An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rates the relative energy efficiency of your home or commercial property. A qualified assessor visits your property and looks at every aspect of the building and the systems within it and gives it a rating from A-G, with A being the most efficient property possible. The survey can be done in as little as an hour, and afterwards you can be sent a personalised recommendations report, giving suggestions as to how to improve the energy efficiency of the property. This considers things like the heating system and how much insulation the property has, and how installing or updating them could improve your rating.
EPCs can be split into two categories – domestic and commercial – and it’s a legal requirement to have an EPC of a certain rating if you are renting out a property; but more and more people are choosing to get an EPC on their own home. Let us explain why!
Commercial EPC
Getting an EPC every ten years has been a legal requirement for every rented property since 2007, but stricter guidelines have recently been brought in. The new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) require your property to have a rating of E or above on your EPC. If not, the landlord will not be allowed to let the property, and will be liable to pay a fine of up to £150,000. Ensuring properties are not hugely inefficient has two benefits: ensuring some level of protection for tenants against high energy bills, and reducing carbon emissions.
People looking to buy or rent are starting to take EPC ratings into consideration. A more energy efficient property means cheaper bills for those living in the property, and happy tenants are more likely to pay their rent on time! It also means less work for property developers if you ever come to sell. Therefore, if you’re looking to sell or rent out your property, it’s worthwhile making sure it has the best chance of a good rating. All potential tenants and buyers are legally entitled to see this information before making any decisions.
Domestic EPC
Although not required by law, getting a domestic EPC is a great way to get to grips with how you could make your home more efficient. Knowing the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency can be a bit alienating for the ordinary homeowner, so it’s useful to have a guide of what to think about. If you make the changes suggested (some of which, like insulation, are fairly cheap), you could find it cuts your bills significantly, and your home could be more comfortable too.
A domestic EPC normally only costs around £50 and the benefits are clear – cheaper energy bills, a warmer home and the knowledge that you are reducing your carbon footprint!
Getting an EPC
Need an EPC? We have scoured the country for the best surveyors, so that we can make sure we only recommend those we really trust.
If you would like us to find you a local surveyor, just fill in the form below and we will be in touch shortly!
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