Gas Safety At Home Ltd

Energy Performance Certificate from £75 (vat free)

What is an EPC? 

Homes currently account for 27 percent of the UK's carbon emissions, contributing to global climate change. The way in which we light, heat and use our homes all contribute to this. Even small improvements to the energy performance and the way we use our homes could have a significant effect on our fuel bills and carbon emissions. Energy Performance Certificates have been introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of all buildings - including homes. The certificate records how energy efficient a property is as a building and provides A-G ratings. These are similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators. EPC's  are produced using standard methods with standard assumptions about energy usage so that energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with that of another building of the same type. This allows purchasers, tenants and home owner to see information on the energy efficiency and CO2 emissions from the building so they can consider the energy efficiency and fuel costs.  An EPC is accompanied by a recommendation report that lists cost effective and other measures to improve the energy rating of the building. Information about the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented is also included.

Why do I need an EPC?
All domestic and commercial buildings available to buy or rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate and may not be marketed without one.  An EPC must be made available to any prospective purchaser ortenant free of charge. This applies to new and existing buildings. In all cases the intention is to allow a prospective purchaser or tenant to compare the energy efficiency and costs associated with the property. If you own a home, getting an EPC done could help you identify ways to save money on your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home.

How long is an Energy Performance Certificate valid for?
An EPC is, in theory, valid for 10 years. However, since February 2008, legislation dictates that if an existing Energy Performance Certificate is more than a year old when the property is put back on the market, then a new one is required.  If a property owner has improved the energy efficiency (e.g. by insulating the loft) they can then commission another Energy Performance Certificate, which may obtain a better "energy efficiency rating". For a rental property, there is no need for another inspection before the 10 years are up unless improvements are made to the property.