What is an EPC?
Simply put an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures the level of the energy efficiency for any property on a sliding scale of an A to G rating.
Energy Performance Certificates were first introduced into England and Wales back in 2007. These are a legal requirement for any building to be sold, rented or built.
As of April 2018, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards were introduced which made it a requirement by law for all properties owned privately to have an E level(or better) EPC rating before they could be sold or let.
The legislation applies to both domestic and commercial properties, although there are some exemptions, for example if a property is a listed building.
If you fail to make the necessary changes to your property it will be subject to the appropriate fines of up to £5,000 for domestic and up to massive £150,000 for commercial properties.
Once it has been obtained, the EPC for a property is valid for 10 years.
The most energy efficient homes are situated in band A, these should have the lowest fuel bills
The Energy Performance Certificate will also tell you, on the same A-G scale, about the impact the property has on the environment.
The better-rated hbuildings will have far less impact on the environment with it's level of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions.
In the UK, the average property is in bands D-E for both measured ratings.
The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment. EPCs apply also to commercial buildings and are rated only by Carbon Dioxide emission ratings on a scale of A-G.
What is involved in an EPC?
The EPPS UK team are here to perform your EPC check with an accredited energy assessor to conduct your energy assessment.
Our energy assessor will need to be able to gain access all rooms of the property as well as the attic.
We are also leaglly required to inspect the heating systems and controls, as well as taking measurements and photographs of all the key data required to complete the survey.
The EPC survey is designed to be non invasive and thankfully it is only a a visual inspection that is required. Your EEPS assessor will be able to advise you how long he expects the EPC Inspection to take as the time required varies between properties.
Our assessor can either input this information into the system on site or at home for the production of an Energy Performance Certificate which is lodged to the independant register.
For more information or to request at EPC inspection for your home or business, contact the team at EPPS today