EPC certificates: What are they and how do you get one?

Heard the term ‘EPC’ in your home-buying or renting process, but not quite sure what it means? This little abbreviation packs a lot of possibilities, from lower energy bills, to more buyer interest in your home when it comes to selling.

Whether you’re renting, buying or selling a home, a good – or bad – EPC rating for energy efficiency can have a big impact on the pennies in your pocket. Our guide explains all you need to know about property EPC certificates and answers the most frequently asked questions.

What is an EPC rating?

‘EPC’ stands for ‘energy performance certificate’, and it tells you how energy efficient a property is. The EPC rating is a result found on the certificate, which indicates where on a scale your home is in terms of energy performance.

What is an EPC certificate?

An EPC certificate is simply the document showing your property’s EPC rating, and therefore the level of energy efficiency within your home. These range from A to G, with A being the most efficient level, and G being the least. It’s worth noting that 99% of all Bellway new build homes hold an EPC rating of B or above – that’s in comparison to just 5% of second-hand homes!

The certificate also shows an estimation of the cost you can expect to pay for energy in the home, as well as recommendations to improve your EPC rating, such as home renovations and upgrades.

Why is an EPC certificate important?

It’s a legal requirement to have an EPC certificate when selling or renting out a property to tenants, so it’s very important!

Because an EPC certificate shows you how energy efficient a property is, it gives you a good indication of how expensive the energy bills will be, and how easily the home will retain warmth in the colder months.

What’s more, a good EPC rating can boost the value of your home when it comes to selling; a higher rating could mean less work for the new owners when making the home more energy efficient.

If your property, or a property you are interested in has a lower EPC rating, the property value may decrease. This is because the property has been deemed less energy efficient and will need more investment to improve its EPC rating.

How to get an EPC certificate

Getting an energy-efficiency certificate is easy. Simply go online to the official government website to find an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor, who will be qualified in assessing the home. The total cost of the assessment varies, but you can expect to pay anywhere between £60 and £120. Once you’ve got in touch, an assessment will be scheduled.

During the assessment, an assessor will look around the home to determine how energy efficient it is. The property’s age is also taken into consideration and a floorplan will be mapped out. A score is then calculated using a process called the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). The assessment usually takes around one hour, depending on the size of the property, and doesn’t require any heavy furniture to be moved – in other words, everything will be exactly as it was left!

Once this has been done, the results can take a few days to come through to you. The certificate is valid for 10 years and will be stored securely on the Energy Performance Certificate Register. Of course, if you’re selling your property and have had any work done to it that could improve the EPC rating during that time, it is a good idea to get another rating before putting your house on the market.

Understanding the EPC assessment

The findings from the assessment will directly impact the EPC rating. During the property visit, the assessor will pay particular attention to the heating systems, walls, insulation, lightbulbs, windows and doors, as well as any renewable energy sources like solar panels.

You can look at recommended ways to improve your EPC rating prior to the assessment to help prepare and get a better result. For example, swapping out bulbs with energy efficient lighting, updating heating controls, or fitting an insulating jacket to your hot water cylinder. Make sure to keep hold of any paperwork showing what you’ve done, as proof.

Improving your EPC rating

There are many things you can do on a grander scale to improve your home’s energy efficiency, all of which effectively reduce energy costs in the long term – although they may require a little more investment to begin with.

Improve how well your home retains heat with upgraded insulation (particularly to the loft), or renew your heating systems for maximum efficiency. To keep the heat in, make sure to install energy-efficient, double glazed windows and doors. Furthermore, they need to be well made so that heat doesn’t escape through any cracks or gaps.

Adding in renewable energy sources, like solar panels, can also greatly improve your EPC rating. A clean form of energy, renewable energy does not rely on the grid and so reduces costs, while also being highly efficient at running your home.

There are even government energy grants available, both nationally and locally, to eligible people which help with the cost of improving your EPC rating.

However, if you choose to buy a new build home, your home will be inherently energy efficient, and save you money from the day you move in. All new Bellway homes come with energy-saving features built in; from the cutting-edge building techniques and high-quality materials used in their construction, to heat-retaining insulation and double glazing, our homes could save you up to 65% on your energy bills! Selected developments and homes even benefit from future-focused technology, such as solar panels and smart heating thermostats, to help you gain even more control over your energy bills.

Frequently asked questions

How long is an EPC certificate valid for?

The EPC certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of issue, following an EPC assessment.

Can I sell or rent my property without an EPC?

No, it is a legal requirement to have an EPC certificate for your property in the UK. Ask your estate agent if you need help with obtaining one. If you don’t have a valid energy certificate, you may be fined.

Are there exceptions to the EPC requirement?

There can be exceptions to the EPC requirement, including listed buildings and residential properties used for less than 4 months of the year. In these cases, evidence of exception needs to be submitted to the National Private Rented Sector Exemptions Register. If you are unsure, ask your estate agent or get in touch with your local authority.

How often should I renew my EPC certificate?

You need to renew EPC certificates at least every 10 years. However, if you have had work done to the property during that time which could increase your rating – for example installing solar panels or new double glazing – you can have an assessment carried out sooner to update your certificate.

What should I do if my property has a low EPC rating?

If your property has a low EPC rating, don’t worry – there are ways to improve the energy-efficiency rating of your home, ranging from cost-effective quick fixes to investing in longer-term solutions.

Affordable solutions include changing your lightbulbs to ones which are more energy efficient, like LEDs, and adding an insulating jacket to your hot water cylinder. It’s also a good idea to update your heating controls, particularly to smart heating, so that you can time it to fit your household schedule or prevent heating an empty home. Longer-term solutions include upgrading your insulation, replacing your boiler, and installing solar panels.

Ready to find your dream energy-efficient home? Visit the Bellway website to explore our contemporary new build homes, from elegant apartments to family homes that are ready for the future. Or, learn about the benefits of a new build home and understand the home-buying journey, plus we explain more confusing property jargon that you’re likely to encounter along the process.