An Energy Performance Certificate shows the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) and an Environmental Impact Rating (EIR) of a property on an A-G scale.

A being the most efficient and G being the least.

It is a legal requirement to have a valid EPC when a property is sold or let. There are some minimum energy efficiency standards in place for to letting properties and landlords must have a minimum energy efficiency rating of E.

An EPC is valid for 10 years from its assessment date, however, if you make improvements to your property, there may be benefits in renewing your EPC prior to the expiry date.

The rating is calculated following a non-invasive assessment of the property by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).

 This is typically based on:

·         Property age and type 

·         Wall type

·         Lighting 

·         Main and secondary heating

·         Windows 

·         Roof 

·         Hot water

·         Floor type

For properties in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can find a copy of your EPC on the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) Energy Performance of Buildings Central Register

Find an EPC in England, Wales or Northern Ireland:

 https://find-energy-certificate.digital.communities.gov.uk

An EPC is split into 6 main sections:

1. The energy efficiency rating for the property

 This section shows the current and potential energy rating of the property rated A-G.

2. A breakdown of the property’s energy performance

 This section shows the energy performance for the different features of the property, such as lighting and windows. They are assessed as either: n

·         very good (most efficient)

·         good 

·         average 

·         poor 

·         very poor (least efficient)

3. The environmental impact of the property

 This section shows how much CO2 the property produces per year as well as the average household and the property’s potential CO2 emissions.

4. How to improve the property’s energy performance

This section provides recommendations on how to increase the property’s energy efficiency. This includes recommended energy saving measures, typical installation cost, typical yearly saving and potential rating after carrying out the recommendation.

5. Estimated energy use and potential savings

View the estimated yearly energy cost for the property compared with the potential saving if all the recommendations were installed. Also included is a section on heating use in the property, covering estimated energy used to heat the property and the potential energy savings by installing insulation.

6. Contacting the assessor and accreditation scheme

 The details of the Energy Assessor who produced the EPC and their accreditation body are displayed on the EPC should you wish to contact them.

An EPC can only be produced by a qualified Energy Assessor who is a member of a recognised accreditation scheme. Here at Northamptonshire EPC, I am accredited by Elmhurst Energy as certified domestic energy assessor, to conduct EPCs on domestic properties. I do not carry out assessments on commercial properties at this time.