Energy Performance Certificates

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that sets out the energy efficiency and performance of a property, together with an environmental impact report – it will estimate the energy usage, carbon dioxide emissions, lighting, heating and hot water costs per annum.

It can also provide advice on areas of potential improvement, the costs to carry out those changes, together with the potential monetary savings that could result. Because EPC’s are graded on a scale of A-G, it is easy to see, at a glance, the ratings for the individual elements and of the property as a whole – as well as the potential areas of improvement.

It is a legal requirement to have an EPC produced within 7 Days of marketing a property for sale or for rent. Of course, most EPCs are produced well in advance of a property being marketed with the certificate highlights being included within the property details. Not providing an EPC can lead to fines of up to £5,000. It is also important to remember that an EPC certificate is only valid for 10 years – so if it has been a while since you moved into your house, you may need to update your EPC.

There are also slightly different requirements if you are a landlord and plan on renting out a property. If this is the case, you will need to have an EPC with a minimum rating – E.