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What is a EPC Certificate ?
An Energy Performance Certificate – or EPC – is document which sets out the energy efficiency of a property on a traffic light system of A to G – A being the most efficient.
An EPC provides an indication of how much it will cost to heat and power a property, as well as how much CO2 it emits. It also includes recommendations of energy-efficient improvements, the cost of carrying them out, and the potential savings in pounds and pence that each one could generate.
Ratings range from A to G. A is the score given to the most efficient homes and businesses, while G is the lowest, reserved for properties that incur the highest costs and emit the most CO2. Scores above 92 gain an A, while anything below 20 will score a G.
An EPC shows the numerical score for potential and current energy savings. These come with recommendations to boost energy efficiency, such as improving insulation or switching to modern light bulbs. The latter is something renters as well as owners can do, potentially saving money on their bills in the process.
EPCs are valid for 10 years.
What happens in an EPC assessment?
What happens in a standard EPC assessment is an EPC accredited assessor will need access to your whole property in order to fully complete your domestic energy assessment. They look at a range of different metrics to determine how efficient your property is and all of these are put together to create a final Energy Performance Certificate.
The areas your energy assessor will look at include:
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The age, construction and size of your property
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Primary heating systems - including the boiler and heating controls and their energy efficiency
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Insulation - whether there is cavity wall insulation or loft insulation installed
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Any secondary heat sources including renewable energy sources
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Lighting - whether any energy-saving light bulbs or low energy light bulbs are in use
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Windows - if you have double glazing or higher
Once all of these areas have been assessed, then calculations are made and you are provided with a new EPC rating for your property. Alongside the Energy Performance Certificate, the domestic energy assessor will also provide advice on improvements that will help you improve your property's energy performance. A valid EPC lasts for 10 years.