An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an essential document that clearly explains a building’s energy efficiency and environmental impact. Whether you’re selling, renting, or improving your property, an EPC is a legal requirement that helps determine your home’s energy rating and highlights areas for improvement.
Being well-prepared for an EPC assessment with a checklist saves time and ensures that the results accurately reflect your property’s energy efficiency. This guide looks at the steps you need to take, such as providing access to key areas and documenting upgrades, to make the process smoother and maximise your property’s energy rating.
At Falcon Energy, we’re experienced energy assessors and specialise in delivering professional and reliable EPC assessments across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, and London. Contact our expert team today to book an assessment at a time that is convenient for you.
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that rates a property’s energy efficiency and environmental impact. It provides a score—an energy efficiency rating—on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), indicating how energy-efficient the property is and offering recommendations for improvement.
The certificate also includes estimating energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions, helping property owners and tenants make informed decisions.
Why is an EPC required?
In the UK, an EPC is legally required for properties that are being sold, rented, or newly built. This requirement helps ensure compliance with energy efficiency regulations and supports the government’s goal of reducing carbon emissions.
The EPC provides prospective buyers or tenants transparency about a property’s energy performance, making it easier to compare and choose homes with better energy efficiency.
Benefits of improving your property’s energy rating
Improving your property’s energy rating enhances comfort, reduces costs, and boosts both environmental and market appeal.
- Lower energy bills: A higher energy rating means lower energy consumption and reduced utility costs.
- Increased property value: Energy-efficient properties are generally more appealing, potentially improving your property’s market value.
- Environmental impact: By improving your energy rating, you contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
- Compliance: Ensuring your property meets energy standards can help avoid legal or regulatory issues.
- Comfort and livability: Energy-efficient homes often have better insulation and heating systems, providing greater comfort year-round.
Do listed buildings need an EPC?
How to prepare for an EPC assessment
Preparing for an EPC assessment ensures the process is efficient and your property achieves the best possible energy rating. By taking a few simple steps beforehand, you can maximise the accuracy of the results.
Here’s how to get started:
Gather relevant documentation
Provide evidence of energy-efficient upgrades to your property. Key documents to have ready include:
- Proof of insulation: Receipts or certificates for loft, wall, or floor insulation installations.
- Boiler installation records: Manuals, certificates, or maintenance records for your heating system.
- Renewable energy installations: Documentation for solar panels, heat pumps, or other green energy systems.
These records help the commercial or domestic energy assessor verify upgrades that may not be immediately visible, contributing to a better energy rating.
Ensure access to key areas
The assessor will require access to certain areas, so make sure they can inspect your property, including:
- Lofts and attics: Clear access to loft hatches and insulation areas.
- Basements and crawl spaces: Ensure these areas are accessible if they contain pipes or insulation.
- Windows and doors: Allow easy inspection to verify glazing types and seals.
You should be aware that locked or inaccessible areas could result in lower ratings due to incomplete assessments.
Address visible maintenance issues
Take care of any noticeable issues that could impact your energy efficiency score, such as:
- Draughty windows and doors: Repair seals or add draught excluders.
- Faulty heating: Ensure boilers and radiators are in working order.
- Broken windows: Fix cracks or replace damaged glass.
Whilst these are relatively small fixes, they can prevent unnecessary deductions in your property’s energy rating.
Upgrade lighting
Replace traditional or halogen bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the property. Modern LED bulbs consume significantly less energy, positively impacting your rating and demonstrating your commitment to energy efficiency.
Following these steps will ensure the EPC assessment is smooth, efficient, and accurate in reflecting your property’s energy performance.
How to improve an EPC rating in a flat
The ultimate EPC checklist
Preparing for an EPC assessment is straightforward. Following a clear checklist, address these key areas to ensure your property achieves the best possible energy rating while avoiding common pitfalls.
Heating systems
- Ensure your boiler and heating system are in good working condition.
- Provide evidence of recent servicing or installation.
- Check for efficient radiators or underfloor heating.
Insulation
- Verify your loft insulation meets recommended standards (270mm thickness is ideal).
- Check for cavity wall insulation or solid wall insulation if applicable.
- Gather proof of installation, such as receipts or certificates, to present to the assessor.
Windows and doors
- Confirm that all windows and external doors are double-glazed or energy-efficient.
- Check seals for draughts or gaps and repair if needed.
- Highlight any upgrades to window or door insulation.
Lighting
- Replace traditional or halogen bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting.
- Ensure all main rooms and frequently used spaces are equipped with LEDs.
Renewable energy installations
- Showcase any renewable energy systems you’ve installed, such as:
- Solar panels
- Heat pumps
- Biomass boilers
- Provide installation certificates or documents to validate these upgrades.
Energy bills
- Have recent energy bills available as a reference for your property’s energy consumption.
- This can help assessors better understand your energy usage patterns and verify installed systems.
Smart controls
- Demonstrate any smart heating or energy management systems you use, such as:
- Smart thermostats (e.g., Nest, Hive)
- Zoned heating controls
- Remote energy monitoring apps
- Highlight how these systems improve energy efficiency.
Thermal imaging
- Consider using thermal imaging to identify and address heat loss areas before the assessment.
- This visual proof can showcase improvements and ensure better results.
This proactive approach supports a more accurate evaluation and ensures your property is ready to meet the latest energy efficiency standards. When it is time to book your energy assessment, ensure you choose a trusted and qualified assessor.
How long does an EPC take?
An EPC assessment typically takes 30 minutes to an hour for an average property. During this time, the assessor inspects key features such as insulation, heating systems, windows, and lighting to determine the property’s energy efficiency.
The duration may vary depending on factors like property size, accessibility to key areas (e.g. lofts or basements), and the readiness of the property (e.g. clear access and available documentation). Larger or more complex homes and those with renewable energy systems may require additional time for a thorough evaluation.
What does an EPC assessment involve?
Choose Falcon Energy for EPC assessments
- Over 15 years experience
- Fast turnaround
- Competitive rates
Being well-prepared for an EPC assessment is essential to ensuring an accurate evaluation and the best possible energy rating. Following a detailed checklist – covering heating systems, insulation, windows, lighting, and more – can streamline the process and improve your property’s efficiency score.
At Falcon Energy, we pride ourselves on delivering accurate and professional EPC assessments across the UK. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you meet compliance requirements and achieve the highest energy efficiency standards.
Book your EPC assessment today with one of the experts at Falcon Energy for a professional and reliable service.
EPC FAQ
What happens if my property fails an EPC assessment?
If your property fails to meet the required standard during an EPC assessment, it has received a low rating (F or G). While there is no penalty for simply having a low rating, certain regulations may restrict your ability to rent or sell the property, particularly in regions with minimum energy efficiency standards. For example:
- Rental properties: Landlords may be prohibited from renting out properties with an EPC rating of F or G until improvements are made to meet the minimum standards (typically an E or higher).
- Selling properties: A poor EPC rating can lower the property’s market value or appeal to buyers, who anticipated energy upgrade costs may deter.
You can follow the EPC recommendations to address a failed assessment to improve the property’s energy efficiency. Common upgrades include installing better insulation, upgrading windows, or improving heating systems. Once improvements are made, you can schedule a reassessment to obtain a new EPC rating.
How long is an EPC valid for?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. However, if significant energy-related improvements are made to the property (such as upgrading insulation, installing a new boiler, or fitting double-glazed windows), you may choose to get a new EPC to reflect the improved energy efficiency. Remember that a valid EPC is required when selling or renting a property.
How important is the energy efficiency of a property?
The energy efficiency of a property is crucial for reducing costs, as energy-efficient homes have lower utility bills, and for minimising environmental impact by cutting energy consumption and carbon emissions. Additionally, properties tend to have higher market value and attract environmentally conscious buyers or renters.
Energy efficiency also ensures regulatory compliance in regions with minimum standards for renting or selling properties. Beyond financial and legal benefits, it enhances comfort by improving temperature regulation and reducing draughts or heat loss, making it a key consideration for homeowners and landlords.