Introduction to EPCs

Energy Performance Certificates for homes

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives home owners, tenants and buyers information on the energy efficiency of their property. It gives the building a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’, where ‘A’ is the best and with the average to date being D/E.

Does everyone need an EPC?

The EPC is required by law when a building is sold or put up for rent.

So you will only need a certificate if you are:

• a homeowner – all sellers of homes need to ensure that they provide a Home Information Pack which includes an EPC for potential buyers
• a landlord – you will need to provide an EPC which will be valid for ten years, to prospective tenants, the first time you let or re-let your property after 1 October 2008

How do you get an EPC?

EPCs can only be produced as a result of a survey by an ‘accredited’ Domestic Energy Assessor. They are used to collect standard information on the property including its size, how it is constructed and its hot water and heating systems. The information is then fed into a government approved software programme which produces the EPC.

EPCs can only be produced by accredited energy assessors. They may be employed by a company (such as an estate agent or energy company) or be independent traders. Always check they operate as part of an accreditation scheme, as this ensures your energy assessor is operating to professional standards.