What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

When selling (from Jan 09) or letting (from Oct 08) your property, you are required by law to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This is the official energy rating for a property and involves checking and rating the walls, roof, windows, heating systems, lighting and insulation.

The property is then given two ratings as illustrated in the graphs below. The rating awarded is unique to your property and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will include recommendations on how to improve energy loss and increase energy performance. The EPC has a lifespan of ten years.


Please click on the graphs to see a larger version.

The report and EPC are for your information and guidance. There is no obligation to implement any of the recommended improvements.

Why do I need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Prior to putting your home on the market, you will need a Home Information Pack (HIP), which we can also organise for you. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is one element of the HIP. We will email your EPC report directly to you and your estate agent. Each report has a Government generated certificate number and are covered by our public liability insurance. If you require paper copies, these are available at £2.50 each.

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EPC's for Rental Properties
EPCs have been introduced to the rental sector (a HIP is not needed to rent a property). All new tenancies from 1st October 2008 require an EPC.

There are grants available to landlords to help with energy efficiency measures. The Government makes the energy industry pay £1.5 Billion per year in to help make homes more energy efficient. At present some of these grants in Lancashire/Manchester/Merseyside include new boilers, wall insulation and loft insulation. Please contact us if you would like access to these free energy improvement measures.

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How much will it cost to get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
The team at North West Energy Performance Certificates (North West EPC) pride themselves on providing clients with the best value and most efficient service. Please click here to see our rates and the areas in the North West that we cover. For a specific quote, please contact us.

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How long does the survey take?
We will be happy to arrange an appointment that is convenient to you. On average, it takes between one and two hours to complete the survey - this does, however, depend on the size and age of the property. Please contact us with details of your property and one of our assessors will respond to you as soon as possible.

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How to Improve Your Rating
There are a number of measures that you can take to improve the Energy Performance Certificate rating of your property.

These include:

Lighting
Fitting energy saving lightbulbs is a quick win. They can frequently be found on special offer, they last significantly longer than conventional bulbs and the energy saving is considerable.

Insulate the Loft
In an uninsulated home, a quarter of the heat is lost through the roof. Installing new loft insulation in most properties is an easy DIY job. See the Energy Saving Trust website for more details.

Wall Insulation
Cavity wall insulation is usually a relatively straightforward and inexpensive procedure to conserve energy.

Hot Water Cylinder
If you have a hot water tank, fit a hot water tank jacket.

Central Heating Boiler
If your boiler is over 15 years old, it’s probably around 75%, or less, efficient and you might think about replacing it. Modern condensing boilers are over 90% efficient. A Combi boiler which heats the hot water as it is used will save even more energy.

Central Heating Controls
The controls should include a programmer, a wall mounted thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves. If there is a hot water cylinder this should have a thermostat set at no more than 60°C in order not to be wasteful.

Double Glazing
Double glazing reduces heat through the glass and also reduces draughts and improves sound-proofing.

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