Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) gives home owners, tenants and buyers information on the energy efficiency of their property.  It gives the building a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from ‘A’ (most efficient)  to ‘G’  (least efficient).  An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A to G and is valid for 10 years.

Who needs an EPC?

• If you are selling your home you must order an EPC for potential buyers before you market your property
• If you are renting your home, you must order an EPC for potential tenants before you market your property
• If you are a buyer of newly built properties, you will need an EPC provided by the builder at time of completion

What buildings don’t need an EPC?

• Places of worship
• Temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years
• Stand-alone non-residential buildings with total useful floor space of less than 50 square meters
• Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that don’t use a lot of energy
• Some buildings that are due to be demolished
• Holiday accommodation that’s rented out for less than 4 months a year or is let under a license to occupy

What does the certificate do?

• EPCs are measured using the same calculations for all homes, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.
• Provides information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs
• Makes recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money

Part of the EPC, is a report which will list the potential rating that your home can achieve, if you made the recommended changes.  The report lists:

• Suggested improvements (such as fitting loft insulation)
• The approximate cost
• Possible cost savings per year if the improvements are made
• How this would change the energy and carbon emissions rating of the property

You can use the information to:

• Cut your fuel fills, improve energy performance in your home, help cut carbon emissions and help you choose a more energy efficient home to rent or buy

If you don’t get an EPC when you need one, you can be fined.

If you’re buying or renting then the person selling the house, the landlord or the letting agent must show you the EPC.

Pre-April 2012 EPCs have to be updated if they are to be used within the Green Deal from January 2013.