Your Energy Performance Certificate Explained

You've probably seen or heard the term EPC Rating, Energy Efficiency Rating and Energy Performance Certificate, but what is it, and what does it mean?

The Energy Performance Certificate has been around for some time and was made compulsory in 2008.

Energy Performance is part of the Government's Strategy to tackle Climate Change, and any Property Sold or Rented will require an Energy Performance Certificate.

So, before you can even Market your Property for Sale or Rent, your Property's Energy Performance Certificate must be completed by an Accredited Energy Assessor.

Why are Energy Performance Certificates Required?

Your Property's Energy Performance Certificate will provide Potential Buyers and Tennants with an overview of the Property's energy efficiency.

Not only will the Energy Performance Certificate provide the current Energy Efficiency Rating, but it will also provide Information and Advice on how to Improve Energy Efficiency.

The Accredited Energy Assessor will access the Performance of the Building itself, also known as the fabric and its services, heating controls, insulation, ventilation and fuels.

Do all Properties need Energy Performance Certificates? 

There are some exceptions for a Mandatory Energy Efficiency rating. Always check with an accredited domestic energy assessor or the Government Website as this Information may Change.

• Protected Buildings within Specific Designated Environmental impact
• Historical Building where Modernisation would impact Heritage
• Temporary Buildings
• Residential Building used for Less than Four Months per Year
• Stand Alone Building with less the 50m2 Floor area
• Buildings Suitable for Demolition
• Holiday Lets which meet Conditions defined by HMRC

What will I find in the Energy Efficiency Rating | EPC

If you have ever purchased a Television or a Fridge Freezer, you will be familiar with Colour Coded Energy Label giving the Appliance and Energy Efficiency Rating.

The label will typically show a Rating of A-G, with A being the Highest Energy Efficiency rating and G being the least energy efficient.

The Energy performance certificate for Building will work in the same way, but the energy performance certificate - explained with more in-depth Information and Suggested Improvements for more Improved Energy Efficiency and reduced Energy Bills.

Due to Modern Building Practices and Building regulations, a New Build Property would typically be more Energy Efficient than an Older Property.

Your Energy Assessor will provide you with your Energy Performance certificate and Energy Report for Energy Efficiency Improvements.

Energy Performance Certificates should Include

• The Buildings Energy Rating / EPC Rating
• EPC Rating Reference Value
• Recommended measures for Energy Efficiency
• Reference Number
• Property Address
• An Estimate of the Building Useful Floor Area
• Issue Date

Remember, only an Accredited EPC Assessor is authorised to provide an EPC Rating for your Building.

The EPC Assessor can be Self Employed or Employed by a Service Provider or Surveyors.

They must be a Member of a Government Approved Accredited Scheme.

Accredited Schemes ensure the minimum standards are met, and the Assessors are Competent.

Your EPC Rating Assessor should be able to

• Demonstrate Competence with Accredited Qualifications
• Hold Professional Indemnity Cover
• Keep their Knowledge and Skills Updated
• Follow Accredited Guideline when carrying out an EPC Rating

Energy Efficient Recommendations

Your EPC Rating will provide you with Recommended measures for a More Energy Efficient Building.

As a Property Owner or Landlord, you may feel a little aggrieved at having to pay for your EPC Rating, but this is where you can make that money back and reduce Energy Bills and Climate Impact.

The EPC Rating will provide Recommended measures and provide Indicative Costs to improve the energy rating potential savings in energy bills, compared to current energy bills.

Common EPC Recommended Measures would include

• Installing Insulation

Loft Insulation is a typical saving, but this could also include Floor Area, Roof and Walls.

• Double Glazing

Double Glazing will save money and reduce estimated energy costs by improving the home's energy efficiency

• Solar Panels

A good option for Greener Energy and fewer Carbon emissions.

• Low Energy Lighting

A Fast and Simple change to Lower Running Costs in the Property.

Following the Recommendations will make the Property more Energy Efficient and improve the EPC Rating whilst you save money and contribute to fewer carbon emissions.

Domestic Energy Assessors will Typically charge from £35 to around £150 for a Home Report depending on the size of your Property.

Whilst this is a Legal Requirement if you are a Landlord or Selling your Property, it is certainly worth shopping around and having a Valid EPC.

Your Energy Performance Certificate is valid for ten years.

With the Recent Rise in Commercial and Domestic Energy Bills, following the recommended measures may bring a welcome reduction to your monthly bills.