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What is an Energy Performance Certificate “EPC”?
An EPC is a document that details a building’s energy efficiency. This helps a potential buyer or tenant estimate their annual energy costs. This report may help the property owner make modifications for future efficiency. The recommendations range from simple, low-cost remedies that a property owner can implement to more costly measures that require a professional contractor. While these recommendations are suggested, in some circumstances they are obligatory because the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for rental properties in the UK is currently E. This is expected to increase further to a rating of C which would mean further upgrades would be required to achieve this.
How Our Team will process your request for an EPC report.
We operate with a team of experienced office staff and energy assessors to be able to provide you with a seamless booking experience for your EPC request in London and the surrounding areas . Our team has 10+ years of experience serving landlords and property agents to act on their behalf and arrange suitable appointments directly with tenants or occupants if required. The initial booking process is followed by a short site visit after which we aim to compile the report and issue it to the customer the same day or within 24 hours. There are circumstances that may delay this and these are detailed further below.
How long does an EPC take?
The time it takes an energy assessor to gather information on-site is determined on the size and complexity of the building. A typical brick constructed mid-terrace or small apartment will take between 30 and 60 minutes to finish. While the majority of our instructions are done within this time limit, a significantly bigger property that is not of standard design and has several stories may take longer. We schedule appointments within a 2-hour timeframe. We understand that our clients have busy schedules and do not expect them to wait all day for our assessors. The two-hour interval allows the assessor to accommodate unanticipated delays such as traffic and parking.
How much does an EPC for my property cost?
The cost of the EPC depends on the size and complexity of a property and we can provide a free no obligation quote for your requirements. Our competitive low cost EPCs start from only £45 + VAT.
When will I receive my EPC report?
We strive to complete a significant majority of all reports the same day or within 24 hours after doing site inspections. Our assessors employ cutting-edge technology on mobile devices to capture all information on-site and submit it to the registration portal. The intricacy of certain contemporary building types and components inside them, such as heating systems, may need further study and inquiry to ensure the best solutions are chosen. Incorrectly chosen options may play a big part in generating an erroneous rating, which may be damaging to selling or renting opportunities. Where necessary, our assessors will use due diligence and do further checks to ensure the EPC is issued accurately. This, however, may lengthen the processing time.
How is the EPC rating affected by adding energy saving measures?
Improving an EPC rating can result in significant energy saving. You can reduce your energy consumption and energy performance by implementing a number of energy efficient measures recommended on the EPC certificate. Energy performance is directly related to home energy usage and how energy efficient it is in conserving it. This can be accomplished through a number of means, including:
Improving insulation: Insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve a property’s energy efficiency. You can reduce heat loss and keep your home warmer for longer by upgrading the insulation in your walls, floors, and ceiling. Insulation is a major factor when energy performance certificates are being produced and has significant influence on the EPC rating
Replacing old appliances with newer, more energy efficient models: Many older appliances consume significantly more energy than newer, more efficient models resulting in higher energy bills. You can reduce your energy consumption and lower your energy bills by replacing appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and boilers with newer, more energy efficient models.
Putting in renewable energy sources: Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines combined with Air Source Heat Pumps, can help you reduce your energy bills. You can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your carbon footprint by generating your own electricity.
Improving a property’s energy performance can increase its value in addition to saving money on energy bills. Energy-efficient homes are becoming increasingly desirable, and a higher EPC rating can be a selling point for potential buyers or renters. A property with an EPC rating of A or B is especially desirable because it indicates that it is highly energy efficient and will likely have lower energy bills.
Overall, an EPC rating is critical for anyone looking to save money on their energy bills while increasing the value of their property. Similarly with continuing rise in cost of living an energy efficient home is likely to be more desirable to prospective tenants. Improving your home’s energy performance can be a wise investment that pays off in the long run. It’s also important to think about the environment and global warming; energy-efficient homes have a lower carbon footprint and contribute to a greener environment.
Does a change of government or party affect regulations on Energy Performance Certificates?
The European Union sets the regulations for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), and as such, they are unlikely to change significantly with a change of government or change of party in the UK. However, the government may choose to implement additional policies or initiatives that may impact EPC requirements or usage.
A government, for example, may decide to raise the minimum energy efficiency standards for properties, making it more difficult for properties with lower energy certificate ratings to comply with the regulations. Alternatively, they may decide to provide incentives or subsidies to homeowners and landlords in order to improve the property energy performance.
Although the UK is no longer part of the EU the government is responsible for adapting EU regulations to UK law; they will have the option to make changes, but they must be consistent with EU regulations.
It’s important to remember that the EPC regulations were put in place to promote energy performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions therefore lowering the carbon footprint, so any changes to the regulations would almost certainly be made with those goals in mind. As a result, you should keep an eye on any policy developments concerning EPCs and energy efficiency, as they may affect your property or business. More information on how changes in domestic EPCs affect UK landlords can be found on the Gov UK website.
Does the number of occupants or user habits have an effect on the EPC rating?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is not affected by the number of occupants or their user habits. For example an energy assessor cannot enter information on the number of hours the heating is turned on in a home and what temperature their thermostats are set on.
The current model only looks at systems in place e.g. if there is a thermostat present or not. The physical characteristics of the building and its systems, such as age, construction, heating, lighting, and hot water systems, insulation, and ventilation, are used to calculate the EPC rating. The energy consumption and CO2 emissions are calculated under standard occupancy and usage conditions, so the actual number of occupants or usage may differ.
The number of occupants and user habits, on the other hand, can have an indirect impact on the energy bills. For example, if a property is occupied by a larger number of people, it is likely to use more energy for heating, lighting, and hot water. Similarly, if the property is used for commercial purposes, lighting and equipment may consume more energy. These factors can increase the property energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
It’s also worth noting that the EPC rating is based on the overall performance of the building, not just the energy efficiency of individual features. This means that even if the number of occupants or user differs from the standard conditions, the EPC rating will remain the same. The EPC report also includes a calculation of the annual energy cost based on standard occupancy, so if the actual number of occupants or user habits differs, the annual energy cost may also differ.
What other property related services do you provide?
Gas Safety Certificate:
A certificate issued after inspection and testing of the complete gas installation within a property, including the gas appliances. The installation is checked for both correct operation and safety. In the UK a Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement to rent a property and needs to be renewed every 12 months.
EICR:
Electrical Installation Condition Report formerly known as periodic Inspection Report is a certificate outlining the condition of the electrical installation within a property and any potential or existing hazards. An EICR is a legal requirement for rental properties in the UK and maybe required if you are selling your home.
Boiler Servicing:
An annual boiler service is carrying out a series of checks and cleaning to the boiler in order to maintain and increase the life of a boiler. It is also a requirement by the manufacturer to honour any boiler guarantees.
PAT Testing
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the label used for inspection and testing of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use and clear of any hazards. Majority of electrical safety issues can be found by visual inspection but some types of defect can only be found by testing. Using the correct calibrated PAT testing equipment.
Legionella Risk Assessment
To help identify potential risk factors in buildings, premises, and facilities, a legionella risk assessment is used. In order to establish effective Legionella risk controls, the findings are then used to identify the interventions that are necessary as well as the procedures and policies that need to be put in place in order to avoid existence and spread of Legionella.
Asbestos Surveys:
Asbestos surveys are inspections undertaken within a building, a property or home for the purpose of identifying existence of asbestos containing material (ACM).
Fire Risk Assessments:
Fire Risk Assessment is a thorough inspection of place of business or residence to gather visual information if any fire hazards exist, if they could cause harm, quantify the level of risk and how best they can be removed.
Commercial EPC:
Energy Performance Certificate for office buildings, mixed used, commercial and industrial properties. A certificate required for rental or sale of any commercial property.
Property Inventories:
Rental property inventory services, including one off inventories, check ins, check outs, interim reports and mid term reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need an EPC for my property
Every time a building is constructed, sold, or rented out, an EPC is mandated by law. It gives data on a building’s energy efficiency to prospective owners or tenants, enabling them to understand operating costs and make wise decisions.
How long is an EPC Valid for?
The validity of an EPC is ten years after the date of issue.
Is it possible to sell my home without an EPC?
No, selling a property without an EPC is illegal in the UK. Every time a building is constructed, sold, or rented out, an EPC is needed by law.
Is it possible to rent out my property without an EPC?
In the UK, it is illegal to rent out a property without a valid EPC.
Does a new build property require an EPC?
Yes, all newly constructed homes in the UK must have an EPC.
Do listed properties require an EPC to be rented or sold?
Yes in general listed buildings in the UK needs an EPC before they can be sold or rented out, but there may be exemptions
Does a commercial property require an EPC?
Yes, commercial premises in the UK must have EPCs before they are rented, leased or sold.
What is the minimal energy efficiency rating needed to comply with the law?
This is determined by the intent, rental properties require a minimum energy efficiency rating of E in order to be rented out. This is due to increase to a minimum rating of C by 2025. There is no minimum rating for properties that are for sale at the moment.
What happens if the energy efficiency of my property is low?
You can be obliged to make certain changes to your property if it has a poor energy efficiency rating in order to raise it before it can be rented out. This can entail upgrading windows, installing more energy-efficient heating equipment, or adding insulation.
Can I receive a fine if I don’t have an EPC?
Yes, you risk a £5000 fine if you attempt to sell or rent a property without a valid EPC.
Can I still obtain an EPC if I have no plans to rent out or sell my home?
You can obtain an EPC for your house even if you have no intention of renting it out or selling it. This might be a useful practice to comprehend your building’s energy efficiency and spot any possible cost savings from energy efficiency upgrades.
What is the relationship between energy performance and EPC rating?
Energy Performance is related to the EPC rating because the EPC rating is a measure of a property’s energy efficiency. The EPC rating is based on a calculation of the property’s energy consumption and CO2 emissions, as well as a breakdown of the energy efficiency of the various components of the building.