When do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?
An EPC is required in the UK whenever a property is marketed for sale or rent or is
newly built. The EPC is valid for 10 years or until a newer EPC is produced for the
same property. It is recommended that a property's EPC should be made available
to potential buyers as soon as it is marketed for sale or rent.
EPCs may also be required when applying for energy efficiency grants such as
the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or to ascertain your eligibility for the schemes such
as the Energy Company Obligation Scheme (ECO).
It is not a requirement to renew an EPC if you make changes to your property,
but if significant changes are made, this will naturally improve the rating.
TOP TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING PRIOR TO MY
VISIT!
- Maximise the number of low energy light bulbs fitted.
- Maximise the insulation around your hot water tank (if you have one) and the depth of
loft insulation (and make sure this is visible throughout as evidence is required for the
survey).
- Provide documents relating to the boiler (if fitted) and any insulation that may not be
visible to ensure the correct energy rating is recorded. This includes documentation on
double glazing.
Publication of the EPC
The certificate is lodged on the central EPC register:
https://find-energy-certificate.digital.communities.gov.uk
I will send you the link and if required a copy of the actual certificate. Payment is respectfully asked for prior to this as I will have to pay for the EPC to
be lodged.
Buildings that do not need an EPC
These include:
- Places of worship
- Temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years
- Stand-alone buildings with total useful floor space of less than
50 square metres
- Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural
buildings that do not use a lot of energy
- Some buildings that are due to be demolished
- Holiday accommodation that’s rented out for less than 4
months a year or is let under a licence to occupy
- Listed buildings - you should get advice from your local
authority conservation officer if the work would alter the
building’s character
- Residential buildings intended to be used less than 4 months a
year
Check if I already have an EPC?
The EPC Register has changed. From 20th September 2020 the new ‘Energy
Performance of Buildings Central Register’ consolidated the existing England,
Wales and Northern Ireland domestic and non-domestic registers into one
single location. An EPC can be located on the register by searching property
postcode, address or certificate reference number, to check if your property
already has an EPC registered, click the link below and follow the on-screen
instructions:
https://find-energy-certificate.digital.communities.gov.uk
