Energy Performance Certificate
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legally binding document that rates how energy efficient a property is. In other words it rates how a property uses and loses energy.
What does an EPC check for?
The EPC will take into account how the property loses energy. This is the type and age of the building as well as the construction materials used in the walls, floor and roof. The amount of glazing and type of glazing. The levels of insulation or the thermal envelope.
These components combined form the building envelope which separates the heated internal space from outside temperature. The EPC will evaluate how quickly or slowly heat is lost through the building envelope.
The EPC will take into account the demand on energy to generate and distribute heat, the number of fixed lights and any ventilation systems that generate and distribute cool air into the building envelope. Collectively these elements are known as building services so electric tariffs will impact the efficiency rating.
Another important factor that influences the demand on energy is the volume of the internal space. It takes more energy to heat, light and cool a bigger space so the area and footprint of the property is understood.
How much does it cost?
The Government has not set a guide for EPC prices, assessors are free to set their rates. Prices will vary so its best to shop around. However having said that they can range from as little as £50 upto £125 depending on the size and complexity of the property.
Is an EPC a legal requirement?
The requirement for an EPC has been the law since 2008, meaning if your home has been sold or let since then, it should have one. It is the responsibility of the landlord or property owner to obtain an EPC before marketing a property and must have a copy of the certificate ready to show potential tenants.
There are a number of reasons why some properties are exemptions to having an EPC. Some properties are just not compatible with modern assessments and energy efficiency measures. They are old and traditional. The construction method is no longer used and has been superseded with more modern methods.
Historic England website has a section called ”Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for Homes” which goes into more detail on the topic. They are the experts.
The Government website also offers a full list of exemptions and guidance to domestic buildings that are exempt from having an EPC.
What does it all mean to a property?
An EPC includes information about a property’s energy use, including how much it will cost to heat and light the property, and what its CO2 emissions are likely to be. It also includes recommendations on how to improve the property’s energy efficiency rating.
The recommendations when implemented will reduce the demand of energy and CO2 output. In turn this will lead to a reduction in energy use saving the homeowner money. It will also help towards ensuring a more comfortable, healthier environment.
The Survey
For existing buildings, the energy assessor must conduct a physical survey of the building to collect as much information as possible linked to the factors listed above.
They will need access to all rooms, the boiler and loft space, take building measurements to determine the heat loss perimeters, and party walls and floor areas. Photographs are taken to evidence the data collected and support their decisions.
The homeowner can provide as much documentation as possible to support any improvements to the home. Examples include window replacements, cavity wall insulation, boiler upgrades etc. The more data collected and validated the more accurate the result.