Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) were introduced in 2007 and also formed an integral part of the now suspended Home Information Pack (HIP) for house sales.

Even though HIPs are likely to be abolished, the EPC remains and you are required by law to have an EPC on any domestic property that is being sold, constructed or let. Failure to have a valid EPC will lead to fines.

On a sale: The EPC is now required to be commissioned before the property is marketed.

On a rental: An EPC is required to be physically given to any potential tenant before they sign the lease or rental agreement. The rental EPC is valid for a ten year period and can be reused for any tenants within this period.

On Holiday Lets:  As of 30th June 2011 an EPC is required on any property that is being let for a combined period of four months or more in a rolling 12 month period.

On construction:  On a new build domestic property a specialised EPC called an On Construction Dwelling EPC is required. It is valid for the first 12 months for sale and rental purposes.

If you have a requirement give us a call on 01684 299155 or contact us via our Contact Page.

Please find our comprehensive guide to what a Domestic Energy Performance Certificate is below.

Energy Performance Certificates tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G.
The most efficient homes - which should have the lowest fuel bills - are in band A.

The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings.

This Certificate represents a snapshot of the energy and thermal performance of a building at the time of being sold. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment.

The Certificate is produced following a thorough visual inspection by a fully trained and accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. Depending on the size and accessibility of a property an inspection should last between 45 minutes and 1 hour. This inspection will not be destructive in any way.

The Assessor will need to:

• Freely inspect all areas of the property internally and externally.
• Require access to the heating and water systems, e.g. Boiler, Immersion and Radiators.
• Require access to the loft/attic space, where possible and safe to do so.
• Require access to the electricity meter and other fuel systems present, e.g. gas meter or oil tanks.
• Examine any present fire places and secondary heating, e.g. gas and electric fires.
• Assess the construction type of the building, roof and of any extensions or loft/cellar conversions.
• Examine for evidence of post construction energy efficiency measures, e.g. cavity wall insulation.
• Examine the windows and doors.
• Take measurements throughout the property.

The Assessor may need to ask questions at time of survey to clarify details. Properties within conservation areas, with listed status or other such restriction will be taken into account in the Certificate calculations. Any inappropriate energy improvement measure will be removed from the final Energy Performance Certificate.

An Assessor will NOT:

• Perform a destructive survey, e.g. pulling back carpets. An EPC is a visual assessment only.
• Check planning permission on any building, extension or conservatory. This is not recorded anywhere within the Assessment and is not reported to any authority.
• Recommend any inappropriate energy improvement measure.
• Ask to see any utility bills or other such documentation.
• Give recommendations or advice outside of their area of expertise.
• Record any unnecessary personal information, such as employment status, house value or mortgage balance.

The following is a list of recommendations for any home owner who is expecting to have an Assessor conduct an Energy Performance Certificate assessment.

• Ensure free access is available throughout property, including to any utility meters (Gas, Electric, etc) and, where possible, to the loft space. If free access throughout property will not be available please discuss this with the Assessor before the appointment as restrictions may prevent the assessment from being completed.
• Where possible ensure that either you or a suitable proxy is present at the inspection.

Ensure any children or pets are kept safely under control. If you or a proxy cannot be present, please warn the Assessor about any aggressive pets or potential risks.

The Assessor will complete the report and submit it, via their accrediting body, to Landmark. This is a government facility where all Energy Performance Certificates will be stored for future record. An Energy Performance Certificate will not be valid unless it has been submitted to and given a confirmation number by Landmark. A copy of the Energy Performance Certificate will be made available for the home owner and for the estate agent.

If you have a requirement give us a call on 01684 299155 or contact us via our Contact Page.