Domestic EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates)

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required for almost every residential property when it is sold or rented. The EPC can only be produced by a qualified energy assessor, who is a member of an approved certification scheme. To comply with the law, you need to provide an EPC when the property is first marketed (rental properties) or to have commissioned an EPC before marketing commences (properties being sold).

The EPC records the characteristics of the property and provides energy efficiency and environmental impact ratings, with an estimate of current running costs. It recommends improvements and indicates what effect these improvements would have on the ratings.

Paul Lyons has practised as as a domestic energy assessor since August 2007 and has produced hundreds of EPCs for a broad range of property types from small flats to large country homes and historical buildings.

An EPC will usually be lodged within 24 hours of the inspection appointment unless further investigation is required, ensuring that the property can be marketed without delay.

How The EPC is Produced

The EPC is produced following an inspection which typically takes up to 50 minutes for a four bedroom house. The assessor records and photographs the features of the property that affect energy efficiency such as dimensions, construction, insulation, heating/hot water system and fuels used.

The owner can assist the assessor by pointing out the position of boiler, heating controls, meters, airing cupboard, loft access and clearing these from obstructions.

The assessor must use their own judgement but it is useful if the owner has information or documentation about the age of the property and any alterations. These might include extensions, loft conversions, double glazing, cavity wall insulation and heating. Where there is no access or documentation the assessor is obliged to assume a worst case scenario.

Once the certificate is lodged on the national database it cannot be amended so it is very important that the assessor has access to all information, parts of the home and documents that would affect the rating at the time of the inspection.