A Brief Guide to the EPC Certificate
Learn about all the necessary details for your EPC Certificate including the most competitive prices in the market!
The Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, was first introduced in August 2007 as part of the Home Information Pack. The scheme is designed to summarise the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings throughout the European Union. Whilst the Home Information Pack initiative was scrapped in 2010, the EPC remained and became a requirement for rental properties in October 2008.
What is an EPC Certificate?
The certificate grades the energy efficiency and environment impact levels of the property. Ratings are displayed on a scale from A-G; with an A grade being the most efficient and G being the least. The national average rating for a home in the UK is D – E. The rating scale mirrors those displayed on new electrical devices with the energy efficiency and environment impact shown as a sliding bar graph with both a color scale from green to red and a score from 0-100.
In addition, the graph shows both the current levels of the property and also the potential rating, for both the Energy Efficiency Rating and the Environmental Impact (CO2) Rating. The certificate will give you an estimation of the current and potential costs for the lighting, heating, and hot water bills. There will also be comments from the assessor as to what changes can be made to improve the efficiency and save money along with the projected cost for the changes and the savings that could potentially be made.
Do I need an EPC?
If you are looking to sell or rent your property then you will require an EPC Certificate. When marketing your property for sale, there is no minimum energy efficiency rating requirement. However, if you are looking to rent your property, a change in legislation in April 2018 means that there is now a minimum requirement for at least an E grade.
If your property does not make this rating then you will be unable to move new tenants in. A further change in legislation in April 2020 now means that the minimum rating requirement is applicable to existing tenancies as well.
How long are they valid?
The Energy Performance Certificate is valid for 10 years. If you make any significant alterations or extensions to your property it is recommended that you have a new certificate commissioned in order to reflect the changes.
How do I get an EPC?
MyConstructor has a comprehensive network of Domestic Energy Assessors throughout the UK. Simply enter your postcode, the number of bedrooms you have, and the date you would like to have the assessment carried out. Their platform will then present you with a shortlist of local assessors, along with customer reviews, and give you the opportunity to book your preferred assessor at a time that suits you.
How long does it take to get my certificate?
Once the assessment has been completed, MyConstructor will email you a copy of your EPC Certificate either the same day or the next working day. The assessor will also upload a copy of the certificate to the EPC Certificate Register.
How much does an EPC Certificate cost?
The cost of an EPC can vary depending on the size and layout of your property. The location and number of assessors in the area can also have an impact on the cost.
Given the size of our network and the marketplace nature of our platform, MyConstructor is able to offer you the best possible rates. Take a look at their EPC pricing below – and dont forget that they offer discounted rates for block bookings!
Domestic EPC Certificate Price Guide;
Studio – 39
1 Bed – 42
2 Beds – 44
3 Beds – 45