Domestic Energy Assessment

About 40% of UK's energy consumption results from domestic uses - due to lighting, heating, air-conditioning and other household uses. The issuance of EPCs will be a concrete step in curtailing this massive consumption. They not only give an estimation of the energy efficiency, EPCs also have necessary information to help improve the energy-efficiency of a home/building.

EPCs provide complete details about Energy Savings Trusts that help house-property- owners with special grants and/or discounts to carry out necessary improvement work.

Lowering of energy consumption will cut down on carbon emissions simultaneously. This way, EPCs not only help save money and energy, but also successfully contribute to the cause of environmental improvement.

Who can produce an EPC?

An EPC must be prepared by an energy assessor who is a member of a Government approved accreditation scheme. These schemes also provide the service to formally lodge an EPC onto the central database.

How Long is an EPC valid for?

An EPC is valid for up to 10 years – unless a refurbishment of the buildings fabric or services has been undertaken in which case a new EPC can be commissioned to provide a more up-to-date EPC for the relevant building.
In the case of EPCs to be included within a Home Information Pack they should be dated no more than 3 years prior to marketing the property.

What if there are separate units within a building?

An EPC for a separate unit within one building may be based on the assessment of a representative unit. If there is a common heating system, the whole building can be certified as one. An EPC can also be commissioned on a part of a building; for example where there may be several floors leased to various tenants and one becomes vacant an EPC can be undertaken on the vacant part of the building in isolation.

Which buildings do not require certification?

The following types of property are all exempt from the process:

  • Lease renewals, lease restructuring (unless the floor is modified or the space refurbished) or surrendering.
  • CPOs – Compulsory Purchase Orders
  • Buildings that are less than 50m2 in size – those that are temporary structures or where evidence can be provided that the building is set for demolition.

The exemption also extends to places of worship and certain buildings with low energy demand, or where energy is not used in conditioning the internal climate in terms of heating, ventilation or cooling.

Recommendations Report

  • Suggested improvements (such as fitting loft insulation)
  • The approximate cost
  • The possible cost savings per year if the improvements are made
  • How this would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property

You can use this information to:

  • Cut your fuel bills
  • Improve energy performance in your home
  • Help cut carbon emissions
  • Help you choose a more energy efficient home to rent or buy

You do not have to act on the recommendations contained in the recommendation report. However, if you decide to do so, then it could make your property more attractive to a tenant or a buyer when you decide to sell.

What Are The Penalties For Not Having An EPC?

Local Trading Standards Officers have the powers to enforce the regulations. Fines for the failure to produce an EPC can range between £500 and £5,000 depending on the properties rateable value and an EPC will still be required.

Burnham Surveying Services offer EPCs from £50.00 to obtain a quotation for your property or to seek further advice please
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