EPC

The Residential or Domestic Energy Performance Certificate

WHO?

An EPC certificate is required from April 2008 by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent. If you are a landlord, you will need to make an EPC certificate available to prospective tenants the first time you let a home after the 1st of October 2008. An EPC certificate is only required for a property which is self-contained and is valid for 10 years.

WHAT?

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives homeowners, tenants and buyers information on the energy efficiency of their property.

It gives the building a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from A to G, where A is the most efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is D. A Domestic EPC certificate is a vital component. In simple terms, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a record of the actual and potential energy saving aspects of a particular property. The property is assessed using the UK's Standard Assessment Procedure. It's performance is rated in terms of energy use per sq metre of floor area. Energy efficiency is based on fuel costs and environmental impact based on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The resulting Energy Performance Certificate issued to you will provide you with clear information on the energy performance of the property and cost effective means for improvement. The results of the visit are recommendations for your consideration or for the future owner or tenant to consider. EPC certificate are a record of the energy saving / loss aspects of your property, and potential improvements and savings you can make.

HOW?

An internal and external inspection of the property is carried out for the purpose of the EPC certificate, which should last no longer than 1 hour. The energy assessor will survey the following aspects of the property:

Note the construction of your walls.
Measure the roof insulation.
Confirm how many windows are double glazed.
Count the number of open fireplaces.
Check the make and model of boiler under EU SEDBUK regulations.
Look for green devices such as solar panels.
Calculate the number of low energy light bulbs.
Confirm the type of heating system used e.g. radiators, underfloor heating, electric etc.
Categories the type of material used to insulate hot water cylinder.
Measure heat loss through roof.
Check for excessive window area in larger houses.
Take precise measurements of conservatories and extensions.

Utilising all the information collected, the data is then inputted into the Approved Software, which will then generate the EPC certificate.

RECOMMENDATIONS?

An EPC certificate is always accompanied by a recommendation report that lists cost effective and other measures (such as low and zero carbon generating systems) to improve the energy rating of the building. The certificate is also accompanied by information about the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.

View Domestic EPC Certificate Example

For more information or to place an order, please call us now on 01922 627121 or 07967 219170

The Commercial or Non Domestic Energy Performance Certificate.

Energy Performance Certificates are required for all commercial buildings whenever built, rented or sold.

Like residential EPCs they are intended to inform potential buyers or tenants about the energy performance of a building, so they can consider energy efficiency as part of their investment or business decision to buy or occupy that building.

Certain commercial premises do not require EPCs, these are:

Places of worship
Detached buildings of less than 50sq metres
Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand.

If you are in doubt as to whether your premises falls within one of these categories please call or email our office for clarification.

For more information or to place an order, please call us now on 01922 627121 or 07967 219170 or place an order using our online system.