What is an EPC?
If you’re selling or renting out your home, you’ll need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property. But what is it and how do you get one? Rightmove’s helpful guides offer some advice. Here’s what they said:
EPC’s were introduced by the government in 2007 to encourage people to make their homes more energy efficient. This is because in the UK, around 22% of carbon emissions come from our homes, from things like heating, lighting, and running household appliances.
A home that scores highly on energy efficiency will lead to cheaper bills. So, it’s a good idea to check a property’s EPC when you’re searching for a home on Rightmove. You can find the EPC under the property description details or ask the estate agent to provide you with a copy.
- What is an EPC?
An EPC is a report drawn up by an accredited domestic energy assessor. They’ll visit your home to check how much energy it takes to power the property and keep it warm.
- What requirements does an EPC check involve?
Potential sources of draughts, or where heat can escape, will be assessed during this visit. This includes requirements like checking how well insulated your floors and walls are, if your windows are double glazed, and how much heat is retained in your home. Electrical systems and use of energy efficient light bulbs will also be checked.
Your home’s energy rating looks like the sticker you might find on a fridge or a washing machine, and ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Your home will also be given a score out of 100. The higher the number, the lower your energy bills are likely to be.
An EPC also gives recommendations about how to improve your home’s energy efficiency, and the potential grade your property could reach if you choose to make improvements.
- How long does an EPC last?
An EPC lasts for 10 years and will cover the property during that period, no matter how many times it’s sold or rented out. If you’ve made some improvements since moving into a new home, such as installing energy efficient lighting, this won’t be reflected in your EPC until you order a new assessment.
- How can I find out the energy rating for my property?
If you’re not sure what your home’s current rating is, don’t worry, it’s easy to find. The government has set up a register of EPC certificates, so if it has been assessed, you can look up the rating online.
If you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland you can search for your EPC here.
If you live in Scotland, you can check here.
- How do I get an EPC?
You can find a qualified assessor through the government’s website.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, check here.
In Scotland, take a look here.
- How much do they cost?
Costs vary depending on where you live, and the size of your home. The fee charged will depend on how long it takes your home to be assessed, so bigger properties will incur higher fees. On average, an EPC will cost between £60 and £70, according to the Property Energy Professionals Association (PEPA), although fees are likely to increase.
EPC costs for new-build residential homes tend to be higher as they require more detailed assessments.
- Who pays for an EPC?
If you’re selling your home, it’s your responsibility to obtain and pay for an EPC to provide to your estate agent, and to potential buyers. Landlords also need to provide the EPC to potential tenants, and for new-build homes, the builder must provide an EPC on completion.
- Is an EPC a legal requirement?
Yes, it is. If you plan to sell your home, rent it out to new tenants, or build a new home, you’ll need an EPC. If your home doesn’t have a valid EPC, you’ll need show your estate agent that you’ve commissioned one before your home is listed.
It’s illegal for landlords to rent out a home with an EPC rating below E, without a valid exemption. Your landlord should provide you with a copy of the certificate when you move into a rental home. You can also request consent from your landlord to make further energy-efficiency improvements to the property, but these will be at your own cost unless the landlord agrees to contribute.
Listed buildings are also exempt if they reach certain standards for energy performance.
If you live in Scotland, your home’s EPC needs to be displayed somewhere within the property. The government recommends putting it in the meter cupboard or next to the boiler.
- How does my property’s energy rating compare to others?
Homes in England and Wales currently have an average energy rating of D, and an average score of 60.
Generally, properties built after 2012 have an average EPC rating of B, according to the Office of National Statistics. Those built since 1983 score an average of C, but those built before 1900 have an average rating of E. And houses tend to have lower EPC scores than flats.
- Can I improve my home’s energy rating?
You’ll see lots of options for improving your home’s energy rating on your EPC. These step-by-step recommendations are given in order, to help you to potentially save the most energy.
For example, it’s more energy efficient to insulate your home before you buy a new boiler, as you won’t have to use your boiler as much.
Adding solar panels is another way to upgrade your EPC, by generating your own power.
- How much can energy-efficiency improvements cost?
It depends on the size of your home. The average cost of energy-efficiency improvements is about £8,100 per home, according to a recent study by Nationwide. For homes rated F or G, that figure rises to £25,800.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) says a home with an EPC rating of C costs £300 less to run each year than a property with a rating of D, and £740 less than a home with an E rating.
Modified article taken in part from an article by:
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Important Information
All property sales and the financial advice that surrounds them are as unique as the people engaging in the transaction. It is important to not decide without seeking professional advice. If you want to sell your home and are considering redecorating before marketing, speak to one of our Property Professionals to get the best advice for presenting your home for sale before making any investment. This article is for the purpose of information only and should not be seen as financial advice.