EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates)

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an essential component of the Home Information Pack (HIP) and is required for almost every residential property when it is sold or offered for rental. The EPC can only be produced by a qualified domestic 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.

The EPC records the energy related 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.

Our founder Paul Lyons has practised as as a domestic energy assessor since August 2007 (the month that HIPs were launched) and has produced hundreds of EPCs for a broad range of property types from small flats to large country homes, converted agricultural buildings such as oast houses and barns, historical/ grade 2 listed buildings and highly efficient modern homes.

An EPC will typically 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 60 minutes for a four bedroom house. The assessor records and photographs the features of the property that affect its energy efficiency such as dimensions, construction, insulation, heating/hot water system and fuels used.

The owner can help the inspection progress more smoothly by pointing out the position of boiler, heating controls, low energy light fittings, airing cupboard, loft access and clearing these from obstructions.

The assessor must use their own judgement but it is useful if the seller 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 central 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.