An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC for short, is a report detailing the energy efficiency of a property. It gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years.
An EPC also contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs, as well as recommendations on how to reduce energy use and reduce costs.Sellers and landlords are required to hold a valid EPC for a property before they sell or let it. In Scotland, you are also required to display the EPC somewhere in the property. It is also a requirement that estate agents and letting agents display the EPC when marketing the property.
If a property does not have an EPC when marketed the seller or landlord and the agent risks a fine.
How to get an EPC
An EPC is provided by a Domestic Energy Assessor, and you should be sure that they are an accredited provider.
The assessor will visit your property and inspect key items such as loft insulation, domestic boilers, hot water tanks, radiators and windows.
In Scotland
Most homes in Scotland require a Home Report when marketed for sale, and an EPC is included in this Home Report. However, even if the property is exempt from a Home Report, an EPC is still required.