Hire an EPC assessor

When hiring a local EPC assessor, check that they are accredited to assess your property type:

• Domestic (residential property).
• Non-domestic (commercial property).
• New build.
• Display Energy Certificate (public buildings).

When you find an assessor, check that they're part of an accredited scheme. Energy assessors need to be members of an approved accreditation scheme and qualified for the type of building they are assessing.

EPC fees are not fixed, so it is worth getting multiple quotes from local EPC providers to compare prices.

You can search for an EPC provider near you using MyJobQuote, receive free quotes and select a local provider that suits your requirements. Once you’re happy with your choice and the quote offered, you can arrange your EPC assessment.

You may find that you need other tradespeople or services to assist with your house sale. As well as an EPC provider, you may need to hire local conveyancers to assist with the finalisation of the sale. You may also need to hire a local surveyor to complete surveys on your property.

What Is an EPC?

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) provides information about the energy efficiency of a property. It includes an energy efficiency rating, estimated energy costs and recommendations that could improve the property's energy performance.

An EPC is generally required when a property is built, sold or rented, although some exemptions apply. If an EPC is required, it must be produced by an accredited energy assessor. EPCs are normally valid for 10 years, unless a new certificate is produced during that period.

What Does Getting an EPC Certificate Involve?

An EPC assessor will visit your property and collect information about features that affect its energy performance. This may include the property's construction, insulation, heating system, windows, lighting and hot water system. They may need access to each room and the loft where applicable, and may take photographs and measurements as part of the assessment.

Once the assessment has been completed, the information is entered into approved software to calculate the property's energy rating. The EPC is then lodged on the relevant national register.

Cost of an EPC

The average cost of an EPC is around £60-£100, although there is no fixed price. The amount you pay will depend on the assessor and property, so it is worth comparing several quotes.

How much you end up paying can depend on:

• Size of your property.
• Type of building, such as a flat, house or bungalow.
• Location of your property.

You can arrange an EPC directly with an accredited energy assessor or, in some cases, through an estate agent or letting agent. Compare the price and service offered before booking.

Who Does My EPC?

If you require an EPC, you'll need an accredited energy assessor to carry out the assessment. Assessors must be members of an approved accreditation scheme and hold the relevant qualification for the type of building being assessed.

Depending on the type of property or certificate required, you may need an assessor accredited for:

• Domestic properties.
• Non-domestic properties.
• New-build properties.
• Display Energy Certificates for qualifying public buildings.

You can check an assessor's accreditation before arranging the assessment.

Do I Need an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate is generally required when a property is built, sold or rented. The certificate provides prospective buyers or tenants with information about the property's energy efficiency and potential improvements.

There are some circumstances where an EPC may not be required. Depending on the property and how it is used, exemptions can include certain:

• Listed or protected buildings where meeting energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance.
• Places of worship.
• Temporary buildings intended to be used for two years or less.
• Industrial sites, workshops and some agricultural buildings with low energy demand.
• Detached buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50m².
• Buildings that are due to be demolished, where the relevant conditions are met.

If you are unsure whether your property requires an EPC, check the current government guidance before arranging an assessment.

What Does an EPC Tell Me?

An Energy Performance Certificate gives the property an energy efficiency rating and provides information about its energy performance. It can also include estimated energy costs, carbon emissions and recommendations for improving efficiency.

Domestic EPC ratings range from A to G, with A representing a more energy-efficient property and G representing a less energy-efficient property. The certificate also shows the property's potential rating if recommended improvements are made.

Energy Efficiency

The EPC provides information about the property's current and potential energy performance. This can help buyers, tenants and homeowners understand how the building performs and which improvements could increase its energy efficiency.

Property Features

The EPC assesses features that affect the property's energy performance, which may include:

• Lighting.
• Hot water.
• Main heating.
• Heating controls.
• Secondary heating.
• Windows.
• Floors.
• Roof.
• Walls.

The certificate may also identify renewable or low-carbon technologies installed at the property, such as solar panels.

Recommendations

The EPC includes recommendations that could improve the property's energy efficiency. These can include measures such as insulation, heating upgrades and other energy-saving improvements. The certificate may also provide indicative costs and potential savings.

Assessor Information

The EPC also contains information about the assessment, including the date, assessor details and accreditation scheme. It also provides information about the property's energy performance and potential improvements.

Benefits of an EPC

An EPC can help homeowners, buyers, tenants and landlords understand the energy performance of a property and identify potential improvements.

Financial Benefits

The recommendations included in an EPC can highlight measures that may reduce energy consumption and household running costs. Actual savings will depend on the property, improvements carried out and how energy is used.

Environmental Benefits

An EPC can identify measures that may help reduce a property's energy consumption and carbon emissions. It may also highlight renewable or low-carbon technologies that could be considered.

Property Improvements

The EPC can provide a useful starting point when deciding which energy-efficiency improvements to consider. Recommendations may include insulation, heating controls, lighting upgrades or changes to the heating system, depending on the property.