What is an EPC?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced in 2007 to give buyers a better understanding of the energy efficiency of a property they may wish to purchase. The EPC is a legal requirement if you are selling or renting a property and for this purpose they are valid for 10 years from date of issue. An EPC document details the current energy performance and estimated energy costs, as well as recommendations that could be implemented to further improve the energy efficiency, with estimated costs for these works and the potential savings you could make.

What are they used for?

The most common use for an EPC is when selling or renting properties to check the energy efficiency. However, you will also need an EPC if you are claiming the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) from the Government.

Find out more about the BUS scheme here.

EPCs must be dated within 10 years of claiming the BUS grant and it must be clear. This means that if there are any recommendations to fill cavity walls or have additional loft insulation these works must be completed.

How do I get one?

It is usually fairly straight forward to get an Energy Performance Certificate and should not take long. They usually range from £100-£120 and when they visit the EPC assessor will check the following:

• The size of the property
• The construction type and amount of insulation
• Lighting
• Current heating systems and how they are controlled
• Ventilation

The EPC assessor should provide an energy rating and make any recommendations that could further improve this.

Find an EPC assessor near you.

How can you improve the energy efficiency of your home?

Insulate everything - from your walls, to the loft, to the floors. Good quality insulation reduces the need for heating, which in turn reduces your energy consumption.

Double glazing: heat is rapidly lost through single glazed windows. Double-glaze them to reduce your energy consumption.

Low-energy lighting: low cost and easy to install, with no structural alterations required, low-energy light bulbs are a cheap, easy way to lower your energy bills.

GREEN ENERGY: Heat pumps and solar panels are not only the way forward in terms of reducing your carbon footprint but are also much more efficient than standard gas and oil boilers.