Existing landlords and current or potential owners are legally required to have an energy performance certificate (EPC) in place before they buy, sell or rent out a property – but what actually are performance certificates, and why are they important?
We've been in this business long enough to know that the answer isn't straightforward – certainly not to a layperson. Similarly, we know that questions about the purpose of energy performance certificates are only the start.
How much do EPCs cost? How long does it take to get an energy performance certificate? How do you know when an EPC is valid? This blog answers all those questions and more so, if you’re looking for answers, read on!
Put simply, the energy performance certificates we provide measure the energy efficiency of a building. Usually, they are provided for buildings that are up for sale or rent – giving the potential buyers or tenants an idea of what the future energy costs and running costs of the property will be.
Indeed, these types of certificates are more common than you may think. When you buy yourself a new washing machine or tumble dryer, you will see a sticker on with bars of different colours. The bars normally go from red to green and tell you how energy efficient your new appliance is.
There are two key ideas behind these stickers. Firstly, they hold manufacturers to account – encouraging them to consider the environmental impact of the white goods they sell and ensuring they put efficiency improvements in place as they develop their range.
Secondly, they give consumers a clear idea of what the potential running costs of the appliance might be, in comparison with a different alternative, which may offer potential savings when it comes to those all-important energy bills.
These two principles apply to our energy performance certificates, too. The key difference is that rather than talking about washing machines and fridge freezers, we’re talking about houses and flats.
When you are given an energy performance certificate you get a certificate and an associated report.
On the certificate will be a rating from A to G. As you may expect, A is the most efficient, whilst G is the least efficient. These ratings are based on a full inspection and a range of factors, but ultimately come down to how energy efficient your property is, or isn’t as might be the case.
Within the associated report will then be more detail around how the assessor has come to their conclusion, and any recommended measures as to how you can improve the building’s energy efficiency rating.
Usefully, an energy performance certificate will also give you the estimated running costs for the property. Given everyone is looking to save money right now, especially in rented properties, this is hugely useful!
We’ve already explained the purpose of the energy performance stickers you see on tumble dryers and washing machines. Ultimately, the purpose of EPCs that are placed on properties is very similar.
First and foremost, the purpose of an EPC is to show the energy efficiency of a building in a clear, transparent and universal way. This means that potential buyers and tenants can see exactly how energy efficient the building is, in turn getting an idea of the property's energy use and potential costs of living there.
Secondly, these certificates help motivate landlords and building owners to make efficiency improvements to the buildings they own, ultimately reducing energy use and lessening the environmental impact of their properties.
This is because tenants are more likely to rent properties that promise lower energy costs and put more cash into their pockets. Similarly, potential buyers are more likely to put in an offer on a house or flat that has a good energy rating, as it will give them more return on investment in the long run.
Beyond this, EPCs also serve a legal purpose. They are legally required on properties in England and Wales that are set to be sold or rented out. Landlords should also have a new energy performance certificate check carried out each time they re-rent out their property.
Failure to provide an EPC that is valid may lead to landlords and building owners being hit with fines of up to and around the £5,000 mark.
Our accredited domestic energy assessors will come out to your property and conduct a visual inspection. They will look at every part of your property, with a specific focus on the insulation, heating, lighting, ventilation and construction.
They will take photographs, run a measured survey and look at things such as lighting and windows in detail. When looking at lighting, they will look at how energy efficient your bulbs are. Meanwhile, when it comes to windows, they'll look at whether you've got single or double glazing.
Your property will be given a rating between A and G, as we’ve already established. With this in mind, you cannot fail an EPC, so to speak. Certainly not if you are selling a property.
However, since April 2018 you are legally required to have at least an E rating on your property if you are renting it out to a tenant. As of 2025, the requirement is for it to be at least a C rating.
Energy performance certificate checks are carried out by qualified and accredited domestic energy assessors. We have a friendly, experienced team of assessors who will be able to provide your EPC check. And, best of all, we think our costs will come in around 50 percent cheaper than that of other suppliers that you may be recommended.
Energy performance certificates, when issued, are valid for 10 years.
There are various ways you can improve your EPC rating.
The simplest, tried and tested methods include switching out old fluorescent tubes and halogen bulbs for more efficient lighting options, such as LED lights, and ensuring your house is properly insulated so you can keep the heat in, and the cold out!
Having your boiler regularly serviced will help, too. As will replacing it when it goes past its best before date. Old boilers can be very inefficient and expensive when it comes to energy use.
There are lots of reasons we think you should choose us for your energy performance certificate needs. But one thing stands out above everything else - our experience.
We have been in this industry for over 10 years now and know our way around EPCs more than any other company out there. Our team are dedicated, passionate about their work and, importantly, fully qualified. We truly believe we are the best in the business, and want to give you a first-rate service.
Here are three more reasons why we think you should choose us for your EPC needs:
For several years, we have been one of the leading providers of energy performance certificates in the United Kingdom, and we're really proud of it. We have experience in a wide range of areas and can help with all your energy certificate needs.
We want to help you and we promise you won’t be disappointed. You can get an instant quote by clicking here. Give us a call on 0203 397 8220 for more information or email us at hello@energyperformancecertificates.co.uk.
