If you're a property owner, landlord, or planning to sell or rent a home in the UK, you'll need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). But what exactly is an EPC, why is it important, and how can you easily get one?
At Arnold Inventories, we not only handle property inventories, but we also provide EPC inspections and certificates from as low as £80+VAT, helping you stay compliant with legal requirements. Here’s everything you need to know about EPCs in the UK.
1. What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that assesses the energy efficiency of a property. It provides an energy rating on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and includes recommendations for improving the building’s energy efficiency.
This assessment is based on factors such as insulation, heating systems, lighting, and windows.
An EPC not only gives you a snapshot of your property’s energy performance but also provides insights into potential cost savings and environmental benefits if you choose to implement recommended upgrades.
2. Why Do You Need an EPC?
EPCs are a legal requirement in several scenarios in the UK:
Selling a Property: If you're planning to sell your property, you’ll need to provide an EPC to prospective buyers. It helps buyers understand the energy efficiency of the home they are purchasing.
Renting a Property: Landlords must have a valid EPC in place before renting out their property. Failure to do so can lead to hefty fines. In fact, since April 2020, it’s illegal to rent out properties with an EPC rating below E.
Building Regulations Compliance: New builds, major renovations, or any significant changes to the energy use of a property require an updated EPC.
Environmental Impact: An EPC gives you insight into your property's carbon footprint, offering suggestions on how you can reduce energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions.
3. When Is an EPC Not Required?
In some specific circumstances, an EPC may not be needed. These include:
Buildings listed as historic or those in conservation areas.
Temporary buildings in use for less than two years.
Standalone properties with a total floor area less than 50 square metres.
It's essential to consult with a professional, such as Arnold Inventories, to determine if your property is exempt from requiring an EPC.
4. How Long is an EPC Valid?
Once obtained, an EPC is valid for 10 years.
If you’ve had any major renovations or upgrades that might affect your property’s energy efficiency (e.g., installing double glazing or a new boiler), it’s worth considering getting a new EPC to reflect these improvements.
5. How is an EPC Rating Determined?
An EPC rating is determined by examining several factors of your property:
Insulation: How well-insulated your walls, roof, and floors are.
Windows: The type of glazing on your windows (e.g., single, double, or triple glazing).
Heating Systems: The efficiency of your central heating, boiler, and any renewable energy installations.
Lighting: The energy efficiency of your lighting systems.
The assessment will ultimately result in an energy efficiency rating from A to G. An “A” rating means the property is highly energy efficient, with lower energy bills, while a “G” rating indicates poor energy performance, with higher running costs and energy use.
6. How to Get an EPC in the UK
Getting an EPC is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Find an Accredited EPC Assessor
The first step to obtaining an EPC is to hire an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). Arnold Inventories offers professional EPC inspections from £80+VAT, and our team is certified to carry out EPC assessments for all types of properties in London.
Step 2: Book Your Assessment
Contact Arnold Inventories to book a convenient time for your EPC assessment. Our assessors will schedule a visit to your property to carry out a thorough inspection, usually lasting between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
Step 3: The Property Inspection
On the day of the inspection, the DEA will visit your property to assess various elements that impact energy efficiency, such as:
The type and thickness of insulation in your walls and roof.
The efficiency and age of your heating system and boiler.
The type of windows (single or double glazing).
Energy-efficient lighting and renewable energy systems (e.g., solar panels).
This data is then used to calculate the energy efficiency of your property.
Step 4: Receive Your EPC Certificate
After the inspection, the DEA will generate a report that provides your property’s EPC rating. Alongside the rating, the report includes recommendations for improving energy efficiency, which can help reduce running costs and improve the property’s appeal to prospective buyers or tenants.
Once the report is completed, you will receive your EPC certificate, and the details will be lodged on the national EPC register.
7. How Much Does an EPC Cost?
The cost of an EPC can vary depending on the size and location of your property. At Arnold Inventories, we offer EPC inspections starting from £80+VAT, making it an affordable and hassle-free service for property owners, landlords, and sellers.
Considering the legal necessity and the potential savings an EPC can uncover, this is a small price to pay to ensure compliance and reduce energy costs.
8. What Happens If You Don’t Have an EPC?
Failing to provide an EPC when required can lead to serious consequences. In England and Wales, the penalties for non-compliance can reach up to £5,000.
Furthermore, you may be unable to legally sell or rent your property without one.
For landlords, it’s particularly important to note that renting out a property with an EPC rating lower than E can lead to fines and potential void periods where the property cannot be leased.
9. Tips to Improve Your EPC Rating
If your property scores poorly on the EPC scale, here are a few ways to improve your rating:
Install Loft Insulation: Adequately insulated lofts can significantly improve your energy efficiency.
Upgrade to Double or Triple Glazing: Windows with better insulation can prevent heat loss, boosting your EPC score.
Replace Old Boilers: Installing a modern, energy-efficient boiler can drastically improve your heating system’s performance.
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lighting can also help increase your rating.
Add Renewable Energy Sources: Solar panels or other renewable energy systems can help reduce energy consumption.
10. Why Choose Arnold Inventories for Your EPC?
Arnold Inventories is a trusted name in the London property market, with years of experience helping property owners and landlords meet their legal requirements. We provide:
Accredited EPC Assessors: Our team consists of fully accredited Domestic Energy Assessors who ensure thorough and accurate EPC reports.
Affordable Rates: With EPC inspections starting from £80+VAT, we offer one of the most competitive rates in London.
Fast Turnaround: We provide quick, reliable EPC assessments, so you can focus on selling or renting your property without unnecessary delays.
Additional Property Services: Beyond EPCs, we offer a range of inventory services, making us a one-stop solution for landlords and property managers.
Summary
Getting an EPC is an essential part of owning, selling, or renting property in the UK.
Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also provides invaluable insights into your property’s energy performance, helping you save on energy bills and reduce environmental impact.
At Arnold Inventories, we offer affordable and professional EPC inspections from £80+VAT, ensuring you meet your legal obligations while gaining useful energy-saving recommendations.
Ready to book your EPC assessment? Contact us today, and let Arnold Inventories help you stay compliant and energy-efficient!
Contact Arnold Inventories
Phone: 020 7183 8928
Email: info@arnold.co.uk