What is an EPC?
An EPC, or Energy Performance Certificate, is legally required to be in place to sell your home. The EPC must be made available to all potential buyers and your confirmed energy rating must be clearly marked on all advertisements. What is an EPC? and what information does it show you?
When you buy a new washing machine or fridge you may remember the brightly coloured sticker on the appliance advising you of it’s energy rating with ‘A’ being the the best and most efficient, and ‘G’ being the least and most inefficient. Well an EPC does exactly the same, they show how energy efficient your home is.
What is an EPC?
An EPC give you information confirming how energy efficient your home is and how much it’s energy use is likely to cost you. Importantly, it also suggests ways you could increase your energy efficiency which can save you money.
What information is in my EPC?
Across the report you will find various pieces o very helpful information including the following:
- Property type, address and calculated SQM
- An estimate of your current energy costs to include heating, lighting and hot water costs. Plus an estimate of the potential lower energy costs. All over a 3 year period.
- Your current energy rating. Alongside this is your potential improved energy rating if you decide to complete all recommended improvements.
- A breakdown of how energy efficient certain areas of your home are. i.e the roof, the heating, insulation. It’s a great place to clearly see what areas you need to improve and also very handy to compare different properties and their EPC performance.
- Recommendations. They do outline recommendations to improve your properties energy rating and therefore save you money.
What do they check?
When the assessor visits your property they will inspect a number of areas to determine the energy rating of your home. This includes:
- The size of the property
- Construction type
- Lighting and light bulbs throughout the home
- Your heating system, age and how it is controlled
- Ventilation throughout the home
- What and how much insulation there is
Who completes an EPC?
Most RCIS surveyors will be fully accredited EPC assessors and can complete one for you. You can search RICS surveyors here.
Equally, there are independent companies focused on offering EPC’s who are fully qualified and accredited assessors. You can search for accredited assessors in Scotland here.
How much do they cost?
An individual Energy Performance Certificate will cost you around £150 + vat. It depends on how big the property is and it would be best to request a quote from a surveyor.
If you are needing an EPC to sell your property, it will form part of the home report. You do not pay extra, it is included in the home report cost.
You may also find the following really helpful:
How to improve your EPC rating
Top tips for selling your home with pets