EPC. Unless you are selling or renting out your property, you are not legally required to have a valid EPC. However, by having an EPC assessment carried out you can find out how energy efficient your home is and improvements you could make.

How Long Does an EPC Last?

EPC’s are valid for 10 years. If your EPC has expired or you are yet to schedule an assessment of your property you will need to arrange one before you can legally put your property on the market or rent it out.

How Much Does an EPC Cost?

The cost of an EPC assessment varies on the size and type of property you want to sell or rent out. Most EPC assessments cost less than £100 but it is always best to look around first and obtain quotes from different assessors. 

Who is Responsible for an EPC?

The owner of the property is responsible for ensuring a valid EPC is obtained before putting their house on the market or up for rent. However, when selling or letting your home your estate agent should be able to help with arranging an EPC assessment.

Can an EPC Be Done Remotely?

EPC assessments can be booked online but the actual assessment has to be carried out in person by a qualified assessor. 

The assessor will:

• Establish the age of the property and its construction method
• Measure the wall spaces and floor
• Look at the heating systems such as your boiler and controls
• Establish if your property has loft insulation or cavity wall

Explore any other heating systems such as energy saving bulbs, solar panels and other energy efficient products

Can You Fail an EPC Assessment?

When it comes to EPC assessments there is no pass or fail system, only the A-G grading. However, if you wish to rent your property out your EPC rating must at least an E grade. Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) has been in place since 2018 and applies to all tenancies. 

While there’s no stipulation on EPC ratings when selling your home, buyers often pay close attention to EPC’s meaning you may find it harder to sell if your rating is low. A low EPC rating can also affect the value of your property.

How you can improve your EPC rating

• Wall and roof insulation
• Double or triple glazing
• An energy efficient boiler