How to get an EPC certificate
Learn more about the latest EPC regulations.
As climate change becomes an issue of global concern, many are looking for ways to lessen their impact on their environment.
An EPC certificate is a simple way in which one can make living spaces more environmentally conscious, less wasteful, and less expensive.
What is an EPC Certificate?
A domestic certificate and a non-domestic epc register is a way of rating the efficiency of electric systems in buildings across the European Union and the United Kingdom. This is done on a graded scale from A-G, in which A is the most efficient and G is the least efficient.
These certificates are necessary whenever a property is built, sold, or rented. Valid for ten years, the energy performance certificate provides information on the energy use in a given building. It also provides recommendations as to how one may be able to reduce energy usage in the space.
All of this is done to meet the requirements of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), Directive 2002/91/EC. Even though the UK is in the process of leaving the European Union, such standards are currently still in place to ensure greener living standards for all.
While the certificate may sound like a hassle, the reality is that it can help you and your tenants save money and help protect the environment. A more efficient property and some vigilance when using energy, after all, can save one a lot of money when it comes to paying off their monthly bills.
What has changed?
Since 2018, rental properties in the UK are to have an energy performance rating of E or above before they are rented out to tenants. As of 1 April 2020, this rule has been extended to all private rental properties, which means you must ensure the buildings you have already rented out have been accounted for.
If you are a landlord or selling a property, its important to know that either you or your leasing agent must show interested prospective buyers or renters the property in question certificate.
Note that if your property’s efficiency rating falls below an E grade, it is your responsibility if you are a landlord to bring the grade up to at least that level, assuming the costs to improve the building’s efficiency is 3,500 or less. If you would have to spend more than this to make the building in question more efficient, you may apply for an exemption.
What is done during an energy performance assessment?
To get an EPC certificate, you will need an accredited assessor to come to the building in question to do an examination. They will observe items important to determining the efficiency of the building, including but not limited to:
- The cavity wall
- The insulation of the building
- The boiler and water tank
- Radiators
- Windows
After examining the property, the assessor will put relevant data into a software program which will then determine the efficiency of the building and its potential for improvement.
This procedure is done so that the recommendations made in the certificates recommendation report are specific and tailored to the needs of a given building. This way, you can feel assured that following your assessors guidelines will help you or your tenants save money.
How much does an EPC certificate cost?
Expect the certificate to cost around 75-125, depending on the size of the property. Ensure that the person assessing your property is registered under the UK government to be able to conduct the task.
How long is my EPC certificate valid for?
An EPC certificate is valid for ten years in the UK, so note that old certificates, if you have one, may still be valid. You can check for old certificates on the EPC register if you have the certificates report reference number.
Are there exceptions?
While most buildings do need a certificate, there are some important exceptions, such as:
- Places of worship.
- Buildings set to be demolished.
- Temporary buildings (to be in use for two years or less).
- Holiday accommodations and living spaces that will be used four months a year or less.
- Industrial sites and working areas that do not require significant energy usage.
If you are not sure whether your building is exempt, it may be a good idea to discuss the issue with local authorities.
Get a certificate for your property today!
While the process may sound like a hassle, you only have to get an EPC certificate once every ten years. If you take the certificates recommendations seriously, furthermore, this can be an easy way for you to save money, attract new tenants or home-buyers, and reduce your environmental footprint.