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What is an EPC?

EPC is short for Energy Performance Certificate - it is a document that provides 'A' to 'G' ratings for your property, with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least. Accredited energy assessors produce EPCs alongside an associated report which suggests improvements to make a building more energy efficient - this is part of European Law.

How are they produced - and what do they involve?

A Domestic Energy Assessor will visit your home and conduct an inspection - they will be looking at issues such as windows, insulation, boilers, light bulbs etc. The report is then created and your EPC ratings have to be included within the marketing details for viewers/buyers to see. EPCs are valid for 10 years.

Who needs an EPC?

As of October 2008, the law requires all properties that are built, sold or put up for rent in England and Wales to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Northern Ireland and Scotland are currently producing their own regulations.

• Sellers or buyers of homes - All sellers of homes need to ensure that they provide an EPC.
• Builders - An EPC needs to be provided to buyers of newly built properties.
• Landlords - If you are a landlord, you’ll need to make an EPC available to prospective tenants the first time you let a home after 1 October 2008. EPCs are only required for properties which are self-contained; so if you’re renting a room to a single tenant sharing facilities, it is not necessary.
• Tenants - If you are looking at renting an entire property then the landlord must make an EPC available to you free of charge.

Even if you do not fall into the above categories, you can still apply for and receive an EPC. This may be because you want to know what the energy efficiency of your home is and implement improvements suggested by the recommendation report.