Why should I get one?
The first question we should tackle is why do I need to get an EPC? An Energy Performance Certificate, is a detailed document which describes how energy efficient a property is. The certificate also gives you advice on the estimated yearly energy running costs and what you can do in order to make the property more energy efficient and reduce energy bills.
The EPC is a legal requirement in order to market your property for rent or for sale, which also applies to both residential and commercial properties. It is also worth noting that it is now also a legal requirement to have a valid EPC if your property already has tenants currently in place. Lastly, for those who are looking to remortgage their property, then note that the majority of lenders will request you have an energy performance certificate for the property.
When to get an EPC?
The EPC certificate is valid for 10 years. Given this is such a long period, it is quite common for people to forget when the certificate is due for renewal. A lot of homeowners inherit the EPC from a previous owner, which can make remembering the expiry date even more tricky.
However, help is at hand – In order to check if you have a valid certificate, or to check on your renewal date, you can check the national EPC register for Domestic/Residential properties. Simply click the following link and enter your postcode – https://www.epcregister.com/
It is also worth remembering that if you make any significant changes, improvements or alterations to the property it is recommended that you have a new certificate issued. After all, if you have invested in your property and improved the energy rating, then why not let potential buyers or tenants know about it!
How do you get an EPC?
All domestic energy certificates must be carried out by an approved Domestic Energy Assessor. In order to get an EPC, the assessor will need an on-site visit of the property to undertake the survey.
The first step is for them to fully and accurately measure the entire property so make sure you remember to make sure you can provide access to all of the rooms and auxiliary areas.
The second step is for the accessor to examine the critical items on the property such as the presences and levels of insulation, the heating and/or cooling systems, the material of the windows and type of glazing, the hot water system and also the lighting.
Upon completion of the on-site survey, your assessor will then upload the data into a software program which will calculate both the current level of energy efficiency and the potential efficiency rating.
The survey should take around 20-30 minutes for smaller apartments and up to an hour for larger family homes. Once the data has been calculated, the assessor will lodge the certificate with the national register and email you with your own copy of the energy performance certificate.
What about the rating?
When you get an EPC certificate you will be able to view the rating the property has achieved. The energy efficiency levels of the property are graded on a scale from A-G, with an A being the most efficient and a G rating being the least. The current national average rating for a home is between D – E.
The scale is similar to those used when you are buying new electrical appliances – the energy efficiency of properties is graded on a sliding bar graph with a color scale from green to red to indicate their energy requirements or consumption. It also shows both current and potential ratings for Energy Efficiency Rating and the Environmental Impact (CO2) Rating.
If you plan to rent out your property, you will need a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard of at least an E grade. For further information on this, then you can read our other helpful articles relating to EPCs. For those looking to sell, there is currently no minimum rating requirement.
Where can I book my EPC?
Now that you know all of the key facts on energy reports, the next step is to find out where you can get an EPC at the best price! The answer is easy – simply get in contact with MyConstructor! Their price comparison booking platform offers you access to a comprehensive, nationwide network of fully qualified energy assessors.
You can view genuine reviews from previous customers, compare the assessors prices and also check the availability of energy assessors in your local area. Simply enter the postcode of the property, select the number of bedrooms and then choose an experienced and vetted professional at the time and date that best suits you!
