What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, measures a property’s energy efficiency. It provides a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This certificate is crucial as it indicates potential energy costs and environmental impacts. Understanding your EPC energy rating can help you make informed decisions about energy performance and efficiency.
How long does an EPC last for?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) typically remains valid for a decade. This period allows property owners to use the same certificate for multiple transactions, provided no significant changes are made to the building. However, certain events might prompt the need for a fresh assessment. Knowing how long an EPC certificate lasts is essential for compliance and planning.
Can you get an EPC online?
Yes, securing an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) online is possible and popular. TEAM can connect you with our accredited assessors. They perform the necessary evaluation of your property, ensuring you get an accurate EPC report. Getting an energy performance certificate online is convenient and efficient.
Why is an EPC important?
Homeowners A good EPC could mean big savings on energy bills. It can also give guidance on improving your home (e.g., adding insulation or replacing single glazed windows with double glazed windows) to help improve its overall energy efficiency. If you’re selling or renting your home, you’ll need to have a valid EPC available for buyers or tenants.
Landlords If you’re letting your property in England or Wales, it must have an EPC rating of ‘E’ or above to be rented or sold. This is due to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. If you’re letting your property in Scotland, it must have an EPC rating of ‘D’ or above. Understanding what an energy performance certificate is and its importance can help landlords comply with regulations.
Tenants If you’re thinking about renting a property, check its EPC. It’ll help to estimate the cost of heating and hot water, which you could use to compare energy efficiency across different properties. Your letting agency is legally required to provide an EPC as it could impact your energy costs. Knowing when EPCs were introduced and how they affect you is crucial for making informed rental decisions.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and changes to EPCs
The Minimum Energy Efficient Standards (MEES) affects landlords of privately rented properties. Under MEES these properties must have an EPC rating of at least an E before granting a new tenancy to new or existing tenants.
From 1 April 2023 these requirements will apply to all private rented properties in England and Wales, even where there has been no change in tenancy arrangements for non-domestic properties.
There is an open consultation looking to change the minimum requirement to a B rating by 2030, and for all new buildings by 2025, but this is not yet law.
Related Services
How do I get a new EPC?
To get a new EPC, simply fill out our form with your details and submit it. Once we receive it one of our Key Account Managers will then contact you to discuss a quote and schedule an inspection.
Interactive EPC image
Understanding Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) can be challenging. Knowing the key aspects such as EPC ratings, grades, and validity periods is crucial. To help you better understand these terms and their relevance to your commercial property, please refer to our interactive image below for a detailed breakdown.
Where do I find an Existing EPC?
You can find your existing EPCs by visiting the links below. For users in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, please use the link provided. For users in Scotland, please use the separate link. Simply follow the instructions on the respective pages to locate your EPCs.