Domestic EPC Explained

Domestic EPC Explained

What is a Domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

An Energy performance certificate also known as an EPC is a recording of the energy efficiency and carbon impact of a property used for living in. As with some appliances, such as washing machines and fridges, it attaches a ‘rating’ in a graphical format to your property. It also contains some indicative costs of heating, hot water and lighting and a list of some improvements that can be made in order to improve the efficiency of the property.

When do I need the EPC?

If you are planning to sell or let your property either privately or through an estate agent, the law requires you to provide an energy performance certificate (EPC) to any prospective buyers or tenants at the point of enquiry. In order to comply with the regulations the EPC must have been ordered and paid for before you begin the marketing process. If the property is marketed through estate agents it remains the responsibility of the homeowner/landlord to commission the EPC but the estate agent is required to include the graphical rating on any particulars that they market or provide to prospects.

Who can produce an EPC?

All Energy Performance Certificates are produced by qualified Energy Assessors. Upon taking the training and exams for their specialisations, they must join an approved accreditation scheme and submit to their terms and conditions. EPC One have chosen to partner with Stroma certification as they require their assessors to report for continuous ongoing training, auditing, complaint handling and criminal records monitoring of all assessors for the benefit of our clients.

How is an EPC Produced?

An EPC can only be produced following an inspection of the property by a qualified energy assessor who is a current member of an accredited scheme. The assessor will need to identify, record, measure and photograph some of the following elements within your home.

The assessor must then calculate the energy efficiency of the property using the Government approved methodology RdSAP 9.92 and enter the details into the software to calculate the rating and produce a certificate.

What happens after an EPC is produced?

The energy assessor will record the EPC on a central government database where it will reside for 10 years. If any home improvements are made accuracy of the EPC will not be corrected until you commission a new assessment. Once a new EPC has been produced it will supersede any existing EPC and overwrite it on the central register.