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Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) are an integral part of selling or renting a home which many lettings and estate agents, including Whitaker Cadre, can arrange for you. As they are required in the UK, we asked EPC expert Fraser Picken, Owner of EPC50, to share some of his expertise.

What is an EPC Certificate?

An EPC is a legally valid document which provides an energy efficiency rating (displayed on an A-G scale) in relation to a property’s running costs. This rating will take into account the potential energy performance of the property itself (the fabric) and its services (heating, lighting, hot water etc). In addition to this, the EPC document will also show:

• A breakdown of a property’s energy performance
• Its environmental impact
• Recommendations for improvements
• Estimated energy use alongside potential savings

Not all properties are used in the same way. The energy efficiency rating uses ‘standard occupancy’ assumptions (typically 2 adults and 2 children) which may be very different from the way in which occupiers actually use things like heating and lighting within their property.

When Do You Need an EPC? 

An EPC is required in the UK whenever a property is marketed for sale or rent or is newly built. The EPC is valid for 10 years or until a newer EPC is produced for the same property. It is recommended that a property’s EPC should be made available to potential buyers as soon as it is marketed for sale or rent.

Where Do You Find an Existing EPC?

All existing EPC’s can be found on the government website.

What to Expect From a Domestic Energy Assessment?

• A Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) will visit your property to collect property information such as room dimensions, insulation levels, heating systems and type of glazing.
• Access is needed to all rooms, including the loft as measurements and photographs are needed to support the assessment.
• Homeowners will be pleased to know that the domestic energy assessment is non-invasive, with no drilling or hammering into walls. Depending on the size or complexity of the property a typical assessment can take between 20 to 40 minutes to complete.

Current Requirements

• From 1st April 2018, all domestic properties were required to achieve an energy efficiency rating of at least an ‘E’ on their EPC, to meet the minimum standards for NEW tenancies.
• From 1st April 2020, MEES regulations were extended to ALL privately rented residential property which are required to have an EPC.
• Landlords are required to take action to avoid any non-compliance penalties. If a property does not meet the minimum standards, it will be deemed unlawful for landlords to let or market their property.

Government Forward Targets

• By 1st April 2025, a landlord of rented, non-domestic properties must have a valid EPC at all times. This is to ensure that all lease renewals and properties where the tenancy is ongoing but the EPC has expired are caught.

• The initial target that all domestic properties must achieve an energy efficiency rating of at least a ‘C’ on their EPC by 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for existing tenancies has now been postponed.

How do I Improve My EPC Rating?

Improving your EPC rating is a great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills. Recommendations for your property are shown on the EPC itself. However, common improvements include:

• Installing insulation (in walls and/or loft)
• Replacing your boiler
• Installing solar panels
• Upgrading to double glazed windows

The recommendations for improving an EPC rating will differ from property to property, as it’s dependent on a number of factors, including your property’s age, existing instalments, and build type.

If you have any questions or are looking for an up-to-date EPC to provide bespoke recommendations for your property, please contact Whitaker Cadre to arrange an appointment with Fraser, or reach out to EPC50 directly.

Fraser started EPC50 to provide homeowners, landlords, agents and commercial property owners with a great value and fair service in his local area. As a fully qualified, Stroma-certified, independent assessor, Fraser delivers fair assessments for both domestic and non-domestic properties. Whitaker Cadre have worked with Fraser across Ilkley, Harrogate, Guiseley, Otley, Silsden, and Leeds for a number of years and we know, with EPC50, you’re in safe hands.