The Energy Assessment
More about Domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) – For an EPC to be created in the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) software, an Energy Assessor must first survey a property, to collect information. The Energy Assessment Survey by the assessor entails;
- Collecting photographic data of various building elements (in confidence), to prove to the assessors Accreditation Scheme (A company, certified to regulate the practices of Energy Assessors, and host the software that processes the raw data, that populates the EPC), all information gathered.
- Measurements, and photographic evidence of the wall depth, window dimensions, loft insulation, internal floor measurements, and any heating appliances etc.
- The floor plan is drawn, detailing various building elements, including door and window positions, floor layout, and radiator locations. This is for audit purposes.
- Depending on the size, and complexity of a home, assessments can take between 30 minutes to an hour. Any information taken is confidential and kept on file for 17 years.
What is an EPC?
Your Home’s Energy Efficiency Report, AKA Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document, required by UK law, that provides a rating for the energy efficiency of a building, typically a home.
Think of it as a report card for your property’s energy performance, showing how much energy it uses and suggesting improvements to reduce consumption and costs.
The EPC rates the property alphabetically and numerically, on a scale of A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), and 0 – 100 (0 being the least efficient), with accompanying recommendations for energy efficient improvements.
What’s included in an EPC?
The EPC typically includes;
- Energy efficiency rating: – A letter and number rating (A-G, 0-100) representing the property’s overall energy efficiency.
- Energy consumption estimate: – An estimate of the energy a property is likely to use.
- Environmental impact rating: – A rating indicating the property’s carbon dioxide emissions.
- Recommendations for improvements: – Suggestions on how to improve the property’s energy efficiency, along with estimated costs and potential savings for each improvement.
- Information about the assessor: – Details of the qualified Energy Assessor who carried out the assessment.
- Validity period – EPCs are typically valid for 10 years.
When is an EPC legally required in the UK?
Generally, you need an EPC if; In the UK, EPCs are legally required in various situations, primarily revolving around the sale or rental of properties. The specific requirements are enforced by the government and may be subject to change, so it’s crucial to check the latest legislation.
What happens if you don’t have a valid EPC when required?
Failure to comply with the EPC regulations can lead to significant penalties, including fines. It can also delay or prevent the sale or rental of your property.
Finding an EPC
EPCs are carried out by registered energy assessors. You can find accredited assessors through the government’s website or through online search engines. The cost of an EPC varies depending on the size and type of property.
In summary
An EPC is a vital document for anyone buying, selling, or renting a property in the UK. Understanding its purpose and legal requirements is essential to avoid potential penalties and ensure a smooth transaction. Always ensure you have a valid EPC before marketing your property to avoid delays and legal repercussions.
Remember to check the latest government guidelines for the most up-to-date information on EPC requirements
Simulated Energy Ratings Service (SERS)
An all-in-one solution if your property(s) is below the legal Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES, EPC rated E or below).
Unlike a traditional Domestic Energy Assessment, whereby an assessment is carried out on a property, for the certificate to be immediately lodged, regardless of the energy rating, whether good or bad, a SERS is the full package, from pre EPC, resulting in a poor outcome, to simulations to highlight cost effective improvements, to implementation of agreed measures by the customer, culminating in the post Energy Assessment with an EPC detailing the implemented measures.
This can potentially save having to install more costly, and potentially unnecessary energy saving measures e.g. new boiler, wall insulation etc. The consultation involves running simulations to find the most cost effective solution(s), before the official EPC is lodged.
If no EPC is available a traditional Energy Assessment is carried out to retrieve base data, and identify the most cost effective measures/improvements which can be implemented. The recommended measures are then implemented, and a final Energy Assessment is conducted to produce a pass rated certificate, allowing you to carry on renting out, saving you time and money.
- Initial enquiry.
- EPC data retrieved.
- Data analyzed, and simulations run before an optimal improvement plan is agreed.
- Recommendations are implemented, and a post energy assessment is scheduled.
- Post, official EPC is lodged.
Should more costly insulation/improvements be required, various subsidised funding options may be fully/partially available subject to circumstances, for which a Retrofit Assessment may be required.