EPC Info

What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate shows the energy rating of a property. The Certificate provides a rating for the property, showing its energy efficiency on a A-G scale (A being the most efficient and G the least efficient) and will also contain recommendations to improve the property’s energy performance.

The EPC rating is determined through information collected about the property by the Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) during the assessment of the property. Some areas that are looked at include: the heating systems and controls, loft and wall insulation, window types, the amount of energy efficient light bulbs, and of course the age and type of property.

The Assessment takes about half an hour to an hour for residential properties depending on the size of the property.

How to Prepare for the Energy Assessment?
Access to the loft space and heating systems should be provided. Where possible the boiler make and model, which can be found on the boiler instruction manual, should be shown to the Assessor. When available proof of cavity wall insulation should be provided as this is not always visible. When it is not detectable on the external wall, for example when the drill holes have been plastered over, lack of proof of cavity wall insulation may lead to a lower rating on the EPC because it will be defaulted to the insulation status for when the property was built.

When will I receive the EPC?
Within a few days after placing your order you will be contacted by one of our qualified Domestic Energy Assessors to make an appointment to do the Energy Assessment for your property. This will be done at the property and takes up to an hour depending on the size of the property. The Energy Assessor will then process the information and produce the Energy Performance Certificate. A printed copy of the EPC will be sent to the vendor as well as electronic copies to both the vendor and the agent if required within 2 days of the assessment.

How long is the EPC valid?
An Energy Performance Certificate for residential properties is valid for 10 years. The EPC will stay with the property for the 10 year period no matter how many times it is sold. It is simple passed for one owner to the next. However we would advise that if the property is being sold and has been upgraded so as to improve the energy rating that a new EPC be purchased.

What if the EPC is lost or stolen?
The EPC for the property is recorded on a national database www.hcrregister.com and can be accessed at any time.

What if I disagree with the energy rating?
Energy assessors are trained to look over the property, record what they see and from that make relevant judgements about the property. If the assessor has made a mistake, they may need to resubmit the EPC and issue a new one. This should be done at no extra cost to you. If the energy rating is incorrect due to certain information not being available at the time of the assessment (for example: a wall cavity insulation certificate not being present and no obvious external wall markings visible) then you may need to pay for a new EPC to correct this if desired. Each case will be judged individually and does not affect your statutory rights. It is our company policy not to charge full price for a replacement EPC but the disagreement must be brought to our attention within 14 days of the assessment.