Which Building Require A Domestic EPC?
All domestic buildings being sold or rented require an EPC. EPCs have been a requirement by law since 2008 (2009 in Scotland), which means that if the property has been let out or sold in that time, it should have one.
Voluntary EPCS
Voluntary EPCs can be instructed by owners or landlords for the purpose of identifying energy efficiency measures that can improve the energy performance of their property to help reduce energy costs.
How long is a domestic EPC valid?
The EPC is valid for ten years from the date of certification. Should a new EPC be issued for the property this becomes the only valid EPC for the property.
EXEMPTIONS
- Protected buildings
- Temporary buildings
- Used for religious activities
- Detached building with floor space under 50m2
Survey Procedure and Data Collection
Domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) must be produced by a qualified and accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). The DEA will visit your property to carry out a survey. This can take between 30-90 minutes depending on the size of your property; during the visit the assessor will require access to every room including loft space.
The DEA will be required to take measurements, property photographs, record site notes and floor plan to produce an EPC. The assessment is non-invasive: the DEA is not required to lift carpets (to check floors) or to drill holes in walls (to see insulation).
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
The purpose of an EPC is to indicate the energy efficiency of a building. The EPC will provide an energy efficiency rating from A to G, where A is the most efficient and G is the least efficient. The better the rating, the more energy efficient the building and the lower fuel bills are likely to be.
Each energy efficiency rating is based on the characteristics of the building itself (the fabric) and its services. This type of rating is known as an asset rating. The asset rating will reflect the age and condition of the building.
The EPC includes recommendations on how the energy performance of the building can be improved (to reduce running costs), together with an indication of the payback period. There is no statutory requirement to carry out any of the recommended energy efficiency measures stated on the EPC.
