EPC GUIDANCE
EPC's Explained
The Assessor collects information about your property and then data enters this into their EPC software. The EPC software then gives them a result - “very good”, “good”, “average”, “poor”, “very poor” and gives them a banding A-G with a numeric rating. The results are not provided by the assessor but generated using the Government’s latest energy efficiency information. This energy efficiency information is continually updated and an EPC rating created in one year may differ in another year based on the new Government energy research.
When can I expect from my EPC?
The assessor will aim to get your EPC report back to you within 24 hours however this can depend on if they require any further documentary evidence to aid in completing the report. If the assessor does require further information, the sooner they have this the quicker they can lodge the EPC on the register and therefore have a faster turnaround time for marketing your property.
What to do if my EPC rating is low?
If your EPC comes out with a low rating, the assessor who completed your EPC can help you to bring the rating up with a dedicated consultation where they can go through the EPC in further detail with you and what steps are required to improve your rating at a cost of £30+vat. With new regulations for rental properties coming in 2025 this is something to keep an eye on!
I have undertaken the steps to improve my rating, what next?
If you have followed the steps to improve your EPC after one of our consultations, we can provide a revisit EPC where the assessor will carry out another site visit to update the evidence required to lodge the EPC and produce a new report replacing the old one at a cost of £40+vat.
Tips for an accurate EPC
What is an EPC? An EPC or Energy Performance Certificate gives an energy efficiency rating from A - G in relation to a property’s running costs and will last for 10 years or until a new EPC is produced. This rating will consider the potential energy performance of the property itself and its services (heating, lighting, hot water). An EPC is required whenever a property is marketed for sale, rent or for remortgaging.
1. Insulation
This is one of the main components to increasing your EPC rating. As assessors, we are required to prove there is insulation within the property (walls/roofs/floors) and therefore if we are unable to gain access to one of these areas to prove the insulation exists, we will require documentary evidence such as signed off building regulation documents that states the thickness and presence of the insulation.
2. Room in the roof age & insulation
As with the roof/walls/floors if your property has had a conversion and a roof room added, the assessor will need to prove the conversion date and require proof there is insulation present in the roof. Without a conversion date the original construction date of the property will be applied which may impact your rating and insulation assumption.
3. Heating, secondary heating & controls
As with the meters, the assessor will require full access to your main heating system. This is to identify the make and model of your heating system and without all relevant information the assessor cannot complete the EPC. The assessor also needs to identify what controls are used in the property e.g. Programmers/room thermostats/TRV’s (thermostatic radiator valves) so will need full access to these devices. Any secondary heating from gas fires to log burners are also included.
4. Age & construction
The age and construction of the property is another factor when completing your EPC and sometimes this can be difficult to identify when there has been work done at your property. Any information that can help to identify the age and construction of your property would be welcomed by the assessor.
5. Gas and electric meters
When assessing your property, we are required to prove what fuel is used to heat the property and hot water. This will require access to your gas meter (if the property uses gas) and your electric meter so please have these easily accessible when the assessor arrives as the assessment is non-intrusive. If your property uses oil/LPG we will need access to the tank.
6. Windows
The type of glazing in your property is another factor when undertaking an EPC where the assessor considers single/double or secondary glazing. The age of the windows are also taken into account so if you have had new double/triple glazed windows installed then please have the proof available for the assessor such as a FENSA certificate.
7. Extensions
If your property has had an extension built, we are required to prove the age of when the extension/s were built. This can be done using architects plans/ building regulations or a headed letter/email from the builder who carried out the works. Without proof the original construction date of the property will be applied which can affect your EPC rating.
8. Renewable technologies
If you have renewables installed at your property such as Solar PV panels or solar water, the assessor will need access to the inverter, be able to get a clear picture showing the solar panels and will also require the MCS certificate from the installation. The make and model number of Air Source Heat Pumps/Ground Source Heat Pumps are also required.
